Biden’s Pick to Lead FAA Withdraws

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — President Joe Biden’s choice to run the Federal Aviation Administration has withdrawn his nomination. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg confirmed the withdrawal of Denver International Airport CEO Phillip Washington in a tweet Saturday night. The setback for the administration comes after Washington appeared to lack enough support in the closely divided Senate. Republicans were united in opposition to Washington, calling him unqualified because of limited aviation experience. Democrats and allied independents still might have pushed the nomination through, but key senators on their side balked at supporting Biden’s pick. Buttigieg called Washington “an excellent nominee” and blamed undeserved and partisan attacks.