On July 31, the Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee unanimously approved Michael Huerta’s nomination to be Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) administrator. The full Senate must now give its consent.

Huerta has been acting administrator of the agency since late last year after former FAA chief Randy Babbitt resigned. Prior to leading the FAA, Huerta served as deputy to Babbitt.

While there is currently no public opposition to Huerta’s nomination, Republicans are unlikely to allow his confirmation prior to the November election. The position is a five-year term and GOP senators would prefer to wait for the outcome of the presidential election before confirming an FAA chief that would be able to serve through the first four years of a possible Romney administration.

~~~ posted 7/31/12 ~~~

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