U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell Honored with Sentinel of Safety Award at CFS 2024 

At Communicating For Safety (CFS) 2024 today, NATCA President Rich Santa and NATCA Executive Vice President Andrew LeBovidge presented the James L. Oberstar Sentinel of Safety Award to U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, recognizing her unwavering commitment to aviation safety and the workforce that keeps our skies safe. This award was renamed in 2014 at NATCA’s Biennial Convention in Minneapolis to honor Congressman Jim Oberstar, a dedicated advocate for aviation and NATCA. 

Senator Maria Cantwell has represented Washington state in the U.S. Senate since 2001 and currently serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Throughout her tenure, she has been a staunch advocate for aviation safety, playing a pivotal role in the passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. 

Although Senator Cantwell could not attend the event in person due to pressing Senate business, including efforts to prevent a government shutdown, her dedication to ensuring the safety of the NAS and her steadfast opposition to government shutdowns further solidify her status as NATCA’s Sentinel of Safety.