The spotlight intensifies on Federal Aviation Administration Chief Bryan Bedford as Senator Maria Cantwell, the leading Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee, urges the Department of Transportation’s inspector general to investigate potential ethics violations in his delayed stock divestiture. Bedford, a former executive at Republic Airways, failed to sell off his shares within the agreed 90-day period following his FAA appointment, raising questions about possible financial gains from subsequent airline mergers.

Bedford had committed to divesting his holdings in the parent company of Republic Airways by early October last year, as stipulated in his ethics agreement when he joined the Trump administration. However, documents reveal that he did not meet this deadline, instead selling millions in stock later on. This delay coincided with Republic Airways Holdings' merger with Mesa Air Group, possibly inflating the value of Bedford's stock.

In a letter to acting DOT inspector general Mitch Behm, Cantwell, along with Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.), expressed concerns that Bedford might have “profited from deliberately violating his ethics agreement.” They pointed to Bedford’s shifting explanations and requested a thorough investigation into whether he made misleading statements to Congress or the Office of Government Ethics.

The senators are also pushing for an examination into whether Bedford should forfeit any excessive capital gains obtained through his delayed divestiture. Bedford, who had significant influence over the regional airline industry, was expected to divest to avoid any conflict of interest as FAA administrator.

Despite the controversy, Bedford maintained in a December congressional testimony that he had adhered to guidance from career ethics officials, asserting his transparency and compliance throughout the process. The FAA has stated it will respond directly to the lawmakers, and Republic Airways Holdings has yet to comment.

The inspector general’s office confirmed receipt of the inquiry from the senators but has not provided further details at this stage. As investigations loom, this incident highlights ongoing concerns over ethical compliance and transparency within high government offices.