Senate Confirms Michael Huerta as FAA Administrator

Following the withdrawal of a “hold” by Sen. Jim DeMint last month, the Senate voted on Tuesday to confirm Michael Huerta to a five-year term as FAA Administrator. Huerta has been serving as acting FAA Administrator since Randy Babbitt resigned from the post after a drunken-driving arrest in December 2011 in Fairfax, Va.

The aviation industry unanimously applauded the confirmation.

Although Huerta’s nomination was approved by the Senate Commerce Committee in July, DeMint (R-S.C.) blocked a final floor vote because he contended that the action should be postponed until after the Presidential election was decided.

Huerta came to the FAA in 2010 after a lengthy career in transportation. He was appointed acting FAA Administrator by President Obama in December 2011. The charge against Babbitt was ultimately dropped several months after a preliminary court hearing.