UPDATE 1-US Senate committee approves key aviation nominee

The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday approved President Joe Biden's nominee to head the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after the agency has been without a permanent leader for 18 months. Nominee Michael Whitaker, a former deputy FAA administrator, won support from the committee's top Republican Ted Cruz after his Oct. 4 confirmation hearing in which Whitaker said the agency must address a persistent air traffic controller shortage. Senate Commerce Committee chair Maria Cantwell told reporters she hoped Whitaker can be confirmed before acting FAA Administrator Polly Trottenberg steps down next week.