Business aviation leaders welcomed the return of David Pekoske as administrator of the Transportation Security Administration. The U.S. Senate voted 77-18 on Thursday to reconfirm Pekoske to the post.
Pekoske first became TSA administrator in August 2017 and had subsequently served as two stints as the senior official performing the duties of deputy secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from April to November 2019, as well as acting DHS secretary for a brief transition period when the Biden Administration took over in early 2021. Before joining TSA, he had provided counterterrorism, security, and intelligence support services for various government agencies, and also was a vice commandant for the U.S. Coast Guard.
Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) urged support for the nomination before the vote. “Security demands for the agency are returning, and every day are continuing to grow,” she said. “We know that we need to have continued experienced leadership, and Admiral Pekoske is well qualified for this position. He will continue to make transportation security and its modernization the nation's number-one priority as it relates to this sector.”
Industry leaders similarly endorsed the confirmation. “Administrator Pekoske’s re-nomination to a second five-year term and bipartisan support for his confirmation is a testament to his devotion to public service and recognized powerful leadership,” said General Aviation Manufacturers Association president and CEO Pete Bunce.
National Air Transportation Association president and CEO Curt Castagna noted the positive relationship the industry had with Pekoske as TSA administrator and said he “has expertly balanced the need to support existing security initiatives with the development of insightful new strategies to counter emerging threats in an increasingly dynamic environment, all while fostering a culture of collaboration with industry stakeholders. He has proven to be a forward-looking leader in transportation security, and we are pleased to be part of this government-industry partnership.”