Cole Remarks at Oversight Hearing on Federal Aviation Administration

Thank you, Chairman Womack, and thank you, Ranking Member Clyburn. Welcome, Administrator Bedford. We appreciate you being here and are grateful for your continued leadership at the FAA. Whether at the gate, on the flight deck, in the skies above, or just landed – your mission is clear: safety, security, and efficiency. Congress is here to reinforce those key pillars and provide the investment and oversight necessary to ensure the FAA has the resources, workforce, and capabilities to carry them out.

When we discuss safeguarding our national airspace, supporting U.S. aviation manufacturing, overseeing drones, and advancing emerging technologies, I am proud to say this subcommittee does more than just talk about these priorities. We fund them. We oversee them. And we work to ensure America continues to lead the world in aviation.

Earlier this summer, the House Appropriations Committee completed its work on the Fiscal Year 2027 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. The strong measure, led by Subcommittee Chairman Womack, makes critical investments in the infrastructure, workforce, and innovation that keep Americans and our aviation system moving. I was proud to support its advancement, and the work done to ensure all 12 of our FY27 appropriations measures were reported out. 

Unfortunately, we are still waiting on the Senate to move their bills so we can get to conference and finish the job. The men and women who depend on a safe, modern aviation system should not be delayed because of partisan delay on the other side of the Rotunda. 

Administrator Bedford, I don’t need to tell you how important aviation is to Oklahoma. We are home to Tinker Air Force Base, Vance Air Force Base, and Altus Air Force Base,

 anchoring military aviation in our state. Notably, Tinker Airforce Base in Oklahoma City is home to the largest military depot in the world – and just down the road in Tulsa, the American Airlines base maintenance facility represents the largest civil air depot in America. The presence and footprint of these major installations reinforces our strong commercial aviation presence and thriving general aviation community. And we’re increasingly a hub for the innovations that will define the next generation of flight – including unmanned aircraft systems. 

I was glad to see FAA and DOT break ground on the Vertical Take-Off and Landing Range this summer at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City. This dedicated vertiport will let FAA and industry partners test and develop procedures for advanced air mobility aircraft. 

I also want to recognize FAA’s continued partnership with the Choctaw Nation. Their work under FAA’s unmanned aircraft systems pilot programs has made Oklahoma a national leader in safely integrating drones into our airspace. I believe Oklahoma is well positioned to help lead on advanced air mobility as that industry matures.

As this Committee continues to push for full-year funding for the FAA, and the rest of the Department of Transportation, safety remains our number one priority. Every decision we make on this bill is measured against that standard. I look forward to your testimony today. And I look forward to working with you and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get a final bill across the finish line. Thank you, Chairman Womack. I yield back.