Senators Sue Over FAA Administrator’s Republic Airline Shareholding Noncompliance

Three Democratic U.S. senators, including Maria Cantwell, Tammy Duckworth, and Ed Markey, requested on February 5, 2026, confirmation from the U.S. Department of Transportation whether FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford has sold his shares in Republic Airways and if he will be required to divest any gains by the Oct. 7, 2025, divestment deadline. In December 2025, Bedford stated he had not sold his stake but would recuse himself from Republic-related matters while attempting to sell his holdings. Cantwell alleged Bedford violated his ethics agreement after agreeing to divest by Oct. 7, 2025. The senators asked DOT to take disciplinary or corrective actions, warning that leniency would undermine accountability for senior officials.