Cruz wants FAA confirmation hearing delayed to learn more on discrimination allegations on nominee

Sen. Ted Cruz on Monday called for the Senate to delay a confirmation hearing for President Biden's nominee to lead the Federal Aviation Administration so Congress can investigate new claims after a lawsuit was filed against the candidate for alleged discrimination.

Phil Washington, the Denver International Airport CEO who would if confirmed become the first black permanent FAA administrator, was scheduled to appear Wednesday at a Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee confirmation hearing.

"Mr. Washington’s hearing needs to be delayed until the committee has time to investigate new concerns about his nomination," said Cruz, the top Republican on the committee, according to Fox News. 

"Last week, we discovered he failed to disclose to the committee that he’s been named in a new lawsuit alleging discriminatory and retaliatory practices at Denver’s airport," Cruz also said. "He also failed to provide to the committee more than 18 hours of speeches and remarks as well as details concerning additional lawsuits involving him, all of which staff now must review."

The lawsuit filed earlier this month against Washington alleges that he and the city of Denver permitted intolerable working conditions, retaliatory practices and racial discrimination.

Washington, who was nominated as FAA administrator in July, was named in another lawsuit three years ago alleging whistleblower retaliation and gender discrimination while he served as CEO of Los Angeles' Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Axios reported.