Three Senate Democrats have called on a federal watchdog to investigate whether Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Bryan Bedford violated his ethics agreement by profiting from a stock divestiture, according to reporting by The Hill.
Senators Maria Cantwell of Washington, Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, and Ed Markey of Massachusetts sent a letter to Department of Transportation Deputy Inspector General Mitch Behm requesting a formal inquiry into the matter.
The senators accused Bedford of making profits that ran contrary to the terms of his ethics agreement, though the specific details of the alleged violations have not been fully disclosed in public filings. The lawmakers cited what they described as evidence of improper financial conduct connected to the divestment process required of federal officials upon taking their posts.
Ethics rules for federal appointees
Senior federal officials, including agency heads, are typically required to divest financial holdings that could present conflicts of interest with their official duties. These divestiture agreements are legally binding and govern how and when officials must sell such assets, including restrictions on profiting from the timing or manner of those sales.
The FAA oversees the safety and regulation of civil aviation in the United States, a role that places its administrator in contact with a broad range of aviation-related industries and companies. Any financial ties to regulated entities could raise questions about impartiality.
Democratic push for accountability
The move by Cantwell, Duckworth, and Markey reflects continued Democratic scrutiny of Trump administration appointees and their adherence to government ethics standards. The senators have directed their request to the inspector general's office, an independent body tasked with investigating waste, fraud, and misconduct within the Department of Transportation.
The office of the Deputy Inspector General has not publicly confirmed whether it will open a formal investigation in response to the request.
Bedford was confirmed as FAA administrator and has overseen the agency during a period of heightened scrutiny following several high-profile aviation safety incidents. His office had not issued a public response to the senators' allegations at the time of reporting.
The Hill first reported on the senators' letter and their call for an inspector general review.
