12.17.25 – U.S. House Representative Chuy García (D-IL-4) Addresses FAA Minimum Crew Reduction

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

U.S. House Representative Chuy García (D-IL-4) Addresses FAA Minimum Crew Reduction at Congressional Hearing

On Tuesday, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford testified before the House Subcommittee on Aviation in his first appearance before Congress. The hearing, titled The State of American Aviation, allowed members of the subcommittee to question the Administrator regarding recent regulatory actions taken by the FAA, current safety issues in aviation, and the implementation of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. Two recurrent topics throughout the hearing included how to ensure another accident like the January 29th midair collision at DCA never occurs again, and how to modernize and appropriately staff the U.S. air traffic control system.

This fall, APFA has continually engaged with lawmakers over the recertification and reduction of Flight Attendant minimum crew on the Boeing 787-9P aircraft. This change leaves a rear emergency exit door without a trained Flight Attendant to operate it in the event of an emergency evacuation. APFA met extensively with House and Senate members on the committees of jurisdiction to discuss numerous safety implications of this reduction.

As a result of APFA’s advocacy, Representative Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL-4) raised the issue directly to Administrator Bedford during the hearing. Click the image below to see Rep. García question Administrator Bedford:

APFA is grateful to Rep. García and the many other lawmakers who continue to ask how allowing the operation of widebody flights with less Flight Attendants than emergency exit doors is safe. Passenger and crew safety is on the line and must remain front and center on Capitol Hill, and APFA will continue to press the issue with our legislators and regulators into the new year.

Click here to send a message of thanks to U.S. House Representative García

Watch the full State of American Aviation Hearing here.

In Solidarity,

Julie Hedrick
APFA National President
[email protected]

Allie Malis
Lori Vitto-Glattly
APFA Government Affairs Representatives
[email protected]