President Joe Biden’s nominations for important positions are often controversial. GOP lawmakers usually have a lot of questions when Biden taps someone to occupy a powerful spot in D.C.
For example, Biden picked Phil Washington to lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). But that selection isn’t going over well, mostly because of multiple charges and accusations.
Now, one Republican leader demands answers.
Phil Washington was having trouble landing the spot even before these latest accusations: he was nominated last year but couldn’t advance, as the GOP claimed he didn’t have enough experience.
Then came reports that he was involved in corruption allegations at LA Metro, which is another major sticking point for critics.
That’s where Lone Star State Republican Ted Cruz comes in — he’s demanding a thorough investigation into Biden’s nominee before the hearing occurs.
From Fox News:
Sen. Ted Cruz on Monday called on the Senate to slow down consideration of President Biden’s nominee to lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in light of new information that the candidate has been accused of discriminatory and retaliatory practices as CEO of Denver International Airport (DIA).
‘Mr. Washington’s hearing needs to be delayed until the Committee has time to investigate new concerns about his nomination,’ Cruz said.
When Washington was CEO at LA Metro, the company came under fire for giving a big contract to a sexual harassment hotline. As it turns out, the hotline cost over $8,000 per call it received.
This money allegedly ended up in the pocket of a “close friend of an LA Metro board member.”
Washington has denied any involvement, but Sen. Cruz said this needs to be cleared up before any hearing can take place. He also pointed out possible discriminatory practices at DIA:
Last week, we discovered he failed to disclose to the committee that he’s been named in a new lawsuit alleging discriminatory and retaliatory practices at Denver’s airport.
He also failed to provide to the Committee more than 18 hours of speeches and remarks as well as details concerning additional lawsuits involving him, all of which staff now must review.
Washington was recently named in a federal lawsuit, leveled by the former DIA parking director. He accused the city of Denver for “intolerable working conditions and ongoing threats to his job.”
Cruz isn’t about to let all this slide before they vote on Washington’s appointment to the lofty spot of FAA boss.
He’s taking immediate action — he sent letters to the LA Metro and Denver International Airport, demanding to see all communications related to the incidents in which Washington was supposedly involved.
This is so everyone can “fully evaluate his nomination to serve as a senior leader in the federal government.”
Republicans aren’t usually big fans of President Biden’s picks, as you might expect. But when those nominees have serious ongoing legal issues, they’re right to ask questions.
Other accusations of connections to the CCP frequently surround Biden’s picks, which is another very hot topic right now.
Key Takeaways:
- Sen. Ted Cruz demands an investigation into one of Biden’s biggest nominations.
- Biden tapped Phil Washington to lead the FAA, but there are numerous legal issues and other accusations surrounding Washington.
- Cruz says Senators must have all the information on these incidents so they can “fully evaluate his nomination.”
Source: Fox News
