Such is politics.
Back in 1994, it was Bill Clinton and the Democratic administration which pushed for privatization, as part of Al Gore's "re-inventing the government" plan. The Republicans in Congress vehemently opposed privatization, led by Bob Dole. The fight back then wasn't about safety. Bob Dole -- being from Kansas -- was the champion of GA aircraft manufacturers, and their big concern was user fees.
Now that the Republicans in Congress is proposing privatization, naturally the Democratic admin is in opposition. The fight now isn't about safety either. It's an election year and union support takes precedence.