A group of Democrat lawmakers is questioning the Federal Aviation Administration's decision to allow Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency to contribute to modernizing the nation's aviation system, The Hill reported.
On Monday, a group of Democrat lawmakers wrote to FAA acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau to express concern about recent discussions between Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Musk regarding DOGE's participation in upgrading air traffic control.
They cited posts on X from Musk and from Duffy.
"With the support of President @realDonaldTrump, the @DOGE team will aim to make rapid safety upgrades to the air traffic control system. Just a few days ago, the FAA's primary aircraft safety notification system failed for several hours!" Musk posted.
"Big News – Talked to the DOGE team. They are going to plug in to help upgrade our aviation system," Duffy posted.
In their letter, the Democrat lawmakers expressed concerns about the involvement of an outside group with limited aviation expertise.
"We are extremely concerned that an ad hoc team of individuals lacking any expertise, exposure, certifications, or knowledge of aviation operations is being invited, or inserting themselves, to make 'rapid' changes to our nation's air traffic systems," the lawmakers wrote.
"This is the wrong course of action to take."
The letter was signed by Democrat Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine of Virginia, and Angela Alsobrooks and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland; Democrat Reps. Don Beyer, Gerry Connolly, and Suhas Subramanyam of Virginia and Jamie Raskin of Maryland; and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton of Washington, D.C.
All signatories represent states close to Washington, D.C.
The Washington region has seen heightened concerns over aviation safety following a fatal midair collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines plane near Reagan Washington National Airport.
Lawmakers referenced the crash in their letter, stressing the importance of maintaining rigorous oversight of aviation "protocols."
The letter also included questions about the FAA's current level of "engagement" with DOGE and any future discussions or plans involving the group.
The lawmakers said certified professionals with established aviation expertise must handle any changes to air traffic control systems.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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