As the federal government reopens, I remain deeply concerned about the Trump Administration's decision to mandate a sudden 10 percent reduction in flight operations at 40 major airports. While we all agree that aviation safety must be the top priority, the administration has yet to provide the necessary data or transparency to justify such an unprecedented move.

That is why I led 26 of my colleagues on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in demanding answers from the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration. We are seeking:

• Clear information about the safety trends the FAA says it identified
• What specific risks exist at each airport affected
• How the administration coordinated with airlines and labor unions, and
• What criteria will guide the return to normal operations.

The administration's lack of coordination with key aviation stakeholders raises real questions about whether this mandate was driven by genuine safety concerns or by political motives during the government shutdown. My Senate colleagues, including Senators Murray and Schumer, have echoed concerns about the FAA's transparency and the way this decision was communicated to the public.

Although the shutdown has ended and the FAA has paused the full 10 percent cut, airlines are still facing a 6 percent reduction at major hubs like Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. As the FAA evaluates next steps, Congress needs a full briefing to ensure this process is data-driven, transparent, and collaborative.

We all share the goal of maintaining the safest aviation system in the world. But any actions taken must be based on clear evidence and open communication, not abrupt directives issued without accountability.

More soon,

Rick