https://coloradosun.com/2023/03/01/colorado-phil-washington-faa-hearing/

“He does not have any experience in aviation safety,” said Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas. “This quite simply is a position he is not qualified for.”

Cruz discounted Washington’s job running the Denver airport, telling the nominee, “You are in charge of coffee shops, clothing stores and newsstands,” but not pilots, aircraft mechanics or air traffic controllers.

Other Republicans peppered Washington by reading detailed questions about aviation — such as the number of special-use airspace types, and what causes a plane to stall — which he was mostly unable to answer.

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer vowed “to break this logjam” and clear the way for Washington’s confirmation. [Schumer vowing to push through the diversity nomination tells you all you need to know.]