Chairman Womack Questions FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford at Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C.—September 15, 2026… Today, House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Steve Womack (AR-3) led a public hearing on the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Fiscal Year 2027 budget request with Administrator Bryan Bedford serving as witness. Chairman Womack delivered the following remarks during the hearing “Our eye is on a common goal that benefits not just the traveling public, but the economy as a whole. If we all row in the same direction, we will build a truly modern, efficient, world-class system. […] I am pleased that our FY27 bill continues to provide the FAA with resources to modernize the system. The facilities and equipment funding in our bill, coupled with the reconciliation dollars, is giving the agency a strong downpayment to make our aviation system the gold standard of the world. […] This is a big undertaking, but I am confident that with good faith and hard work on both sides, we will get this right for the American people.” House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (OK-4) delivered the following remarks during the hearing, “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.” Chairman Womack’s full remarks as prepared are available HERE . A video of Chairman Womack’s opening remarks is available HERE . A video of Chairman Womack’s questions for Administrator Bedford can be found HERE . A full recording of the hearing is available HERE . Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. womack.house.gov ###