Consumer Groups Concerned About Balance of Viewpoints on DOT’s Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee
In a letter to Department of Transportation Secretary Chao, consumer groups including CFA express their concern that Secretary Chao's appointment of Frances Smith and Pete K. Rahn to the Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC) violates the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). FACA requires that federal advisory committees be "fairly balanced in terms of the points of view represented and the functions to be performed” by the advisory committee. Despite being appointed to the positions designated for representatives with expertise in consumer protection, Smith and Rahn do not have the relevant background experience required for the roles. The consumer groups ask that Secretary Chao reconsider their appointments.
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