Airports
California Congressman: FAA a ‘Shill for Corporations’
Congressman Ted Lieu is siding with the city of Santa Monica in its efforts to close Santa Monica Airport.
Santa Monica Airport is facing pressure from California Rep. Ted Lieu, who is urging the FAA to work with the city, instead of fighting its efforts to close the airport. (Photo: Matt Thurber)
Santa Monica Airport is facing pressure from California Rep. Ted Lieu, who is urging the FAA to work with the city, instead of fighting its efforts to close the airport. (Photo: Matt Thurber)

Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) wants FAA Administrator Michael Huerta to withdraw the FAA’s cease and desist order, which was issued December 12. The order requires the city to stop attempting to evict the two Santa Monica Airport (SMO) FBOs—American Flyers and Atlantic Aviation. Lieu supports the city’s efforts to close its airport and agrees with the city's position that any obligations it had to keep the airport open due to grant assurances expired in 2014. Airport supporters and the FAA counter that money that the city received in 2003 as an amendment to a 1984 grant extends the requirement to keep the airport open until 2023.