President Joe Biden's choice for head of the Federal Aviation Administration withdrew his nomination after the Senate failed to gather enough support to move the appointment out of committee.

Though Democrats and allied independents could have pushed Washington's nomination through, key senators on their side reportedly united with Republicans concerned over his lack of aviation experience, The Associated Press said.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg confirmed Washington's withdrawal in a tweet late Saturday night, calling him "an excellent nominee" while expressing disappointment with "partisan attacks and procedural obstruction."

Phillip Washington, President Joe Biden’s choice to run the FAA, has withdrawn his nomination, a setback for the administration that comes after the Denver International Airport CEO failed to gain enough support in the closely divided Senate.

"The Biden administration must now quickly name someone to head the FAA who has an extensive aviation background, can earn widespread bipartisan support in the Senate, and will keep the flying public safe," Cruz said.

Following a surge in close calls between planes this year and the technology failure in January that resulted in briefly canceling all takeoffs around the country, the FAA is working to reassure Americans that air travel is safe.