[Senate Hearing 119-336]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
S. Hrg. 119-336
NOMINATIONS TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION AND THE METROPOLITAN
WASHINGTON AIRPORTS AUTHORITY
=======================================================================
HEARING
before the
COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE,
SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
UNITED STATES SENATE
ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
__________
NOVEMBER 5, 2025
__________
Printed for the use of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Available online: http://www.govinfo.gov
______
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
63-122 PDF WASHINGTON : 2026
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
TED CRUZ, Texas, Chairman
JOHN THUNE, South Dakota MARIA CANTWELL, Washington,
ROGER WICKER, Mississippi Ranking
DEB FISCHER, Nebraska AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota
JERRY MORAN, Kansas BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii
DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska EDWARD MARKEY, Massachusetts
MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee GARY PETERS, Michigan
TODD YOUNG, Indiana TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin
TED BUDD, North Carolina TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois
ERIC SCHMITT, Missouri JACKY ROSEN, Nevada
JOHN CURTIS, Utah BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico
BERNIE MORENO, Ohio JOHN HICKENLOOPER, Colorado
TIM SHEEHY, Montana JOHN FETTERMAN, Pennsylvania
SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West Virginia ANDY KIM, New Jersey
CYNTHIA LUMMIS, Wyoming LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER, Delaware
Brad Grantz, Republican Staff Director
Nicole Christus, Republican Deputy Staff Director
Lila Harper Helms, Staff Director
Melissa Porter, Deputy Staff Director
C O N T E N T S
----------
Page
Hearing held on November 5, 2025................................. 1
Statement of Senator Cruz........................................ 1
Support letter for Dan Edwards dated October 29, 2025 to Hon.
Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell from Ed Bolen, President
and CEO, National Business Aviation Association............ 66
Support letter for Ryan McCormack dated November 4, 2025 to
Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell from Ed Bolen,
President & CEO, National Business Aviation Association.... 66
Support letter for Trent Morse to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon.
Maria Cantwell from Michael Kiely, President, UPS Global
Government Affairs......................................... 67
Support letter for Trent Morse dated October 31, 2025 to Hon.
Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell from Terri Fariello,
Executive Vice President, Government Affairs & Global
Public Policy, United Airlines............................. 67
Support letter for Ryan McCormack dated November 3, 2025 to
Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell from Captain Jason,
Ambrosi, President, Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA)....................................... 68
Support letter for Ryan McCormack dated October 30, 2025 to
Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell from Steve Morrissey,
Vice President. International Regulatory and Policy, United
Airlines................................................... 68
Support letter for Ryan McCormack dated November 4, 2025 to
Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell from Chris Spear.
President and CEO, American Trucking Associations.......... 69
Support letter for Dan Edwards dated November 3, 2025 to Hon.
Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell from Christa Lucas, Vice
President Governmental Affairs, Southwest Airlines Co...... 69
Support letter for Dan Edwards to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon.
Maria Cantwell from Megan Ouellette, VP Public and
Government Affairs, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.. 70
Support letter for Daniel J. Edwards dated September 26, 2025
to Hon. Ted Cruz from Stephen Neuman, Senior Vice
President, Global Head of Government Affairs, American
Airlines................................................... 71
Support letter for Daniel J. Edwards and Ryan McCormack dated
October 31, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell
from Kevin M. Burke, President and CEO, Airports Council
International--North America............................... 71
Support letter for Ryan McCormack dated November 3, 2025 to
Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell from Dave Cavossa,
President, Commercial Space Federation..................... 72
Support letter for Daniel J. Edwards dated October 30, 2025
to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell from Michael
Steen, Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Air.................. 73
Support letter for Dan Edwards dated September 3, 2025 to
Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell from Steve Morrissey,
Vice President, International Regulatory & Policy, United
Airlines................................................... 73
Support letter for Daniel Edwards dated September 10, 2025 to
Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Charles E.
Schumer from Robert C. Land, Senior Vice President for
Government Affairs and Associate General Counsel, JetBlue
Airways.................................................... 74
Support letter for Daniel J. Edwards dated October 29, 2025
to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell from B. Marc
Allen, Chief Executive Officer, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) 74
Support letter for Dan Edwards dated October 30, 2025 to Hon.
Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell from Christopher T.
Sununu, President and CEO, Airlines for America............ 75
Support letter for Dan Edwards dated November 4, 2025 to Hon.
Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell from Jeff Shockey,
Executive Vice President, Government Operations, Global
Public Policy & Corporate Strategy, The Boeing Company..... 75
Support letter for Daniel J. Edwards dated October 31, 2025
to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell from Lauren Beyer,
President, Cargo Airline Association (CAA)................. 76
Support letter for Daniel J. Edwards dated August 12, 2025 to
Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell from Kevin M. Burke,
President and CEO, Airports Council International--North
America.................................................... 76
Support letter for Daniel J. Edwards to Hon. Ted Cruz and
Hon. Maria Cantwell from Fatih Ozmen, CEO, Sierra Space and
Sierra Nevada Company, LLC................................. 77
Support letter for Daniel J. Edwards to Hon. Ted Cruz and
Hon. Maria Cantwell from Captain Jason Ambrosi, President,
Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA).......... 78
Support letter for Daniel J. Edwards dated September 30, 2025
to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell from Alex Wilcox,
Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder; and Kerrie Forbes,
Chief Legal Officer, Corporate Secretary and Head of
Government & Regulatory Affairs, JSX....................... 78
Support letter for Ryan McCormack dated October 30, 2025 to
Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell from John Pepper,
Vice President, Government Affairs and Corporate
Development, Allegiant..................................... 79
Support letter for Trent Morse dated October 30, 2025 to Hon.
Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell from John Pepper, Vice
President, Government Affairs and Corporate Development,
Allegiant.................................................. 79
Support letter for Dan Edwards dated October 30, 2025 to Hon.
Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell from John Pepper, Vice
President, Government Affairs and Corporate Development,
Allegiant.................................................. 80
Support letter for Dan Edwards dated November 3, 2025 to Hon.
Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell from Jonathon Freye,
Executive Director, Association of Value Airlines,
Association of Value Airlines.............................. 80
Support letter for Ryan McCormack dated November 3, 2025 to
Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell from Christa Lucas,
Vice President Governmental Affairs, Southwest Airlines Co. 81
Support letter for Trent Morse dated October 30, 2025 to Hon.
Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria Cantwell from Christopher T.
Sununu, President and CEO, Airlines for America............ 82
Statement of Senator Cantwell.................................... 3
Statement of Senator Blackburn................................... 4
Statement of Senator Fischer..................................... 47
Statement of Senator Lujan....................................... 50
Statement of Senator Moreno...................................... 53
Statement of Senator Duckworth................................... 56
Statement of Senator Rosen....................................... 60
Witnesses
Hon. Rick Scott, U.S. Senator from Florida....................... 5
Ryan McCormack, Nominee to be Under Secretary of Transportation
for Policy, U.S. Department of Transportation.................. 8
Prepared statement........................................... 8
Biographical information..................................... 8
Daniel Edwards, Nominee to be an Assistant Secretary of
Transportation for Aviation and International Affairs, U.S.
Department of Transportation................................... 15
Prepared statement........................................... 16
Biographical information..................................... 17
Trent Morse, Nominee to be a Member of the Board of Directors,
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority..................... 34
Prepared statement........................................... 35
Biographical information..................................... 36
Appendix
Response to written questions submitted to Ryan McCormack by:
Hon. Jerry Moran............................................. 83
Hon. Ted Budd................................................ 83
Hon. Maria Cantwell.......................................... 83
Hon. Amy Klobuchar........................................... 86
Hon. Tammy Baldwin........................................... 86
Hon. Tammy Duckworth......................................... 88
Hon. Ben Ray Lujan........................................... 90
Response to written questions submitted to Daniel Edwards by:
Hon. John Thune.............................................. 90
Hon. Jerry Moran............................................. 91
Hon. Maria Cantwell.......................................... 92
Hon. Amy Klobuchar........................................... 93
Hon. Tammy Duckworth......................................... 94
Response to written questions submitted to Trent Morse by:
Hon. Maria Cantwell.......................................... 94
Hon. Tammy Duckworth......................................... 96
Hon. Ben Ray Lujan........................................... 97
NOMINATIONS TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION AND THE METROPOLITAN
WASHINGTON AIRPORTS AUTHORITY
----------
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2025
U.S. Senate,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 2:30 p.m., in
room SR-253, Russell Senate Office Building, Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman of the Committee, presiding.
Present: Senators Cruz [presiding], Fischer, Blackburn,
Moreno, Cantwell, Duckworth, Rosen, and Lujan.
Also present: Senator Scott.
OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. TED CRUZ,
U.S. SENATOR FROM TEXAS
Senator Cruz. Good afternoon. The Senate Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation will come to order.
Before we hear from our nominees, I would like to first
acknowledge the tragedy that occurred last night at
Louisville's International Airport after a UPS cargo plane
crashed soon after takeoff, tragically resulting in the loss of
at least nine lives.
I want to extend my deepest condolences to the families of
the crew and others who lost their lives to this terrible
accident.
It is a reminder of the critical work this committee does
to improve aviation safety, particularly this week with our two
nominations hearings.
Tomorrow's hearing will feature a nominee to serve as a
board member of the National Transportation Safety Board. With
that said, we will now proceed to the business before this
committee and to hear from three nominees: Ryan McCormack,
nominee to be the Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy;
Daniel Edwards, nominee to be the Assistant Secretary of
Transportation for Aviation and International Affairs, and
Trent Morse, nominee to serve on the Board of Directors of the
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
Congratulations to each of you. All three of these nominees
will contribute to making American transportation safe and
efficient.
Under the Biden-Buttigieg regime the Department of
Transportation diverted billions of dollars toward left-wing
initiatives--for example, by requiring states and cities to
address pointless DEI and environmental justice criteria when
applying for infrastructure grants or by squandering taxpayer
money to the tune of $4 billion for California's dismal failure
of a high-speed rail boondoggle rather than investing that
money in fixing outdated air traffic control systems and aging
bridges.
Today, Secretary Duffy is working hard to refocus the
Department on its core mission--advancing the safety,
reliability, and efficiency of the U.S. transportation system.
We will hear from nominees prepared to support Secretary
Duffy's agenda. Let us begin with Mr. McCormack who was
nominated to serve as the Under Secretary of Transportation for
Policy.
He worked in numerous positions on Capitol Hill including
as Legislative Director for then Representative Sean Duffy--I
am not sure what happened to him after his congressional
career--and as the Chief of Staff for Congressman Scott
Fitzgerald.
Mr. McCormack also held several senior roles at the Export-
Import Bank during the first Trump administration. Currently,
he is Deputy Chief of Staff for Secretary Duffy at DOT.
Mr. McCormack's experiences in both the legislative and
executive branches give him a deep institutional knowledge
needed to address the 40,000 annual highway fatalities, to
streamline project permitting, and to make America a world
leader in advanced transportation technologies such as drones
and autonomous vehicles.
Next, we have Dan Edwards who is nominated to be the
Assistant Secretary of transportation at the Office for
Aviation and International Affairs. That office is responsible
for promoting fair competition and enforcing international
agreements.
He is also the Associate Administrator for airports at the
FAA. Mr. Edwards' 30-year aviation career includes stints as a
military pilot, a civil engineer, and in senior executive roles
for several private aviation businesses.
Since 2022, Mexico has been in violation of the U.S.-Mexico
Open Skies Agreement. I look forward to hearing how Mr. Edwards
will stand up for U.S. carriers, hold Mexico accountable, and
promote robust competition.
Finally, Mr. Morse has been nominated to serve as a Member
on the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority known as
MWAA. He has served in multiple positions in the Trump
administration, most recently as the Deputy Director for the
Presidential Personnel Office.
He also worked in the first Trump administration as a
Senior Advisor at the Department of Transportation, the
Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Department
of Health and Human Services.
Currently, Mr. Morse serves on DOT's advisory board. I am
glad to see that Mr. Morse shares my disdain and that of
millions of other flyers for the glacial tank-like people
movers at Dulles.
It sounds like we will finally have a representative on the
MWAA board who cares about the actual experiences of passengers
at Reagan and Dulles.
Thank you to each of our nominees for joining us today and
I turn to Ranking Member Cantwell.
STATEMENT OF HON. MARIA CANTWELL,
U.S. SENATOR FROM WASHINGTON
Senator Cantwell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Again, sorry to be late. I mistakenly thought we were
starting at 2:30. I also want to start with condolences to
those impacted by the UPS Flight 2976.
My heart goes out to the entire UPS organization and to the
loved ones that they have lost and those who were injured
yesterday evening. This is a tragic loss for aviation and
certainly the community and citizens of Louisville.
I also want to thank the first responders for everything
they did last night and I thank the NTSB for their swift
response and the FAA and look forward to their investigation
and the development in this situation.
I want to also thank the essential personnel continuing to
work during the shutdown and continue to focus on getting a
resolution to this issue and continuing to make sure the
traveling public is safe.
For our hearing today, as the Chairman mentioned, we have
several nominees impacting our transportation infrastructure.
Mr. McCormack, Mr. Edwards, Mr. Morse, thank you for being
here. It is good to see our colleague Senator Scott, a former
member of the Committee, with us today as well.
Mr. McCormack, you are nominated to serve as the Under
Secretary for Transportation, which is the number three
position at the DOT.
If confirmed, you would oversee policy development across
the department and I expect you to address the administration's
competitive grant reevaluation process. We should embrace the
same goals of improving transportation infrastructure in this
country without delay.
Of significant importance is the I-5 bridge in my state
that crosses the Columbia River. I appreciate Secretary Duffy's
firm commitment to seeing this project completed, and while it
is vital to the state of Washington it is also vital to the
national economy.
I will ask further questions about this and questions about
the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit
Administration, and NEPA process.
Mr. Edwards, I believe we need an assistant secretary for
aviation and international affairs who will help with the U.S.
being a very strong voice at ICAO and champion efforts to raise
global standards on aviation.
We also need someone who will fight for fair competition in
the airline industry that prioritizes U.S. aviation workers and
those jobs, and I expect you that we will agree on many of
those issues.
I hope you will commit to continuous uninterrupted air
service to small and rural communities that is consistent with
the 2024 FAA reauthorization law.
Our final nominee, Trent Morse, President Trump's pick to
serve on the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Airport
Authority. We have already heard one discussion from my
colleague, but that is literally my airport of choice flying in
and out of Washington.
So I will have questions for you about the operations of
DCA and Dulles airports. Together, these two airports serve
more than 53 million people each year and passenger traffic
grew by 5.8 percent last year, and we need to continue to make
sure that this capacity, I believe that Dulles has, to grow
more business on an international basis.
I would note that you left the White House recently and
have been lobbying for American Airlines and FedEx, and I
understand that you informed the Committee yesterday that you
will no longer be lobbying for those companies if you accept
this position.
I expect to hold you accountable to those commitments and
to avoid conflicts of interest from lobbying the board or the
board's decisionmaking process, if confirmed.
And finally, Mr. Chairman, I think we are still waiting to
receive complete financial disclosure and ethics papers, so I
would hope that we would get all that information from these
nominees prior to a final committee process.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Senator Cruz. Thank you.
I now turn to my colleague from Tennessee, Senator
Blackburn, to introduce Mr. McCormack.
STATEMENT OF HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN,
U.S. SENATOR FROM TENNESSEE
Senator Blackburn. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and
congratulations to each of you. We are delighted that you are
here and, indeed, it is an honor for me to introduce Mr.
McCormack today.
And I had the opportunity to first meet him and work with
him when he was Congressman Duffy's legislative director and
was impressed with his initiative, aptitude, his passion for
improving the lives of Americans.
When Ryan and I met regarding his nomination, he said that
safety is at the forefront of his work, and I know that he
prioritizes protecting and saving lives and that his drive has
only strengthened since he now has a family of his own. Two
beautiful daughters and his wonderful wife are here and I hear
the girls are quiet over there.
Ryan began his career in public service right after
graduating from college. He has held nearly every job on
Capitol Hill from Intern all the way to Chief of Staff.
He achieved greater responsibility on the Hill because of
his intellect and his genuine care for the constituents that he
worked to support, also because he had that good, strong, solid
work ethic.
For more than a decade Ryan worked on transportation issues
critical to Wisconsin and the country. He also served in the
first Trump administration as Chief of Staff at the Export-
Import Bank, working tirelessly to reform the institution.
Following President Trump's reelection last fall, Ryan
again answered the call to serve as Secretary Duffy's Deputy
Chief of Staff at DOT.
In his current role, he has supported Secretary Duffy in
executing on President Trump's agenda including the
modernization of the Nation's air traffic control system and
addressing air traffic controller staffing shortages.
Because of his efforts to close coordinate with the FAA,
the hiring process for air traffic controllers shortened by 5
months, ensuring that candidates who performed best on their
aptitude test were seated at the academy quickly.
The result speaks for itself. Fiscal Year 2025 saw more
candidates go through the academy than any other fiscal year
before.
Ryan has also prioritized smart regulations that enable
innovators to compete and succeed. He has worked to accelerate
the use of advanced air mobility, make transit safer, and
continue investments in safety technologies that keep the U.S.
ahead of adversaries like China.
I cannot stress enough how important it is that after
natural disasters the Department shows up to assess damage and
promptly begin rebuilding what has been damaged or lost. Under
this administration the department has done exactly that.
The Secretary committed his team at DOT to speed up the
delivery of Federal assistance on the I-40 rebuild and Ryan has
been a key part of that effort.
The culmination of his years of experience and dedication
make him a key voice within the Department of Transportation.
He is eminently qualified to serve as Under Secretary of
Transportation for Policy and I am so honored to introduce him
today.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Senator Cruz. Thank you.
I will now turn to our colleague from the Sunshine State,
Senator Scott. Welcome back to the Commerce Committee, and
Senator Scott is here to introduce Mr. Morse.
STATEMENT OF HON. RICK SCOTT,
U.S. SENATOR FROM FLORIDA
Senator Scott. All right. Thank you, Chairman Cruz, Ranking
Member Cantwell. It is nice to be here, members of the
Committee. You two do a great job. Congratulations on all the
success getting bills through the Committee at least. Harder on
the floor.
It is an honor to sit before you today to introduce Mr.
Trent Morse to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the
Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority.
I have known Trent for many years. In 2010 when I first ran
for Governor nobody knew me. He was a student at Florida State
University. He worked as an unpaid volunteer during my first
campaign for Governor of Florida when nobody would show up.
After helping me win my first gubernatorial race, he became
an intern in our external affairs office, working his way up to
his first full time job while he was still a full time college
student.
He did a great job in the Governor's office. He cared about
the success of Florida and he did all he could to make
everybody around him a success.
Over the years I have gotten to see him continue to grow in
his professional career. Like I always told my team when I was
Governor, they are clearly the legacy of any Governor.
It makes me proud to see Trent and so many members of my
team have successful careers and do incredible things with
their life. Trent's success is a great example of that. He was
a critical member of the President's campaign.
He had a leading role in the successful RNC convention and
he most recently worked closely with President Trump to find
great people to serve in the administration.
He did a phenomenal job helping the President find people
to help implement his agenda as the Deputy Director for the
White House Presidential Personnel Office.
Throughout his career Trent has proven he is a capable
leader and has the ability to build teams, foster
accountability, make decisions that prioritize long-term
success, and I can personally speak to his work ethic and
professionalism over the years.
I urge this committee to fully consider and support his
nomination. I look forward to his nomination vote on the Senate
floor, and thank you again, Trent. Good luck.
Senator Cruz. Thank you, Senator Scott, and you have
clearly had a significant impact on his career, so much so that
he has chosen to emulate your hairstyle.
[Laughter.]
Senator Scott. [Off mic.]
Senator Cruz. I now recognize Mr. McCormack for his opening
statement.
STATEMENT OF RYAN McCORMACK, NOMINEE TO BE
UNDER SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION FOR POLICY,
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Mr. McCormack. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and members of the
Committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you
today as you consider my nomination for the position of Under
Secretary of Transportation for Policy.
I am grateful to President Trump for his trust in
nominating me for this role, to Senator Blackburn for that kind
introduction, and to Secretary Duffy for his faith and support
every step of the way.
I also want to introduce and thank my family who are here
with me today. My wife Anna is here. Anna and I have been
together for nearly 13 years and she too is a public servant,
currently entering her fourteenth year as staff in the House of
Representatives. We share two beautiful children together ages
three and one, both of whom are here with us today, too.
At the Department of Transportation our mantra is safety.
It is at the forefront of all the work we do and we take our
obligation very seriously.
For myself, I have always understood that the stakes in
transportation are high, but even still, early into our tenure
we received a sobering reminder of the seriousness of our
public duty.
As you all know, on January 29 of this year, American
Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter
collided over the Potomac River. Sixty-seven lives were lost
that night.
Secretary Duffy and I were on scene in the immediate
aftermath. Seeing families grieve unimaginable loss is
something I will never forget.
I also want to take a moment for us to reflect on other
families going through tragedy today. My thoughts and prayers
go to the families of yesterday's fatal plane crash near
Louisville International Airport.
We now know that nine people have lost their lives and many
others are injured. I appreciate the efforts of first
responders, many of whom have worked through the night.
Although the cause is not yet known, both the FAA and NTSB are
onsite and investigating.
It is critical we do right by Americans traversing the
Nation's roadways, railways, and skies by continuing to put
safety first in all that we do. If confirmed, I will be devoted
to this purpose and will pay particular attention to further
reducing highway fatalities.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently
released early estimates for motor vehicle traffic fatalities
in the first half of 2025, forecasting an 8.2 percent reduction
in roadway deaths from 2024.
These preliminary figures are encouraging, but even still
there is more we can and will do to reduce fatalities further.
Whether it be from new technology, accelerated project
delivery, or cracking down on bad actors on our roads, we must
be comprehensive in our approach and let safety be our guide.
I am incredibly fortunate to serve in the Department of
Transportation at such a pivotal time when so many advancements
are being made in technology that will allow for safer and more
efficient transportation.
Never before have people and goods moved in such varied
ways. We are at the advent of advanced air mobility, autonomous
vehicle deployment, drone delivery, and we expect the next 5
years we will see 1,000 commercial space launches, the same
number of all space launches combined over the last 40 years.
If confirmed, I will work to continue these important
efforts. To foster innovation and technological advancement, I
would advance effective regulations that enable further
innovation and maintain U.S. leadership in this critical area.
I commit to accelerating project delivery and removing
barriers that grant applicants face when accessing Federal
resources. In particular, I would like to work with this
committee and the Congress on simplifying and streamlining
grant programs.
There are more than 100 grant programs within the
Department, all with variable eligibility criteria,
inconsistent definitions, different announcement and awarding
procedures, and overlapping focus areas that make the process
overly complex for applicants to apply and career staff to
process.
In addition, the systems utilized for tracking grant
applications are cumbersome, complex, redundant, and opaque.
Applicants do not know the status of their grant at various
stages of obligation and I would work to ensure the Department
is more transparent with applicants.
If confirmed as under secretary of transportation I look
forward to working with Secretary Duffy, President Trump, and
members of this committee to make our world-class
transportation infrastructure for America.
Thank you, and I look forward to answering your questions.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr.
McCormack follow:]
Prepared Statement of Ryan McCormack, Nominee to be Under Secretary of
Transportation for Policy, U.S. Department of Transportation
Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and Members of the
Committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today as
you consider my nomination for the position of Under Secretary of
Transportation for Policy.
I am grateful to President Trump for his trust in nominating me for
this role, to Senator Blackburn for that kind introduction, and to
Secretary Duffy for his faith and support every step of the way.
I also want to introduce and thank my family who are here with me
today. My wife Anna is here--Anna and I have been together for nearly
thirteen years, and she too is a public servant, currently entering her
14th year as staff in the House of Representatives. We share two
beautiful children together ages 3 and 1, both of whom are here with us
today too.
At the Department of Transportation, our mantra is ``safety.'' It
is at the forefront of all the work we do, and we take our obligation
very seriously.
For myself, I always have understood that the stakes in
transportation are high. But even still, early into our tenure we
received a sobering reminder of the seriousness of our public duty.
As you all know, on January 29th of this year at DCA when American
Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter collided over
the Potomac River. Sixty-seven lives were lost that night. Secretary
Duffy and I were on scene in the immediate aftermath. Seeing families
grieve unimaginable loss is something I will never forget.
It is critical we do right by Americans traversing the Nation's
roadways, railways, and skies by continuing to put safety first in all
that we do. If confirmed I will be devoted to this purpose and will pay
particular attention to further reducing highway fatalities.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently
released early estimates for motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the
first half of 2025, forecasting an 8.2 percent reduction in roadways
deaths from 2024. These preliminary figures are encouraging, but even
still, there is more we can and will do to reduce highway fatalities
further. Whether it be from new technology, accelerated project
delivery, or cracking down on bad actors on our roads, we must be
comprehensive in our approach and let safety be our guide.
I am incredibly fortunate to serve at the Department of
Transportation at such a pivotal time when so many advancements are
being made in technology that will allow for safer and more efficient
transportation. Never before have people and goods moved in such varied
ways. We are at the advent of advanced air mobility, autonomous vehicle
deployment, drone delivery, and we expect the next five years will see
1,000 commercial space launches--the same number of all space launches
combined over the last 40 years. If confirmed, I will work to continue
these important efforts.
To foster innovation and technological advancement, I would advance
effective regulations that enable further innovation and maintain U.S.
leadership in this critical area.
I commit to accelerating project delivery and removing barriers
that grant applicants face when accessing Federal resources. In
particular, I would like to work with this Committee and the Congress
on simplifying and streamlining grant programs. There are more than 100
grant programs within the Department, all with variable eligibility
criteria, inconsistent definitions, different announcement and awarding
procedures, and overlapping focus areas that make the process overly
complex for applicants to apply and career staff to process.
In addition, the systems utilized for tracking grant applicants are
cumbersome, complex, redundant and opaque. Applicants do not know the
status of their grant at various stages of obligation and I would work
to ensure the Department is more transparent with applicants.
If confirmed as Under Secretary of the Department of
Transportation, I look forward to working with Secretary Duffy,
President Trump, and Members of this Committee to make our world-class
transportation and infrastructure for America.
Thank you, and I look forward to answering your questions.
______
a. biographical information
l. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Ryan James
McCormack.
2. Position to which nominated: Undersecretary of Transportation
for Policy.
3. Date of Nomination: 09/03/25.
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: Information not provided.
5. Date and Place of Birth: Information not provided.
6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
spouse (if married) or domestic partner, and the names and ages of your
children (including stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
Anna Raquel McCormack (wife)--Chief of Staff: U.S. House of
Representatives
7. List all college and graduate schools attended, whether or not
you were granted a degree by the institution. Provide the name of the
institution, the dates attended, the degree received, and the date of
the degree.
B.A., Political Science, International Relations, and
European Studies, Canisius University (2007-2011)
Finger Lakes Community College (2010)*
*Attended summer classes and transferred credits to Canisius
University.
8. List all post-undergraduate employment, including the job title,
name of employer, and inclusive dates of employment, and highlight all
management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
the position for which you are nominated.
Intern, New York State Assembly (05/2011-08/2011)
Intern, U.S. House of Representatives (02/2012-06/2012)
Site Advance, Romney for President (08/2012-11/2012)
Speaker Liaison, Conservative Political Action Conference
(02/2013-03/2013)
Intern, U.S. House of Representatives (04/2013-07/2013)
Legislative Correspondent, U.S. House of Representatives
(07/2013-05/2015)*
Legislative Assistant, U.S. House of Representatives (05/
2015-0l/2017)*
Senior Legislative Assistant, U.S. House of Representatives
(Ol/2017-04/2017)*
Legislative Director, U.S. House of Representatives (05/
2017-11/2019)*
Campaign Manager, Duffy for Wisconsin (01/2018-12/2018)*
Went on leave without pay from Legislative Director
position during campaign.
Deputy Chief of Staff, Export-Import Bank. of the United
States (11/2019-09/2020)*
Chief of Staff: Export-Import Bank of the United States (09/
2020-0 l/2021)*
Chief of Staff, U.S. House of Representatives (01/2021-01/
2025)*
Deputy Chief of Staff, U.S. Department of Transportation
(01/2025-Present)*
* Denotes job with managerial and/or transportation policy
experience
9. Attach a copy of your resume.
Please see Attachment #1.
10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
than those listed above after 18 years of age. None.
11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
educational, or other institution. None.
12. List all memberships you have had after 18 years of age or
currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, educational,
political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or religiously
affiliated organization, private club, or other membership organization
(You do not have to list your religious affiliation or membership in a
religious house of worship or institution). Include dates of membership
and any positions you have held with any organization. Please note
whether any such club or organization restricts membership on the basis
of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.
Capitol Hill Club, Member (2021 to present)
House Chiefs of Staff Association (2023-2025)
Republicans Associated for Mutual Support (2024 to present)
CJ. Folger Hook & Ladder Company (2008 to present)
None of these groups restrict membership on the basis of race, sex,
color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.
13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are
personally liable for that debt. No.
14. List all memberships and offices held with and services
rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or
election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities.
Campaign Manager--Duffy for Wisconsin (2018)-As campaign
manager, I was responsible for overall campaign strategy as
well as fundraising, advertising, grassroots engagement, and
voter outreach.
Volunteer Member of Trump Vance Transition, Inc. (2024-
2025)--As a volunteer for the transition, I consulted on policy
as it pertained to the Export-Import Bank of the United States
and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $200 or more for the past ten years.
$516.53, Trump 47 Committee, July 8, 2024
16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
2020--Distinguished Service Award, Export-Import Bank of the
United States
17. List all books, articles, columns, letters to the editor,
Internet blog postings, or other publications you have authored,
individually or with others. Include a link to each publication when
possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
publication when available. None.
18. List all speeches, panel discussions, and presentations (e.g.,
PowerPoint) that you have given on topics relevant to the position for
which you have been nominated. Include a link to each publication when
possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
speech or presentation when available.
Not applicable.
19. List all public statements you have made during the past ten
years, including statements in news articles and radio and podcasts and
television appearances, which are on topics relevant to the position
for which you have been nominated, including dates. Include a link to
each statement when possible. If a link is not available, provide a
digital copy of the statement when available.
Caroline Kitchener, The MTV Reality Star in Trump's Cabinet Who
Wants You to Have More Kids, The New York Times (June 25,
2025).
20. List all digital platforms (including social media and other
digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated
an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your
name or an alias. Include the full name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'',
including the complete URL and username with hyperlinks, you have used
on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account is active,
deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if possible.
www.x.com/McCormack_R (active)
www.instagram.com/ryan.mccormackl (active)
https://truthsocial.com/@McCormack_Ryan (active)
www.linkedin.com/in/ryanmccormack4 (active)
http://www.facebook.com/rian.maccormyck (dormant)
21. Please identify each instance in which you have testified
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date, committee, and subject
matter of each testimony. None.
22. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
operational objectives of the department/agency/commission/corporation
to which you have been nominated, what in your background or employment
experience do you believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment
to the position for which you have been nominated, and why do you wish
to serve in that position?
For more than a decade in Federal service,] have advised principals
on transportation policy matters and directed teams to achieve
strategic policy objectives. This includes time in various staff roles
in the House of Representatives, the Export-Import Bank of the United
States, and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
In the House of Representatives, I advised on transportation policy
for Members of Congress, to include multiple FAA Reauthorizations,
Surface Transportation Reauthorizations, Water Resources Reform and
Development Acts, and Pipeline Safety Reauthorizations. In addition, I
worked to prioritize local and regional transportation concerns
relevant to the Member's district, and identifying and advocating for
funding opportunities offered by the Department of Transportation.
As SVP and Chief of Staff at the Export-Import Bank of the United
States (EXIM), I was the principal advisor to the Chairman on matters
pertaining to policy and the EXIM portfolio. The top two sectors within
the portfolio being transportation and infrastructure, respectively. In
addition to policy, I further managed and led the 515 employees and
contractors in our mission to support American jobs by facilitating
exports, while also prioritizing EXIM's $110 million budget.
In my current role as Deputy Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department
of Transportation, I advise on a broad range of policy relevant to this
position. Today, we are seeing unprecedented innovations in
transportation that have the potential to greatly improve safety and
efficiency in the sector--fundamentally changing the way people and
goods move in our economy. We have great oppo1tunity to improve safety,
reduce project costs, streamline permitting, and deliver infrastructure
that improves the way American families move about the country.
23. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
ensure that the department/agency/commission/corporation has proper
management and accounting controls, and what experience do you have in
managing a large organization?
If confirmed, my responsibilities will be to assist the Secretary
of Transportation in carrying out the policies of the President of the
United States, while exercising statutory authorities of the
Undersecretary of Transportation for Policy. In my current and previous
roles in government, I have served as a chief policy advisor and senior
manager, establishing short and long-term plans to achieve
organizational objectives. I have been Chief of Staff both at EXIM, a
515-person organization, as well as in the House of Representatives.
24. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency/commission/corporation, and why?
1) Reduce Highway Fatalities.
As a leader at the U.S. Department of Transportation, my top
priority is keeping Americans safe on our roads. Far too many
lives are lost every year in preventable crashes-and that has
to change. Under this administration, we're focused on
delivering real results, cutting through red tape, and putting
the safety of the American people first. I will identify and
support innovative technologies, smarter infrastructure, and
common-sense policies that make our roads safer.
2) Overly complex grant programs and permitting requirements that
create uncertainty and raise costs for applicants.
There are over 100 different grant programs within the
Department, these programs have variable eligibility criteria,
inconsistent definitions, announcement and awarding procedures,
and overlapping focus areas that make the process overly
complex for both applicants and career staff In addition, the
systems utilized for tracking grant applications are
cumbersome, complex, redundant, and opaque. Applicants often do
not know the status of their grant at the various stages of
obligation. Combined, these issues can undermine the ability of
applicants to efficiently access Federal resources.
Permitting must be streamlined in order to reduce costs and
hasten the deployment of infrastructure. Bureaucratic red tape
needlessly delays projects while also increasing the cost.
There appears to be bipartisan consensus this is a significant
concern and it is critical that both the Congress and
Department take steps to ensure complex or redundant processes
do not hinder the country's ability to develop world-class
infrastructure.
3) Regulation of Innovative Technologies in Transportation.
From drones to autonomous vehicles, there are many
innovative technologies emerging in transportation that have
the capacity to fundamentally change the way people and goods
move in our economy. The Department needs to continue leading
the way by fostering a regulatory environment that prioritizes
safety while also encouraging experimentation and growth.
b. potential conflicts of interest
1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement
accounts, such as a 40I(k) or pension plan.
My retirement accounts are the Thrift Savings Plan as well as a
Roth IRA I opened. I do not have any further financial arrangements,
deferred compensation agreements, or business dealings to report.
2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,
association, or other organization during your appointment? If so,
please explain. No.
3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in
the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will
resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the DOT Designated Agency Ethics
Official to identify any potential conflicts of interest. Any potential
conflicts of interest will continue to be resolved in accordance with
the te1ms of an ethics agreement that I have entered into with the
Department's Designated Agency Ethics Official and that has been
provided to this Committee. I am not aware of any potential conflicts
of interest.
4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve
each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation's
Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify any potential conflicts
of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will continue to be
resolved in accordance with the terms of an ethics agreement that I
have entered into with the Department's Designated Agency Ethics
Official and that has been provided to this Committee. I am not aware
of any other potential conflicts of interest.
5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest and explain
how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation's
Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify any potential conflicts
of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will continue to be
resolved in accordance with the terms of an ethics agreement that I
have entered into with the Department's Designated Agency Ethics
Official and that has been provided to this Committee. I am not aware
of any other potential conflicts of interest.
6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the
names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the
purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or
modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and
execution of law or public policy.
I have never been engaged by a client to influence legislation. In
my current and past roles with the Federal government, I do advise and
make recommendations on legislation as part of my job responsibilities.
c. legal matters
1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special
Counsel, an Inspector General, professional association, disciplinary
committee, or other professional group? If yes:
a. Provide the name of the court, agency, association, committee, or
group;
b. Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action was issued or initiated;
c. Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action;
d. Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,
complaint, or personnel action.
No.
2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
State, county, municipal, or foreign government entity, other than for
a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain. No.
3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please
explain. No.
4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain. No.
5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual
assault, sexual harassment, or discrimination on the basis of sex,
race, religion, or any other basis? If so, please explain. No.
6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination. None.
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/
corporation complies with deadlines for information set by
congressional committees, and that your department/agency/commission/
corporation endeavors to timely comply with requests for information
from individual Members of Congress, including requests from members in
the minority? Yes.
2. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/
corporation does whatever it can to protect congressional witnesses and
whistleblowers from reprisal for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.
4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Senator Cruz. Thank you.
I now recognize Mr. Edwards for his opening statement. Mr.
Edwards.
STATEMENT OF DANIEL EDWARDS, NOMINEE TO BE
AN ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION
FOR AVIATION AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS,
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Mr. Edwards. Thank you, Chairman.
Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and members of the
Committee, good afternoon. My name is Dan Edwards and it is
truly my honor to be nominated as the Assistant Secretary for
Aviation and International Affairs at the United States
Department of Transportation.
I want to start by thanking President Trump for the honor
of nomination and Secretary Sean Duffy for the confidence and
steadfast support during my time at DOT.
Joining me today is my wife of 30 years and anchor to the
Edwards family, Kimberly. I owe the Air Force a huge debt for
stationing me near her hometown of Utica, New York, where we
met and began a life where she thought she had signed on to a
turbulent, free, full-motion simulator ride, but in reality got
strapped into a high-G journey with an uncertain destination. I
am so blessed to have her by my side.
Also, here are my identical twin 27-year-old daughters
Jillian and Kaelin. They were born on July 4th in Camden, New
Jersey, into a Level 4 neonatal intensive care unit, the
highest level of critical care, and to this day they follow the
light.
When they were 16, they enlisted the help of their
grandfather Earl, who was an accountant, to start a nonprofit
called Jillian's Jitterbug. The organization continues to
provide financial assistance for families to purchase equipment
that allows their disabled children to become independent.
Last, I am joined by my brother Colonel Doug Edwards, and
his wife and son Joy and Ethan, without whom my service in
Washington would not be possible.
And one late addition, I am honored to have the CEO of the
Association of Graduates from the Air Force Academy here today,
Mr. Mark Hilley.
I began my public service in 1987 when I attended the
United States Air Force Academy and served in the Air Force and
Air Force Reserve for 23 years. In that time, I was an airfield
engineer and a KC-10 pilot, flying over 100 combat missions.
During my time in the reserves, I flew as a commercial pilot
and accumulated over 4,000 hours as both a military and
commercial pilot.
Following my time as an Air Force and airline pilot, I
dedicated the next 25 years of my career to the aerospace and
defense industry.
This experience allowed me to gain a broad understanding
spanning product development, safety, airfield engineering and
construction, C4 ISR, supply chain and distribution, and
aircraft maintenance.
I am eager to apply those skills of public service and
contribute to the next big leap in aviation. I have found my
time in DOT over the last 6 months professionally rewarding,
given the broad and profound impact of our work.
If confirmed, serving as the Assistant Secretary for
Aviation and International Affairs would represent the apex of
my career, and it is my intent to demonstrate my fitness to do
so today in this hearing. I humbly thank you for your time and
consideration.
I believe we find ourselves at a pivotal time in aviation.
Just 60 years passed between the Wright Brothers' first flight
in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, and John Glenn's orbit around
the Earth.
We are 63 years removed from that first orbit, and with the
advent of advanced air mobility we are sitting on the next
inflection point in aviation history.
Safety is paramount. Takeoffs and landings must remain in
balance. That has always been my mantra. In my youth that
mantra was focused on me, my logbook, my personal commitment to
safety. Later, my focus turned to others--wingmen, those under
my command, those in my airline.
Now my work in DOT and FAA expands the focus much more
broadly to our national aerospace system. One landing for every
takeoff, period. In that context today, my heart goes out to
our UPS family and those first responders that supported the
horrific events last evening.
If confirmed, I would continue to work under Secretary
Duffy's leadership to continue the Department's core mission of
ensuring transportation safety, especially in America's skies.
While maintaining safety as the most important goal, I will
pursue three additional key goals: one, ensuring the economic
viability of U.S. carriers through thoughtful economic
licensing, development and enforcement of international
agreements, and access to a competition-friendly market; two,
supporting the development of infrastructure that will meet the
dynamic needs of the American economy and commercializing new
technologies to ensure U.S. aviation leadership; and perhaps
most importantly, three, sustaining and enhancing access to
commercial air service for all Americans.
I have been blessed with the opportunity to lead large
organizations in the military and private sectors, gaining
extensive experience leading multi-site global businesses. I am
hopeful that you will find the path that I have taken to this
chamber on this day worthy of confirmation to serve in the
Department of Transportation.
Thank you and I look forward to your questions.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr.
Edwards follow:]
Prepared Statement of Daniel Edwards, Nominee to be Assistant Secretary
of Aviation & International Affairs, U. S. Department of Transportation
Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and members of the
committee, good afternoon.
My name is Dan Edwards, and it is truly my honor to be nominated as
the Assistant Secretary of Aviation & International Affairs for the
United States Department of Transportation.
I want to start by thanking President Trump for the honor of
nomination and Secretary Sean Duffy for the confidence and steadfast
support during my time at DOT. Senator Budd, I greatly appreciate the
kind introduction and your service to the great state of North
Carolina.
Joining me today is my wife of 30 years and anchor to the Edwards
family--Kimberly. I owe the Air Force a huge debt for stationing me
near her hometown of Utica, NY where we met and began a life where she
thought she signed on to a turbulence-free full-motion simulator ride,
but instead got strapped into a high-G journey with an uncertain
destination.
Also here are my identical twin 27-year-old daughters--Jillian and
Kaelyn. They were born on July 4th in Camden, NJ into a level IV
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit--the highest level of critical care--and
to this day follow the light. When they were 16, they enlisted the help
of their grandfather, Earl, who was an accountant, to start a non-
profit called Jillian's Jitterbug. The organization continues to
provide financial assistance for families to purchase equipment that
allows their disabled children to become independent. Lastly, I am
joined by my brother, Colonel Doug Edwards, and his wife and son, Joy
and Ethan--without whom my service in Washington would not be possible.
I began my public service in 1987 when I attended the United States
Air Force Academy and served in the Air Force and Air Force Reserves
for 23 years. In that time, I was an airfield engineer, and a KC-10
pilot, flying over 100 combat missions. During my time in the reserves,
I flew as a commercial pilot and accumulated over 4,000 flight hours as
both a military and commercial pilot.
Following my time as an Air Force and airline pilot, I dedicated
the next 25 years of my career to the aerospace and defense industry.
This experience allowed me to gain a broad understanding spanning
product development, safety, airfield engineering and construction,
C4ISR, supply chain and distribution, and aircraft maintenance. I am
eager to apply those skills to public service and contribute to the
next big leap in aviation.
I have found my time at DOT over the last 6 months professionally
rewarding given the broad and profound impact of our work. If
confirmed, serving as the Assistant Secretary for Aviation and
International Affairs would represent the apex of my career, and it is
my intent to demonstrate my fitness to do so today in this hearing. I
humbly thank you for your time and consideration.
I believe we find ourselves at a pivotal time in Aviation. 60 years
passed between the Wright Brothers' first flight in Kitty Hawk, NC and
John Glenn's orbit around Earth. We are 63 years removed from that
first orbit and, with the advent of Advanced Air Mobility, we are
sitting on the next inflection point in aviation history.
Safety is paramount. Takeoffs and landings must remain in balance.
If confirmed, I would continue to work, under Secretary Duffy's
leadership, to continue the department's core mission of ensuring
transportation safety--especially in America's skies.
While maintaining safety, as the most important goal, I will pursue
three additional key goals: (1) ensuring the economic viability of U.S.
carriers through thoughtful economic licensing, development and
enforcement of international agreements and access to a competition-
friendly market; (2) supporting the development of infrastructure that
will meet the dynamic needs of the American economy and commercializing
new technologies to ensure U.S. aviation leadership; and, perhaps most
importantly, (3) sustaining and enhancing access to commercial air
service for all Americans.
I have been blessed with the opportunity to lead large
organizations in the military and private sectors, gaining extensive
experience leading multi-site global businesses. I am hopeful that you
will find that the path I've taken to this chamber, on this day, worthy
of confirmation to serve in the DOT.
Thank you and I look forward to your questions.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Daniel Joseph
Edwards.
2. Position to which nominated: Assistant Secretary for Aviation
and International Affairs.
3. Date of Nomination: 7/30/25.
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: Information not provided.
5. Date and Place of Birth: Information not provided.
6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
spouse (if married) or domestic partner, and the names and ages of your
children (including stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
Kimberly A. Edwards (Not employed)
Children: Jillian Rose Edwards (age 27), Kaelyn Mary Edwards
(age 27)
7. List all college and graduate schools attended, whether or not
you were granted a degree by the institution. Provide the name of the
institution, the dates attended, the degree received, and the date of
the degree.
B. S. Civil Engineering, USAF Academy (1987-1991)
MBA, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1992-1994)
MBA/Finance Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (2011-
2013)
8. List all post-undergraduate employment, including the job title,
name of employer, and inclusive dates of employment, and highlight all
management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
the position for which you are nominated.
All positions in bold indicate management level jobs.
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aviation and
International Affairs, Department of Transportation (July 2025
to present)*
Acting Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International
Affairs (May-July 2025)
Chief Executive Officer, Elliott Aviation (2023-2024)
Various positions, Triman Industries (2020-2023)
Chief Executive Officer (2021-2023)
President (2020-2021)
Vice President of Operations, MAG Aerospace (2017- 2020)
General Manager of Components and Alternate Solutions,
Aviation Technical Services (2016-July 2017)
Various positions, Zodiac Aerospace (2004-2016)
President, Zodiac Arresting Systems (2013-2016)
Vice President of Installation, Maintenance, Repair,
and Overhaul Services (2008-2013)
Director of Engineering (2006-2008)
Director of Project Engineering and Standards (2004-
2006)
Vice President of Construction, Sprinturf (2002-2003)
Pilot, American Airlines (2000-2004)
Various positions, United States Air Force (KC-10 Pilot and
Civil Engineer) (1991-2014)
Deputy Operations Group Commander, U.S. Air Force
Reserve Command (USAFR) (2012-2014)
KC-10 Squadron Commander, USAFR (2009-2012)
KC-10 Instructor Pilot, USAFR (2000-2009)
Pilot and Civil Engineer, USAFR (1991-2000)
* As of Oct. 20, 2025, also acting in the capacity as Associate
Administrator for Airports at the Federal Aviation Administration.
9. Attach a copy of your resume.
Resume attached below.
10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
than those listed above after 18 years of age.
Air Reserve Technician (ART), 78th Air Refueling Squadron (June
2000-October 2000)
11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
educational, or other institution.
Aero X Ventures, Board Member (former)
Red Arts Capital, Advisory Board Member (former)
Triman Industries: CEO/Director (former)
Elliott Aviation: CEO/Director (former)
DJ Edwards Services, LLC (Sole owner/inactive)
USAF Academy Falcon Foundation (trustee/current)
Jillian's Jitterbug (board member/current)
My Future North Carolina (advisory council member/current)
Islander Villas Home Owner's Association (board member/current)
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation, Orthopedics
Board of Visitors (board member/current)
12. List all memberships you have had after 18 years of age or
currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, educational,
political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or religiously
affiliated organization, private club, or other membership organization
(You do not have to list your religious affiliation or membership in a
religious house of worship or institution). Include dates of membership
and any positions you have held with any organization. Please note
whether any such club or organization restricts membership on the basis
of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.
Merion Golf Club, Ardmore, PA (2013 to present)
Union League, Philadelphia, PA (2016)
Young Presidents Organization (YPO), Philadelphia Chapter
(2016-2019)
Country Club of North Carolina, Pinehurst, NC (2018 to present)
13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are
personally liable for that debt. No.
14. List all memberships and offices held with and services
rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or
election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities. None.
15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $200 or more for the past ten years. None.
16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
Post 9/11 GI Bill
USAF Medals
Meritorious Service Medal (3)
Air Medal
Aerial Achievement Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal (2)
Air Force Achieve Medal (2)
Combat Readiness Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Afghanistan Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Terrorism Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
Armed Forces Reserve Medal
17. List all books, articles, columns, letters to the editor,
Internet blog postings, or other publications you have authored,
individually or with others. Include a link to each publication when
possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
publication when available. None.
18. List all speeches, panel discussions, and presentations (e.g.,
PowerPoint) that you have given on topics relevant to the position for
which you have been nominated. Include a link to each publication when
possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
speech or presentation when available.
Speech, U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA) (6/4/25)
Digital copy attached (Attachment A).
Presentation, Newark Delay Reduction Meeting (5/15/25)
[No link or digital records found for speech.]
Speech, AUVSI Keynote (7/29/25)
Digital copy attached (Attachment B).
19. List all public statements you have made during the past ten
years, including statements in news articles and radio and podcasts and
television appearances, which are on topics relevant to the position
for which you have been nominated, including dates. Include a link to
each statement when possible. If a link is not available, provide a
digital copy of the statement when available.
MRO Is a Fun Business: Weaving Efficiency with Legacy at
Elliot Aviation, Aerospace Executive Podcast (01/25/24)
20. List all digital platforms (including social media and other
digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated
an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your
name or an alias. Include the full name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'',
including the complete URL and username with hyperlinks, you have used
on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account is active,
deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if possible.
LinkedIn (Active)
21. Please identify each instance in which you have testified
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date, committee, and subject
matter of each testimony. None.
22. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
operational objectives of the department/agency/commission/corporation
to which you have been nominated, what in your background or employment
experience do you believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment
to the position for which you have been nominated, and why do you wish
to serve in that position?
I have a diverse aviation industry background that uniquely
qualifies me to provide strong leadership to facilitate
impactful decisions that are quantitatively driven, fiscally
sound, and address the needs of the stakeholders we serve.
I started as an airfield civil engineer in the USAF and
continued as a KC-10 pilot affording me an opportunity to serve
in combat and garner worldwide operational aviation experience.
I also flew international routes for American Airlines, an
experience which provides valuable commercial perspective.
I have vast experience working as an engineer innovating and
commercializing nascent technologies. I worked closely with the
FAA Tech Center in the approval of a product that is now
protecting over 100 runways in the U.S. and internationally.
EMAS (Engineered Material Arresting System) addressed a long-
standing NTSB ``Top 10'' priority on runway excursions. My
experience has prepared me well for the generational
opportunity we face in integrating Advanced Air Mobility
technologies and operations into the NAS.
I have had the valuable experience of working
collaboratively with international organizations. I worked very
closely with NATO, multiple European nations, and the Japanese
Defense Ministry in the modernization of their military
airfields and incorporating USAF-compliant aircraft arresting
gear to support 5th generation fighter aircraft operations. I
also successfully negotiated a rulemaking effort with CAA (in
parallel with a similar effort at FAA) to incorporate the
technology and research associated the aircraft braking system
patent I had obtained.
The breadth of my experience spans leadership roles across
aerospace and defense to include commercial aircraft MRO
(maintenance, repair, and overhaul), C4ISR, distribution and
supply chain and biz aircraft MRO. As a result, I bring a broad
perspective to the role of Assistant Secretary for Aviation and
International affairs that is grounded in safety, operational
performance, and the industry economic depth that comes from
years of experience leading growth and M&A (mergers and
acquisitions) in a variety of businesses in public and
privately held companies.
23. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
ensure that the department/agency/commission/corporation has proper
management and accounting controls, and what experience do you have in
managing a large organization?
If confirmed as Assistant Secretary for Aviation and
International Affairs, it will be my responsibility to assist
the Secretary of Transportation in carrying out the directions,
policies, and priorities of the President of the United States
and to properly manage all programs, functions, offices, and
activities of OST-X in the exercise of the Secretary's
statutory authorities in accordance with the law and the
Constitution.
It is my responsibility to be a steward of taxpayer
resources in the execution of my role. This of course requires
that internal controls and business practices operate at
maximum efficiency in a waste-free culture grounded in
execution and accountability for results.
I have significant experience in driving outsized P&L
(profit and loss) growth through operational efficiencies and
process improvements. The key components of my operational
success have been developing a strategic plan, building a
budget to support the plan, followed by disciplined execution
and recalibration, as necessary. I have also led the
integration of multiple mergers and acquisitions where my team
and I achieved synergies thorough streamlining systems,
processes, and the efficient deployment of talent.
24. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency/commission/corporation, and why?
The airline industry continues to restructure and adapt to
new market conditions in the wake of the pandemic, and DOT
needs to ensure that a level playing field exists for U.S. air
carriers that includes a variety of business models. A
competitive and fair business environment maximizes the
benefits of air transportation to passengers and shippers. We
will also need to facilitate the integration into the industry
of emerging technologies that will redefine transportation.
Compliance with our international Open Skies agreements
varies greatly around the world, with concerning trends that
may potentially reduce capacity and operations for U.S. air
carriers at major international hubs. DOT must enforce these
international agreements to protect U.S. interests abroad and
ensure fair competition for U.S. air carriers, free market-
based operational and pricing freedoms, and connectivity for
American consumers. Across the modes of transportation, DOT
also must work to ensure market access for U.S. transportation
exports.
Preserving and increasing access to reliable commercial air
service for small and rural communities continues to be a
challenge due to the ongoing restructuring of the regional
airline industry. I will partner with the FAA to ensure that
there are no regulatory impediments to the growth of regional
air carriers and their ability to adopt new technologies, other
than those required for safety.
b. potential conflicts of interest
1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement
accounts, such as a 401(k) or pension plan.
Any current arrangements are fully described in Part 3 of my Public
Financial Disclosure Report.
I have no deferred compensation agreements and will
discontinue all board and advisory roles where there are
potential conflicts. I receive no fees or compensation outside
of my current role at DOT.
I have vested illiquid employee incentive units at previous
privately held companies. (Triman Industries and Elliott
Aviation) the details of which are included in my 278e form.
All former employer 401Ks have been rolled into personal
rollover IRAs.
My consulting business, DJ Edwards Services, LLC, will be
inactive during my appointment and all outstanding client fees
were fixed before I entered government service.
2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,
association, or other organization during your appointment? If so,
please explain. None.
3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in
the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will
resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation's
Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify any potential conflicts
of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will continue to be
resolved in accordance with the terms of an ethics agreement that I
have entered into with the Department's Designated Agency Ethics
Official and that has been provided to this Committee. I am not aware
of any other potential conflicts of interest.
4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve
each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation's
Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify any potential conflicts
of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will continue to be
resolved in accordance with the terms of an ethics agreement that I
have entered into with the Department's Designated Agency Ethics
Official and that has been provided to this Committee. I am not aware
of any other potential conflicts of interest.
5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest and explain
how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation's
Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify any potential conflicts
of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will continue to be
resolved in accordance with the terms of an ethics agreement that I
have entered into with the Department's Designated Agency Ethics
Official and that has been provided to this Committee. I am not aware
of any other potential conflicts of interest.
6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the
names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the
purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or
modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and
execution of law or public policy. None.
c. legal matters
1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special
Counsel, an Inspector General, professional association, disciplinary
committee, or other professional group? If yes:
a. Provide the name of the court, agency, association, committee, or
group;
b. Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action was issued or initiated;
c. Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action;
d. Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,
complaint, or personnel action.
None.
2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
State, county, municipal, or foreign government entity, other than for
a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain. No.
3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please
explain. No.
4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain. No.
5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual
assault, sexual harassment, or discrimination on the basis of sex,
race, religion, or any other basis? If so, please explain. No.
6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination.
N/A.
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/
corporation complies with deadlines for information set by
congressional committees, and that your department/agency/commission/
corporation endeavors to timely comply with requests for information
from individual Members of Congress, including requests from members in
the minority? Yes.
2. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/
corporation does whatever it can to protect congressional witnesses and
whistleblowers from reprisal for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.
4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
______
Good morning. I appreciate the invitation to speak to the members
of the U.S. Tour Operators Association's Congressional Caucus.
The National Travel and Tourism Infrastructure Strategic Plan in
Support of Robust Transportation Infrastructure
I'll begin by setting the stage. The Department supports robust
infrastructure across the Nation to make the travel experience seamless
for our citizens and visitors.
The Department plays an important role in implementing the whole-
of-government strategy for tourism led by the Department of Commerce.
It promotes our Nation as a premier destination and fosters a travel
and tourism sector that drives economic growth and creates good jobs.
The Department's National Travel and Tourism Infrastructure
Strategic Plan recognizes the importance of expanding transportation
options for all, including in underserved rural communities.
Implementation of the Strategic Plan facilitates economic development
that employs millions of workers who can count on DOT to support the
design, construction, and maintenance of the Nation's multimodal
transportation system.
This Strategic Plan promotes infrastructure that serves all
travelers and aligns with Departmental goals and across the government
through the Department's involvement in the interagency Tourism Policy
Council. Historic investments under the Infrastructure Investment and
Jobs Act amplify the Department's implementation efforts to develop and
maintain the infrastructure necessary to the Nation and to support
travel and tourism.
The National Travel and Tourism Infrastructure Strategic Plan also
catalogues DOT grant programs that can serve as a resource for State
and local policymakers, as well as identifies data needs to bolster the
travel industry. The Department is investigating the development of a
modernized American Travel Survey, last conducted in 1995, to promote
economic growth in the travel industry.
Select examples of DOT grants that specify tourism as a criterion
include the National Scenic Byways Program, Nationally Significant
Multimodal Freight and Highway Projects Grant Program, National
Infrastructure Project Assistance Program, Rural Surface Transportation
Grant Program, and Federal Lands Access Program.
There are many considerations for putting the Strategic Plan into
practice. I'll focus on a handful today.
First and foremost, the Department places the highest
priority on ensuring that travelers reach, and then return
from, their destinations safely and efficiently.
The Department also places great importance on the quality of all
transportation infrastructure, including for air travel, streamlined
regulations for the travel business, and preparing for the future of
travel.
Safety and Efficiency
I'll say more about the broader transportation system but will
start with aviation. At the Department, the Secretary has been focusing
intensively on the National Airspace System. He recently highlighted
his plan to upgrade our air traffic control system. By replacing the
current, antiquated system, the FAA will enhance safety in the sky,
reduce delays, and unlock the future of air travel. This plan also
ensures hard-working air traffic controllers have a system they can
rely on, and one they deserve.
The Secretary's plan addresses critical safety needs to deliver
Americans a state-of-the-art air traffic control system. Key to
success, the FAA will replace core infrastructure including radar,
software, hardware and telecommunications networks to manage modern
travel. The agency will equip facilities with better technology to
reduce outages, improve efficiency, and reinforce safety.
For instance, delivery of a state-of-the-art air traffic control
system means working closely with our partners, such as the Port
Authority of New York and New Jersey, in response to the service issues
at Newark Airport. Seconding, FAA Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau,
I'm proud of the work that the Port Authority and FAA Technical
operations and controllers. As the Secretary has said, there's a lot to
be done, and the safety of the system is job number one for us.
In addition to technological objectives for air travel, the
Secretary announced a new package of actions to supercharge the air
traffic controller workforce. The package will allow more of the best
and brightest candidates to get into air traffic facilities and on the
job faster, as well as increase retention of experienced controllers.
The FAA is on track to hire at least 2,000 controllers this year
following the March supercharged hiring campaign. Secretary Duffy also
streamlined the hiring process, already having shaved five months off
the old hiring process.
Regulation in the Travel Industry
Undergirding a seamless travel experience, the Nation needs
regulations on business travel that won't limit economic growth. The
Trump Administration understands that overly burdensome and unduly
prescriptive Federal regulations impose costs that limit our Nation's
economic growth and ability to build and innovate in the marketplace.
The Department has received comments from industry, including the
U.S. Tour Operators Association, asking that the ancillary services fee
rule be rescinded.
The Department is committed to restoring commonsense
governance and ensuring regulations are not overly burdensome
and costly.
We will closely examine both its ancillary service fee rule
and the FAA Reauthorization regarding offline disclosures of
ancillary service fees and determine how best to proceed.
The Department is committed to reducing the cost of complying with
regulations in the transportation sector. The Department will closely
examine its ancillary service fee and refund rules and the FAA
Reauthorization regarding offline disclosures of ancillary service fees
and determine how best to proceed.
Future of Travel
The Department is also hard at work realizing the future of
travel--making it safe, efficient, and as seamless as possible for all
travelers. We've already covered some of the amazing efforts underway
for air traffic control modernization. The Department is also preparing
for future events in the United States that will generate huge travel
demand. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first of many major sporting
events that our Nation will host over the coming decade.
In preparation for that, the Department is participating in the
White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026. Preparation for this
exciting opportunity to showcase America's sporting venues, travel
destinations, and transportation infrastructure includes the following
examples from DOT Modal Administrations:
Federal Aviation Administration and my Office of the
Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs will
work with FIFA on aviation matters related to the matches.
The Federal Highway Administration is assisting local
transportation officials with traffic management planning,
sharing best practices and other traffic management planning.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is working
with FIFA, host cities, and the charter bus industry to
coordinate and ensure the safe operation of charter buses
through compliance with FMCSA regulations.
The Federal Transit Administration is working with transit
and commuter rail and bus agencies to explore ways for host
cities to meet anticipated transportation demand increases in
their cities during FIFA events.
The Federal Railroad Administration is working with
intercity rail operators for operations planning to meet
anticipated increase in demand. Amtrak service will be
particularly meaningful on the Northeast Corridor and in the
Pacific Northwest between host cities Seattle and Vancouver.
The Department's Chief Travel and Tourism Office will lead
implementation of the National Travel and Tourism
Infrastructure Strategic Plan, coordinate with interagency
partners through the Tourism Policy Council working group on
sports events, and engage with international partners as
appropriate. In addition, my office will raise awareness of
potential human trafficking incidents that can be associated
with large scale events.
The future of travel also includes innovative technologies that
will create new ways to get around. In April, Secretary Duffy announced
the establishment of the FAA's Center for Advanced Aviation
Technologies. As he noted, from drones delivering your packages to
powered lift technologies like air taxis, we are at the cusp of an
aviation revolution. The Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies will
ensure we make that dream a reality, by unleashing American innovation
to advance aviation technologies and ensure their safe integration into
the National Airspace System.
Lastly, last week you may have seen Secretary Duffy kick off the
Great American Road Trip in conjunction with the 250th birthday of our
great nation. We had an auto show right at DoT that showcased dozens of
amazing American-made cars trucks SUVs and RVs all well suited for a
great adventure. We are encouraging U.S. families and international
visitors to take to roads on a Great American Road Trip. We've
identified 250 attractions across the country.
Many of us can relate--show of hands--Wagoneer
Put down the cell phones, engage with family and take in the
scenery.
If you are coming for the world cup, rent a car and see the
U.S. between match sites
Closing
The Department recognizes the role USTOA plays in our economy,
nearly $16 billion in revenue and employment of more than 400,000 U.S.
citizens by your broader membership. That economic activity is one
indicator; another type of indicator is the memories that people make
together when traveling. Memories made with the support of your
membership. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you all today.
______
Dan Edwards: AUVSI Drone and AAM Policy Symposium
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 | [DETERMINE PRECISE TIME]
Washington, DC | Nationals Park (1500 South Capitol St SE) at the
Champion's Club Room (behind 1st base)
Core Message/Framing
The administration is invested and prepared for AAM. We
recognize the potential benefit of this industry and the
administration is acting with urgency to enable new
opportunities.
The President and Secretary strongly support growth in this
field and have acted with Executive Orders, new programs and
initiatives, and investments in research centers to quickly
make the U.S. an international leader in deployment of drones
and AAM.
We are coordinating with our partners within government and
internationally, to communicate and enact our vision of
integrated AAM and establish the underlying rules and policies
as international models.
Our product and approach will stand out because of how it
works with the plans of other agencies and with local
communities to enable systems that can support many new uses of
AAM. Our plans will ensure safety, security, privacy, and
enable new entrants anywhere, even the busiest airspace in the
world.
We are also engaging with the communities that AAM will
serve. With industry partnership, these efforts will help
communities better plan to adopt the AAM industry, start
operations that better connect U.S. communities and gain
critical public support.
Remarks
Introductions and Opening Statements
[DETERMINE APPROPRIATE OFFICIALS TO RECOGNIZE FROM ATTENDING
ORGANIZATIONS] I'd like to thank Michael Robbins, AUVSI's CEO
for getting everyone together today and Keely Griffith and her
team for helping us organize this event.
The leadership, outreach, and engagement that you're
demonstrating here is necessary to enable benefits we're all
seeking from new entrants, and I appreciate the opportunity to
talk about how we can ensure that the United States is a leader
in deploying drones and AAM.
[PERSONAL BACKGROUND AND TRANSITION TO GOVERNMENT SERVICE
(approx. 1 minute-90 seconds)]
One of the reasons public service was such a compelling
option is because we are prepared to start taking action to
change aviation in this country and get things moving.
The administration is hugely invested and prepared for
drones and AAM. We recognize the potential benefit of these
industries and we're focused on getting new operations in the
air.
There is a lot at stake and a lot to be gained by industry
and the public in pursuing new, secure, safe, efficient,
accessible technologies across the country. At the Department
of Transportation we're working across the Federal government,
with international partners, and with the aviation industry to
make that happen.
I think it's particularly timely that we are having these
sorts of events now, in the nascent stages of Advanced Air
Mobility and drones entering the airspace. All the attending
organizations today have things they can do to get the future
here faster.
At the DOT we are working with all of our partners to
coordinate standards, develop interoperable rules, and
establish mutually beneficial agreements that will make these
concepts viable.
The Department of Transportation plans to be at the
forefront of these global efforts; the President and the
Secretary are behind these efforts and we have all the tools we
need.
We don't want drones or AAM held back by red tape, we don't
want some industries to have different rules or requirements in
different places, or to have aircraft with certification, but
no regulatory path for operations.
What We're Doing
The FAA is used to handling large passenger aircraft,
operating minutes apart, built and run by relatively few
manufacturers and operators. This administration is going to
use tools and standards in use by private entities and finally
release necessary regulation to get things moving.
Executive Orders
One thing the president has done to accelerate long overdue
steps in drones and AAM is to sign executive orders that will
accelerate domestic drone production, secure our airspace, and
ensure our global leadership.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Unleashing American Drone Dominance and Restoring American
Airspace Sovereignty, June 6 2025
These orders set U.S. policy to accelerate deployment of new
entrants by streamlining domestic commercialization of UAS
technologies at scale. That means we are releasing risk-based
rules, taking advantage of innovation in the industry to set
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
standards, and accelerating certifications and approvals.
We have directed the FAA to deploy artificial intelligence
(AI) tools to streamline and expedite UAS waiver reviews and
require an updated roadmap for the integration of civil UAS
into the National Airspace System.
These policies will ensure our global competitiveness by
streamlining regulations, expanding market access, and
utilizing Federal financing tools.
Our goal is to build a strong American UAS market that can
start exporting to other countries.
These executive orders also set aggressive release calendars
for the rules that we need to start certifying aircraft,
training a new workforce, and building the infrastructure it
takes to support drones and AAM.
Enabling Rules
We are writing the rules that will explain what someone
would need to do to safely operate a drone or vertical take-off
vehicle. These are moving quickly but they are far from the
only things we'll need to address to safely realize benefits
from these new industries.
The FAA has over a million drones registered. The possible
businesses cases for drone-dependent functions and businesses
are likewise growing daily. The technology for operating drones
is arguably already here, developing ways to safely and
securely operate them over people or in dense areas and
integrate them with everything else in the air is our challenge
in the Federal government now.
We're going to need to get more comfortable managing mobile
aircraft operating in populated areas. We will need to find
ways to efficiently assess software and automation systems
while making the upgrades necessary to keep these aircraft
integrated into new air traffic management systems to make sure
government can keep pace with technology and create an
environment where the growing U.S. aviation industry can
generate business and opportunity.
The Department will finally be meeting mandates from
Congress and the Administration to release rules that will
enable beyond-visual-line-of-sight for drones, establish air
traffic management systems for low altitudes, and ensure that
critical facilities are kept safe.
We know we'll need to rely on industry consensus standards
and state, local, and aviation industry partners to jump start
the infrastructure development needed. We need to complete our
investments in airspace modernization, develop new processes
aided by automation, and ensure all aircraft are safe, secure,
and generating benefits.
The Department has already released a final rule for powered
lift operations to open the skies to the first AAM flights
after certification. We've established the first completely new
category of civil aircraft since helicopters were introduced in
the 1940s.
``Powered lift aircraft are the first new category of
aircraft in nearly 80 years and this historic rule will pave
the way for accommodating wide-scale Advanced Air Mobility
(AAM) operations in the future.''
The FAA previously determined it could certify powered-lift
using existing rules and updated other regulations so air taxis
could be used commercially right away.
Enabling Operations, Investing in Projects
President Trump's Executive Order 14307 on ``Unleashing
American Drone Dominance'' also establishes an eVTOL
Integration Pilot Project (eIPP) that requires at least five
demonstrations that will help demonstrate viable uses of AAM.
The EO allows the Department the option to expand the scope
of the project to other advanced aviation aircraft. DOT is
leading the combined efforts of the FAA and our other Federal
partners in the strategy to kickstart AAM operations. The
Request for Proposals on the eIPP should be ready later this
summer.
We have also worked effectively with Congress and Texas A&M
University to design and support a Center for Advanced Aviation
Technologies (CAAT). The CAAT and similar research facilities
we plan to support play a central role in proving the safety
and benefits of AAM aircraft, and the methods we can use to
integrate them into our airspace and infrastructure throughout
the U.S.
We want to stay coordinated and focused on funding
successful collaborations that yield real results.
The Plans for Drones and AAM
We are also following the lead of Congress and the Trump
administration to develop a national strategy for AAM. We're
working across government to outline a path to mature
operations and integration of AAM with every other part of the
transportation system, other countries systems, and with local
communities.
We have a national strategy, written in partnership with
over 20 Federal agencies that will enable AAM across the
country, fully integrating it into what is already the busiest
airspace in the world. The strategy includes plans to create
the tools and guidance that States and local governments will
need to keep new operations secure, maximize value to the
public, prepare needed workforces, and develop state-of-the-art
infrastructure that connects communities in new ways across
transportation options.
Last year's FAA Reauthorization and 2023's AAM Coordination
and Leadership Act also made it clear that Congress wants us to
continue our work. The Reauth expanded the scope of our
planning efforts, established new offices to manage research,
innovation, and regulations, and encouraged more FAA
involvement in industry standards development.
Our 10-year strategy will accommodate wide-scale AAM
operations that fully integrate with drone operations,
traditional aircraft, and even smarter surface transportation
options.
Among other topics the strategy lays out plans for
airspace modernization
infrastructure development
automation acceleration
secure operations and supply chains
engaged communities
highly skilled workforces
and new government approaches to aviation in America
I have the National Strategy and the Comprehensive Plan
under review at the Department right now. More than a year of
interagency work went into these documents, a lot of agencies
here contributed to our final product and we're happy to have
achieved consensus on what America needs to move onwards and
upwards.
There is still an interagency review to clear, and a final
briefing to Congress, but I am confident this will be a set of
documents that can be championed by industry, academia, local
governments, state governments, and the public.
At DOT, it won't be enough to have the FAA certify aircraft,
we need to work with our government partners to look at
airspace, security, energy distribution, available spectrum,
workforce development, local zoning, supply chain risks, and so
many other issues we plan to address.
The Role for Communities and Industry
We aren't losing sight of how much new capabilities have the
potential to improve people's lives domestically and locally.
It is what has given DOT and our partners the drive to create
the plans that we have. Drones and AAM can get jobs done safer,
provide new regional connectivity, assist first responders, and
provide new services to communities.
Public engagement around AAM will be crucial for this
exciting new sector to deliver on the safety, environmental,
and efficiency benefits it has the potential to offer. We need
to make sure that we have robust processes in place to engage
communities so they have a say and a stake in the services
operated there.
U.S. companies and foreign manufacturers looking for
partners within the U.S. will need to understand U.S. consumer
dynamics, and maintain compliance with safety laws and
regulations, and obtain the community feedback that will be
crucial for them to operate domestic routes. Engaging those
areas and making those rules clear and interoperable represents
a lot of shared work from governments, industry, and community
leaders.
The good news is we are well on our way to leading the world
in drone and AAM development.
We have manufacturing plants under development in Ohio
and Georgia
workforce development efforts across the United States
that are developing the next generation with high tech,
high value skills
active partnerships between industry, FAA, the U.S.
Air Force and NASA to study the needed processes and
technologies to safely integrate future AAM operations
more states and communities than we could possibly
accommodate wanting to talk to us about their plans for
AAM.
We have an opportunity to distinguish ourselves as world
leaders in a new type of aviation. We can do that by not only
providing air taxi operations in cities, but by focusing on how
best to connect communities and better connect them with our
national transportation system.
Closing Remarks and Transition to Questions
This type of fully integrated, long-term vision is what will
set the United States apart and allow us to lead in the markets
that are developing around this new technology all over the
world.
We can lead by quickly releasing regulations and standards
that can keep pace with technology and provide certainty for
new manufactures and operators on how to operate their
aircraft, attract and train pilots, and seamlessly operate into
new types of facilities.
All of our coordination needs to underscore our long-term
vision, which is a plan for a national airspace where new
entrants are not segregated, or restricted to a couple special
use cases, but fully integrated into the airspace and able to
operate where they can create benefits.
We expect new entrants to fly with other air traffic, to be
fully integrated across the airspace as well as with
transportation on the ground, and fully integrated into the
communities that will reap the benefits of this growing
industry.
Thanks again for the opportunity to talk to you today, at
OST we're looking forward to working with our colleagues in the
FAA, our Federal government partners, our counterparts at
state, local, and tribal levels, and with our stakeholders in
the aviation industry and the public. I look forward to the
rest of today's remarks and will be happy to take some
questions later.
Senator Cruz. Thank you.
I now recognize Mr. Morse for his opening statement.
STATEMENT OF TRENT MORSE, NOMINEE TO BE
A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON AIRPORTS AUTHORITY
Mr. Morse. Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and
members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to
appear before you today as you consider my nomination to serve
as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan
Washington Airports Authority.
I would also like to express my deepest condolences. Our
hearts and prayers go out to the entire UPS family and
Louisville community after the tragic aviation accident that
occurred last night.
I am deeply grateful for your time and for the courtesies
extended by you and your staff throughout this process. Many of
you and your staff have shared valuable insight that will guide
me in this role and, if confirmed, I look forward to continuing
a productive relationship with this committee.
I would also like to thank Senator Scott for his
introduction and for his support over the years. I extend my
heartfelt appreciation to President Trump for nominating me. It
has been a privilege of a lifetime to work for him since 2016
and I am humbled by the trust he has placed in me for this
important position.
I want to also thank my family and many of my dear friends
who are here with me today or watching online. I was born and
raised in Tampa, Florida, and went to both undergraduate and
law school at Florida State University.
I was always interested in being involved in public
service, and in 2010 I applied for my first internship with a
newly elected Governor that upended the entire Florida
political system.
It was from that internship where I worked my way up to my
very first job as a state employee in Governor Rick Scott's
office. Those early experiences taught me the importance of
public safety--service.
My professional experience includes state and Federal
public service but also the private sector, which I believe
will serve as an asset to the Metropolitan Washington Airport
Authority.
I am personally passionate about transportation. I am a
self-described aviation geek. I have worked for the
Transportation and Infrastructure Holding Company, Florida DOT,
and during the first Trump administration I served at USDOT.
I left Federal service in September where I most recently
served as the Deputy Director of Presidential personnel working
to oversee the recruitment and hiring of more than 3,200
political appointees across the Federal Government.
If confirmed, I will work closely with my fellow members of
the Board of Directors to ensure that travelers through Ronald
Reagan Washington National and Washington Dulles International
Airport have complete confidence in their safety and security.
The national capital region is one of the busiest and most
sensitive aviation environments in the country requiring
constant vigilance, coordination, and an unwavering commitment
to passenger safety.
With the recent events at DCA and the plans for continued
modernization and expansion, I will uphold the highest
standards of safety, ethical integrity, and transparency.
The Authority's mission to ensure that every passenger
receives the highest level of safety and customer service will
remain my guiding focus. MWAA plays a vital role in connecting
our Nation's capital to the world. It supports commerce and
tourism but it is how many of you get home to your family and
to your constituencies.
I want to ensure that this airport system continues to be
that critical link and can be a showcase for our country. We
have seen the continued investment in the facilities at Ronald
Reagan--I think we all remember Gate 35X--but we must ensure
that the international gateway to our Nation's capital, Dulles,
is a world-class facility.
As of today, there is not a single U.S. international
airport ranked in the top 10 airports worldwide and I think we
have an opportunity here. The people mover is a relic of the
past.
It is an embarrassment that international travelers when
visiting the capital of the most powerful nation in the world
are transported back to the 1960s. If I have the privilege of
being confirmed, I will work tirelessly with my colleagues to
make Dulles the airport we should be proud of.
I am committed to ensuring MWAA continues to operate
responsibly and efficiently while also meeting the growing
demands of the traveling public and maintaining the highest
standards of safety and professionalism.
Once again, I thank the Committee for its consideration of
my nomination and for the courtesy extended throughout this
process.
If confirmed, I will work diligently and collaboratively
with this committee and my fellow board members to advance the
mission of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and
to get rid of the people mover.
It would be an honor to serve in this position, and I look
forward to your questions.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr.
Morse follow:]
Prepared Statement of Trent Morse, Nominee to be a Member of the Board
of Directors, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and Members of the
Committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today as
you consider my nomination to serve as a Member of the Board of
Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. I am
deeply grateful for your time and for the courtesies extended by you
and your staff throughout this process. Many of you and your staff have
shared valuable insights that will guide me in this role, and if
confirmed, I look forward to continuing a productive relationship with
this Committee.
I would also like to thank Senator Scott for his introduction, and
for his support over the years.
I extend my heartfelt appreciation to President Trump for
nominating me. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to work for him
since 2016, and I am humbled by the trust he has placed in me for this
important position.
I want to also thank my family, and many of my dear friends who are
here with me today or watching online.
I was born and raised in Tampa, Florida and went to both
undergraduate and law school at Florida State University. I was always
interested in being involved in public service, and in 2010 I applied
for my first internship with a newly elected Governor that upended the
entire Florida political system. It was from that internship, where I
worked my way up to my first job, as a state employee in Governor Rick
Scott's office. Those early experiences taught me the importance of
public service.
My professional experience includes state, and Federal public
service, but also the private sector--which I believe will serve as an
asset to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
I am personally passionate about transportation. I am a self-
described ``aviation'' geek. I have worked for a transportation and
infrastructure holding company, Florida DOT, and during the first Trump
administration, I served at USDOT.
I left Federal service in September, where I most recently served
as Deputy Director of Presidential Personnel, working to oversee the
recruitment and hiring of more than 3,200 political appointees across
the Federal government.
If confirmed, I will work closely with my fellow members of the
Board of Directors to ensure that travelers through Ronald Reagan
Washington National and Washington Dulles International Airports have
complete confidence in their safety and security. The National Capital
Region is one of the busiest and most sensitive aviation environments
in the country, requiring constant vigilance, coordination, and an
unwavering commitment to passenger safety. With recent events at DCA
and the plans for continued modernization and expansion, I will uphold
the highest standards of safety, ethical integrity, and transparency.
The Authority's mission, to ensure that every passenger receives the
highest level of safety and customer service, will remain my guiding
focus.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority plays a vital role
in connecting our Nation's capital to the world, supports commerce and
tourism--but also is how many of you get home to your family and your
constituencies. I want to ensure that this airport system continues to
be that critical link, and can be a showcase for our country. We have
seen continued investment of the facilities at Reagan (I think we all
remember gate Gate35x).
BUT, we must ensure that the international gateway to our nations
capital, Dulles, is a world class facility. As of today, there is not a
single U.S. international airport ranked in the top 10 airports
worldwide. We have an opportunity here. The people mover is a relic of
the past. It is an embarrassment that international travelers, when
visiting the capital of the most powerful nation in the world--are
transported back to 60s. If I have the privilege of being confirmed, I
will work tirelessly with my colleagues to make Dulles the airport that
we should be proud of.
I am committed to ensuring that MWAA continues to operate
responsibly and efficiently while meeting the growing demands of the
traveling public and maintaining the highest standards of safety and
professionalism.
Once again, I thank the Committee for its consideration of my
nomination and for the courtesy extended throughout this process. If
confirmed, I will work diligently and collaboratively with this
Committee and my fellow Board members to advance the mission of the
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (and get rid of the people
mover). It would be the honor to serve in this position, and I look
forward to your questions.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Trent Michael
Morse.
2. Position to which nominated: Member of the Board of Directors of
the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for a term expiring May
30, 2030, vice Sean Burton.
3. Date of Nomination: 09/03/2025.
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: Information not provided.
5. Date and Place of Birth: Information not provided.
6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
spouse (if married) or domestic partner, and the names and ages of your
children (including stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
Sean Donahue (Domestic Partner), General Counsel, Environmental
Protection Agency
7. List all college and graduate schools attended, whether or not
you were granted a degree by the institution. Provide the name of the
institution, the dates attended, the degree received, and the date of
the degree.
B.S., International Affairs and Political Science, Florida
State University (2009-2011)
J.D., Florida State University College of Law (2014-2017)
8. List all post-undergraduate employment, including the job title,
name of employer, and inclusive dates of employment, and highlight all
management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
the position for which you are nominated.
External Affairs, Executive Office of Rick Scott (2011-2012)
Director of Operations, Richard Clark for Congress (2012)
Advance Representative, Mitt Romney for President (2012)
Public Affairs, JAX Chamber (2013-2014)
Director of Public Affairs, Healthy Schools LLC (2014)
Corporate Development Associate, Florida East Coast
Industries (2015-2016)
Senior Advance Representative, Trump/Pence for President &
58th Inaugural Committee (2016-2017)
Senior Law Clerk, Florida Department of Transportation
(2017)
Special Assistant, United States Department of
Transportation, (2017-2018)
Senior Policy Advisor, United States Department of Housing
and Urban Development (2018)
White House Liaison, United States Department of Health and
Human Services (2018-2019)
Senior Associate, Ballard Partners (2020-2022)
President, Jacksonville Host Committee (2020)
Campaign Manager, Tudor Dixon for Governor (2022)
Senior Vice President, Mercury Public Affairs (2023)
Chief of External Affairs and GOP Outreach, Republican
National Committee (2023-2024)
Deputy Director of Presidential Personnel and Deputy
Assistant to the President, Executive Office of the President
(2025)
Managing Partner, Morse Strategies (2025 to present)
Senior Strategic Advisor, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck
LLP (2025 to present)
9. Attach a copy of your resume.
Attached #1.
10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
than those listed above after 18 years of age.
Not Applicable.
11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
educational, or other institution.
Owner, Morse Strategies, LLC;
Owner, Nottingham & Partners LLC;
Owner, Oliver & Company, LLC.
12. List all memberships you have had after 18 years of age or
currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, educational,
political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or religiously
affiliated organization, private club, or other membership organization
(You do not have to list your religious affiliation or membership in a
religious house of worship or institution). Include dates of membership
and any positions you have held with any organization. Please note
whether any such club or organization restricts membership on the basis
of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.
Phi Kappa Tau (Men's Fraternity) (2009-2011)
i. Restricted to men
The Buffalo Club (2023-2024)
ii. Not aware of any restrictions to membership
Ned's Club (2025-Present)
iii. Not aware of any restrictions to membership
Board Member, U.S. Department of Transportation Advisory
Board (2025-Present)
iv. No restrictions
13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are
personally liable for that debt.
Not Applicable.
14. List all memberships and offices held with and services
rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or
election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities.
Senior Advance Representative, Trump Pence for President &
58th Inaugural Committee (2016-2017)
Advisor, Lynda Blanchard for Governor (2022)
Campaign Manager, Tudor Dixon for Governor (2022)
Chief of External Affairs and GOP Outreach, Republican
National Committee/Trump Vance for President (2023-2024)
15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $200 or more for the past ten years.
08/18/2015, Jeb 2016, $250.00
07/31/2020, Donald J. Trump for President, $375.00
07/31/2020, Donald J. Trump for President, $375.00
07/31/2020, Donald J. Trump for President, $375.00
07/31/2020, Trump Make America Great Again Committee,
$500.00
02/26/2021, Max Miller for Congress, $500.00
06/03/2022, Lynda Blanchard, $2,487.49
09/30/2025, Mowers for Congress, $500.00
16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
Not Applicable.
17. List all books, articles, columns, letters to the editor,
Internet blog postings, or other publications you have authored,
individually or with others. Include a link to each publication when
possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
publication when available.
Not Applicable.
18. List all speeches, panel discussions, and presentations (e.g.,
PowerPoint) that you have given on topics relevant to the position for
which you have been nominated. Include a link to each publication when
possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
speech or presentation when available.
Not Applicable.
19. List all public statements you have made during the past ten
years, including statements in news articles and radio and podcasts and
television appearances, which are on topics relevant to the position
for which you have been nominated, including dates. Include a link to
each statement when possible. If a link is not available, provide a
digital copy of the statement when available.
Mike Mendenhall, RNC host committee president: The
convention is `going to happen', 07/22/2020
Drew Wilson, Personnel note: Trent Morse joins Mercury as
SVP, 01/06/2023
Caitlin Oprysko, Senior WH aide first to decamp for K
Street, 08/19/2025
20. List all digital platforms (including social media and other
digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated
an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your
name or an alias. Include the full name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'',
including the complete URL and username with hyperlinks, you have used
on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account is active,
deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if possible.
LinkedIn (Active)
X (Active)
21. Please identify each instance in which you have testified
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date, committee, and subject
matter of each testimony. None.
22. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
operational objectives of the department/agency/commission/corporation
to which you have been nominated, what in your background or employment
experience do you believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment
to the position for which you have been nominated, and why do you wish
to serve in that position?
I am very honored to be President Donald J. Trump's nominee to be a
member of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington
Airports Authority (MWAA). I have extensive political and governmental
experience, and recently served as Deputy Assistant to President Trump
and Deputy Director of Presidential Personnel, where I worked closely
to vet over 3,000 staffers for jobs in the administration. I am also
one of twelve people serving on the U.S. Department of Transportation
Advisory Board.
23. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
ensure that the department/agency/commission/corporation has proper
management and accounting controls, and what experience do you have in
managing a large organization?
If confirmed, I work with my fellow board members, and the staff of
MWAA to ensure that the authority is properly run, fiscally
responsible, and positioned for the future. I have managed large staff
in my prior positions both in government and outside of government.
24. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency/commission/corporation, and why?
I believe that the top three challenges for MWAA are:
1. Continuing to improve consumer choice at DCA without changes to
existing service.
2. Working with the FAA and DOT to ensure safety around DCA, while
minimizing delays and cancellations for passengers.
3. Continuing growth at Washington Dulles with updated facilities/
infrastructure.
b. potential conflicts of interest
1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement
accounts, such as a 401(k) or pension plan.
I am a lobbyist and currently represent American Airlines in front
of Executive Branch.
2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,
association, or other organization during your appointment? If so,
please explain.
I will continue to represent my clients through Morse Strategies,
LLC.
3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in
the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will
resolve each potential conflict of interest.
I will recuse myself from any decisions that impact American
Airlines.
4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve
each potential conflict of interest.
Not Applicable.
5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest and explain
how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.
I will work through the agency ethics attorney and my counsel to
ensure there are no conflicts of interest.
6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the
names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the
purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or
modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and
execution of law or public policy.
I have represented multiple clients in front of Executive Branch of
the Federal government:
1. Association of Dental Support Organizations
2. Atlantic Sapphire
3. Axonics
4. Caplin Family Offices
5. City of Winter Haven
6. Contura, Inc.
7. Curative Inc.
8. Foundation United
9. Freedom for All Americans
10. Martin County, Florida
11. MCI, LC
12. Millennium Physician Group
13. On Demand pharmaceuticals
14. Renew Financial
15. RocketVax Ag
16. Sanolyte, LLC
17. Swarm Inc.
18. Tampa General Hospital
c. legal matters
1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special
Counsel, an Inspector General, professional association, disciplinary
committee, or other professional group? If yes:
a. Provide the name of the court, agency, association, committee, or
group;
b. Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action was issued or initiated;
c. Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action;
d. Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,
complaint, or personnel action.
No.
2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
State, county, municipal, or foreign government entity, other than for
a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain. No.
3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please
explain. No.
4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain. No.
5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual
assault, sexual harassment, or discrimination on the basis of sex,
race, religion, or any other basis? If so, please explain. No.
6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination.
Not Applicable.
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/
corporation complies with deadlines for information set by
congressional committees, and that your department/agency/commission/
corporation endeavors to timely comply with requests for information
from individual Members of Congress, including requests from members in
the minority? Yes.
2. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/
corporation does whatever it can to protect congressional witnesses and
whistleblowers from reprisal for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.
4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
______
Addendum to the questionnaire submitted to the Senate Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation, 119th Congress by Trent Morse.
Upon further review, I have identified the below additional follow
up questions that are responsive to the Committee's questionnaire and
follow up questions.
For Part A, Q15 of the committee questionnaire, the Max
Miller for Congress donation was on 09/30/2020, the 2025 was a
typo. I mistakenly put the four 7/31/2020 donations of three
$375 donations, and the $500 donation. Those were made by a
different Trent Morse.
For Part B, Q1 of the committee questionnaire, at Morse
Strategies, I have signed contracts to represent American
Airlines and FedEx in matters before the Executive Branch.
Other than these two companies, to the best of my knowledge and
belief, I do not have any other agreements with entities or
clients that have relevant ties to the Metropolitan Washington
Airports Authority.
For Part B, Q3 of the committee questionnaire, at Morse
Strategies, I have signed contracts to represent American
Airlines and FedEx in front of the Executive Branch. If
confirmed, I commit to follow the guidance of the Authority's
Legal and Ethics Office, including recusing myself from matters
where such guidance so advises.
For Part B, Q4 of the committee questionnaire, to the best
of my knowledge and belief, I did not work with any clients
while at Ballard Partners or Mercury Public Affairs who have
dealings with, or conflicts related to my potential position
with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
For Part B, Q6 of the committee questionnaire, other than my
recent contracts to represent American Airlines and FedEx in
front of the Executive Branch, to the best of my knowledge and
belief, I have not represented any other clients with dealings
or activities related to the Metropolitan Washington Airports
Authority.
For Part C, Q3 of the committee questionnaire, to the best
of my knowledge and belief, the below list encompasses all
matters in which my name appears. I am unable to comment on any
ongoing litigation but note that my involvement in the listed
cases was solely in a professional capacity.
Cathy Harris v. Scott Bessent, et al U.S. Circuit
Court of Appeals--D.C. Circuit
Shira Perlmutter v. Todd Blanche, et al U.S. Circuit
Court of Appeals--D.C. Circuit
Todd Harper, et al v. Scott Bessent, et al U.S.
Circuit Court of Appeals--D.C. Circuit
Travis LeBlanc, et al v. United States Privacy and
Civil Liberties, et al U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals--D.C.
Circuit
Senator Cruz. Thank you very much.
Mr. Edwards, let us start with you. Since 2022, the
government of Mexico has been in violation of the U.S.-Mexico
Open Skies agreement after the Mexican president manipulated
the cargo environment at Benito Juarez International Airport in
Mexico City.
The office you are nominated to lead is responsible for
enforcing Open Skies agreements. Since the Trump administration
has begun to engage with Mexico, has Mexico made any progress
in meeting their obligations under the bilateral aviation
agreement?
Mr. Edwards. Senator, thank you for that question.
A very complicated situation with Mexico that has bridged
two administrations on both sides. Despite best efforts by the
previous administration and ours today, we have not made a ton
of progress.
We have worked very diligently and hard to get them to come
into compliance with this Open Skies agreement, which they
signed in 2015. Subsequently, in 2022 confiscated slots of U.S.
carriers, you know, denying us access to Mexico City's Benito
Juarez Airport.
Also, they have made no progress on being transparent with
how the slots are allocated and what hours of the day and in
what quantity, and in the time period where U.S. carrier slots
were confiscated Mexican airlines have added frequencies to the
U.S. so they have increased their flying while ours have been
confiscated.
And then, last, with the cargo operations being shifted out
to a distant airport, U.S. cargo carriers are forced to operate
not directly into Mexico City's airport while Mexican carriers
are allowed to carry belly cargo, taking market share away from
cargo carriers.
So we have--we issued a show cause order and then recently
a final order where we made very clear the steps that Mexico
needs to take to come into compliance, and we have not had any
progress to date.
Senator Cruz. So I commend President Trump and Secretary
Duffy for holding Mexico accountable to the Open Skies
agreement. Clearly, the Biden administration neglected its
responsibilities for upholding a competitive aviation
environment.
What can you tell this committee about the status of
negotiations and, in particular, what do you see as an off
ramp?
Mr. Edwards. So the best off ramp here is quite simple. We
have laid out four very distinct steps that the Mexican
government needs to take to come into compliance with the
agreement.
So, of course, we have frozen future growth of flights of
Mexican carriers to the U.S. so their flights are now capped.
Now we have got to get our U.S. carrier flights back, get back
to parity, and then have a clear slot regime where there is
transparency on who is being allocated flights, when, and
where.
And at that point, the market can grow together just like
every other Open Skies agreement, dozens of them we have around
the world. So it is imperative that we enforce it. Other
countries are looking at how we respond to this.
Senator Cruz. So last week Secretary Duffy canceled routes
or proposed routes from Mexican carriers to the United States.
The cancellations were due to Mexico's disproportionate slot
rules in Mexico City that hurt U.S. passenger and cargo
carriers.
Two Aeromexico routes between Mexico City and Houston and
between Mexico City and McAllen, Texas, were both included in
the list of canceled flights. I am particularly concerned about
the canceled McAllen flight since no other carrier has nonstop
service to Mexico City at this time.
Mr. Edwards, do you expect that Texas cities that have lost
service due to DOT actions taken in response to this Open Skies
dispute will be made whole?
Mr. Edwards. Senator Cruz, thank you for that question, and
it is an imperative that these flights be returned to Texas.
When we are able to get the Mexican government back into
compliance, those flights will return and they will be flown by
an American carrier or by a Mexican carrier, but they will come
back.
Senator Cruz. Well, I would urge swiftness in resolving
this because I am certainly hearing from constituents who are
dismayed not to have direct flights to Mexico City.
Mr. Edwards. Completely understand, Senator.
Senator Cruz. Mr. McCormack, the Biden-Buttigieg DOT used
its time in office to advance its radical left-wing priorities
including by adding environmental justice and DEI requirements
to grant programs far beyond any statutory authority to do so.
For example, the DOT's massive multimodal project
discretionary grants evaluated whether projects address things
like, quote, ``housing cost burdens,'' whether the project will
reverse, quote, ``disadvantage'' by, quote, ``fighting climate
change,'' or whether the project includes, quote,
``comprehensive planning and policies to promote hiring of
underrepresented populations.''
Can you talk about how this administration has refocused
DOT to safety and, if confirmed, how you will continue to do
so?
Mr. McCormack. Happy to do so, Senator, and thank you for
that question.
To your exact point, the previous administration had
included in their grant agreements and Schedules H and I some
of this language or criteria that was debated in the Congress
for IIJA and left on the sidelines.
These are things that the Congress could not come agreement
to but at the previous administration within DOT they decided
to move those things forward anyway.
So what we have simply done since day one is to come in,
refocus the grant agreement process on the actual statutory
requirements that we are obligated to do, and make sure that
when we are speaking with applicants they have a better
understanding of what their obligations are with the
department, that we are simply looking for safety, not maybe
some of these extraneous factors that were being weighed by the
previous administration in deciding where dollars went.
Senator Cruz. Thank you.
Ranking Member Cantwell.
Senator Cantwell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. McCormack, in your testimony you said we needed to
improve transparency in the grant process. I have been
concerned there is not enough. Will you provide a complete list
of, roughly, 200 grants that are still under review by USDOT?
Mr. McCormack. Thank you for the question, Senator.
I know that I was working with your staff previous to this
hearing with a list of withdrawn and terminated grants that we
have provided. I know that we are working on what the rest of
that is, understanding that it is a deliberative process.
But even in the time since the minority staff interview
last week where we had around 200 or so, the department has
obligated another 89 of those grants, which we have done the
appropriate congressional notifications to authorizers and
appropriators.
So we are working our way through that process.
Senator Cantwell. So you will still--you will engage
senators before any kind of cancellation?
Mr. McCormack. We will follow all the appropriate
congressional notifications, Senator.
Senator Cantwell. The I-5 bridge--we had a chance to talk
about this. Obviously, bridge capacity is important to our
region because we move so much freight but it is also important
to the United States of America for our competitiveness and
national business groups like American Trucking Association.
Will you commit to keep working on this project and the
NEPA process to complete it on time?
Mr. McCormack. Yes, absolutely, Senator. Thank you for
that, and we will continue to work with you and your staff on
that specific issue. I understand from both the staff meeting
as well as our meeting yesterday how important it is to the
region.
I know it is a significant priority for Secretary Duffy to
continue to engage in that regard and that at Federal highways
as well as FTA there have been productive conversations with
staffers.
Senator Cantwell. Will you keep the Capital Investment
Grant Program pipeline until it can be rated by the Federal
Transit Administration?
Mr. McCormack. I would have to defer and work with the
Federal Transit Administration on that specific subject. As it
relates to IBR, I have not been involved in my current role but
would expect to take a more direct role if confirmed.
Senator Cantwell. OK.
Mr. Morse, the MWAA workforce is a big part of the job, 5.8
percent increase in the previous traffic year. They, MWAA
workers, struggle with the high cost of living in the greater
D.C. area and deserve wage increases and compensation.
If confirmed, would you support fair compensation for
airport concession and contract workers?
Mr. Morse. Well, thank you for your question, Senator.
I am very interested on the concession program of keeping
costs down for consumers that transit the airport. As you might
have experienced, when you go in and buy a water bottle for
about $10 it is a high cost and I just want to ensure that all
the concessions continue to keep costs down for consumers that
pass through that airport.
Senator Cantwell. What about the workers and their
compensation and----
Mr. Morse. I want to----
Senator Cantwell. Sorry, go ahead.
Mr. Morse. Thank you, Senator, for the question. I want to
make sure that they are paid accordingly, but at the end of the
day, I want to make sure that costs remain low for passengers
throughout those facilities.
Senator Cantwell. Will you commit to work with us? There is
a specific issue we did not get to finally address in the FAA
bill and that is the fact that ramp workers--and there is a
number of workers that work at airports that kind of fall in
between the airlines and the airports and thus do not have any
health insurance. Will you work with us to try to help resolve
this issue?
Mr. Morse. I will work with the Committee on these matters
if they are within the purview of MWAA.
Senator Cantwell. OK, thank you.
Mr. Edwards--well, you can be an example airport. If you
ask me, they are more important than the 1960s people movers.
It is more important to have safe and secure workers at the
airport, particularly when you want them to clean the planes
and you do not want people to be sick.
Mr. Edwards, what about the--you know, you and Senator Cruz
had a robust discussion. I am not going to leap into that.
You know, I might ask you for the record about what your
views on competition really are. You know, we sell airplanes in
the Northwest so we benefit whether they are bought--whoever
buys them we benefit. But we do--I agree with Senator Cruz--you
have to keep this competition and you have to keep a robust
environment where we are opening up markets and, hopefully,
encouraging more U.S. carriers to go to international
destinations.
But I wanted to ask you about ICAO. I know that Secretary
Duffy has been pushing back on ICAO as it relates to
decarbonization efforts. How are we going to keep the upper
hand at ICAO if we are stepping away from ICAO?
I mean, if you ask me, the United States needs to be more
full throated in setting the agenda and by that I mean on
safety standards that we believe should be around the world and
not shying away and stepping away and let China dominate or let
somebody else dominate on that front.
How do we--how do we solve that problem?
Mr. Edwards. Senator Cantwell, thank you for that question.
Thank you for broaching a topic I am very passionate about.
The ICAO assembly, as you know, occurs every 3 years and
during my time on the job I have made two separate visits to
Montreal to get a sense of what was going on on the ground
there.
We are 100 percent committed to taking a leadership role in
ICAO, we the United States. There is a critical piece related
to safety, as you mentioned.
There is international competition and any number of topics
where absent our presence and our leadership others will write
the playbook. So it is imperative that we have a strong
presence there.
Secretary Duffy has authorized me to add two additional
people to the staff in Montreal to strengthen DOT's presence
and to make sure that our agendas and our positions are widely
held.
There are any number of international topics that we do not
want led by China and Russia. So while we were at ICAO at the
most recent assembly, the biggest accomplishment that Secretary
Duffy led was the council vote.
So of 160-plus nations that voted on who was going to lead
ICAO in the council for the next 3 years, we came within six
votes of Russia making it on that council. So if you do that
math, like, we are within, you know, six votes of 50 percent of
the world thinking that Russia should be leading at ICAO and it
absolutely did not happen due to Secretary Duffy's effort and
the efforts----
Senator Cantwell. I am glad that you see the urgency of
this issue and that is why I think stepping away and losing the
ability to set standards and play a leadership role is so
critical.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Senator Cruz. Thank you.
Senator Fischer.
STATEMENT OF HON. DEB FISCHER,
U.S. SENATOR FROM NEBRASKA
Senator Fischer. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
My home state of Nebraska is home to seven communities that
are served by Essential Air Service. Rural communities rely
heavily on the Essential Air Service program to provide
connectivity and access to critical services.
In addition to providing these services, EAS also helps
these communities attract business and visitors driving our
local economies. I was very disappointed to see significant
funding cuts for EAS in DOT's budget proposal for Fiscal Year
2026.
Mr. McCormack and Mr. Edwards, will you both commit to
working with me to ensure that my Nebraska communities and the
rest of rural America are not harmed by reductions in EAS
funding?
Mr. McCormack. Thank you for that question, Senator, and I
would just simply add, one, of course, we would like to
continue working with you and your staff on that issue. EAS
funding is a priority of Secretary Duffy's.
When he was a Congressman he had two EAS airports in his
district, and I think that you have seen, as we have dealt with
this difficulty and lapse in appropriation, the department has
really been doing all that we possibly can in order to keep EAS
funded through this difficult time.
So, again, would love to continue working with you and your
staff on that vital issue.
Senator Fischer. Thank you. Mr. Edwards?
Mr. Edwards. Senator, you also have my commitment. EAS is a
critical program to our small and rural communities, and we
find ourselves in a situation that aviation is truly
gravitating toward large hubs and toward the coasts.
We need to ensure that there is opportunity for every
American to access commercial flights and get to where they
want to go. So not only do you have my commitment to support
it, but you have my commitment to make sure that those dollars
are executed much, much more efficiently.
Senator Fischer. Thank you. Another one of my communities
in my state alliance they filed a petition for reconsideration
on a recent EAS order.
As of today, Alliance Nebraska has still not received an
answer to that petition from DOD EAS office, and I know that my
staff has been in contact with DOT on the petition and I have
concerns about how Alliance has been treated throughout this
process.
Mr. McCormack, I would encourage you to ensure that
Alliance's petition is considered in a timely fashion.
Mr. Edwards, should you be confirmed, I would like you to
carefully consider that petition as well.
Mr. McCormack, Nebraskans want safe and reliable rail
service but Amtrak has not always been fiscally responsible nor
have they been cooperative with their state rail partners who
are operating profitable rail service across the network.
My legislation, the Amtrak Transparency Act, opens broad
meetings to state--board meetings to state partners and
requires disclosures of executive bonuses.
Mr. McCormack, as DOT Deputy Secretary how will you address
the concerns over Amtrak's fiscal responsibility and ensure
that they work well with their state rail partners?
Mr. McCormack. Thank you for that question, Senator, and I
cannot say that I have reviewed the legislation, though I am
aware of maybe companion legislation.
Senator Fischer. It is fabulous.
[Laughter.]
Mr. McCormack. I am sure it is.
And would love to work with you and your staff on any
technical assistance that may be required as part of that
process. Certainly, it makes sense to me that as--that Amtrak
would require transparency into the executive compensation.
Senator Fischer. And I am sure you are well aware of this
situation with the bonuses?
Mr. McCormack. Generally aware, yes, of that situation.
As you may know, the Secretary does have a designee to the
board. His designee today is Deputy Secretary Steven Bradbury,
and so I know that making sure that it is successful, making
sure it is cost effective is seriously a priority of the
Secretary's and would love to keep the conversation going with
you and your staff on your legislation.
Senator Fischer. Thank you very much.
Mr. Morse, Congress authorized the Metropolitan Washington
Airports Authority to operate and make decisions for both
Reagan National and Dulles airports.
When making any decision regarding one of the two airports,
the airport authority considers how that decision impacts the
other airport. I have heard that these decisions often benefit
Dulles at the expense of Reagan.
Do you think the different goals of each airport could be a
conflict of interest for the decisions made by the airport
authority that oversees both airports?
Mr. Morse. Thank you, Senator, for your question.
I do not believe it would be a conflict between the two
airports. I want to ensure that both airports continue to
remain a good choice, a competitive choice for the passengers
that use them and keep costs low between the two of them.
I think that we have got a great opportunity with Dulles.
It can be a transformative infrastructure project for this
country and make it a more competitive airport for a lot of the
users in this area.
Senator Fischer. Would you agree that DCA is effectively
subsidizing some of Dulles' operations?
Mr. Morse. I do not know if I would agree with that. I
would want to work with both airports to ensure that costs
remain low for the users that operate out of those two
facilities.
Senator Fischer. If confirmed, how are you going to make
sure that decisions of the airport authority benefit both the
airports and their passengers, and where do you see funding
coming from to be able to reach some of the goals that you have
expressed for Dulles?
Mr. Morse. Thank you for your question, Senator.
I think it is important to be creative with some of the
infrastructure projects that I am interested in seeing the
Board take up at Dulles International Airport.
Why have we not looked at public-private partnerships? If
you look at what have been very transformative projects at JFK
and LaGuardia in a record amount of time, that was because it
had the private industry and private sector involved. So I
would want to work to find out if we can do a public-private
partnership at that facility.
Senator Fischer. Thank you.
Earlier this year, this committee advanced my legislation,
which was the Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act.
That bill allows the FMCSA to impose civil penalties against
these unauthorized brokers.
While the legislation is primarily focused on the trucking
industry, I have increasingly heard from constituents across
all modes of transportation about the negative impacts of cargo
theft and we are seeing increasing acts that appear tied to
cartel activity and organized crime.
Mr. McCormack, should you be confirmed, I would like to see
DOT working across modes to address the ongoing increase in
cargo theft. Would you be open to that and do you believe that
that problem is increasing?
Mr. McCormack. Absolutely, Senator. Thank you for the
question.
I could not say whether it is increasing at this time but I
would say certainly it is a priority of Secretary Duffy's that
we engage with our interagency partners and provide what
expertise we can in order to reduce cargo theft.
I think what you have said, there seems to be significant
evidence that transnational criminal enterprises are at play in
that criminal activity and we want to make sure we do our part
to reduce it.
Senator Fischer. Thank you so much. Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
Senator Cruz. Thank you.
Senator Lujan.
STATEMENT OF HON. BEN RAY LUJAN,
U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW MEXICO
Senator Lujan. Senator Fischer, thank you for that last
question. I look forward to visiting more with you in this
space, an issue that there is a bipartisan group of members, as
you are aware, that have been raising this issue. So I would
love to follow up with the team.
Senator Fischer. Thank you.
Senator Lujan. Mr. Chairman, thank you for calling this
meeting. I have a simple yes or no question to each of the
panelists to start off with.
Mr. McCormack, will you agree to follow the law?
Mr. McCormack. Yes, Senator, absolutely.
Senator Lujan. Mr. Edwards, will you agree to follow the
law?
Mr. Edwards. Yes, Senator.
Senator Lujan. Mr. Morse, will you agree to follow the law?
Mr. Morse. Yes, Senator.
Senator Lujan. Mr. McCormack, yes or no, would you carry
out an illegal order?
Mr. McCormack. No, Senator. I would not.
Senator Lujan. Mr. Edwards, would you carry out an illegal
order, yes or no?
Mr. Edwards. No, Senator.
Senator Lujan. Mr. Morse, would you carry out an illegal
order, yes or no?
Mr. Morse. No, Senator.
Senator Lujan. I appreciate that.
Mr. McCormack, in your opening statement I appreciate you
saying that a priority is to, quote, ``put safety first in all
that we do.'' I applaud that and I appreciate that, sir.
As you may know, I worked with several of my Republican
colleagues, Rick Scott being a co-sponsor of something called
the Right Act and HALT Act. One of our colleagues on this
committee as well, Shelley Moore Capito, has been instrumental
in this legislation that was signed into law under President
Biden, Secretary Buttigieg.
I am very disappointed that under President Biden and
Secretary Buttigieg they did not finalize this law, this rule,
that, arguably, will save as many as 10,000 lives a year to
prevent drunk driving.
You may not know, sir, that I survived a drunk driving
crash in the early 1990s. I passed this bipartisan legislation
with the goal of saying, hey, this is bipartisan. Everyone is
working on it. We should be able to do this. Safety first.
I read recently that there is new technology in some of
these vehicles across the country that are called, quote,
``full self-driving,'' quote, ``eyes off,'' and even something
called, quote, ``Mad Max'' that is available in some vehicles
that lets--if you buy the subscription, if you sign onto it, it
lets you change lanes more aggressively.
All right. Yes, it is incredible. I hope we have a hearing
about that one.
Now, my question, Mr. McCormack, the United States
Department of Transportation is now approaching the second
congressional deadline for a final rule on November 15, just 10
days away.
Yes or no, will you pledge to dedicate the necessary time
and resources to complete NHTSA's rulemaking?
Mr. McCormack. Thank you for the question, Senator, and
absolutely I will follow the law. I know that there may be a
requirement related to that.
I would also be upfront in saying that due to the lapse in
appropriation, significant rulemaking activity of the
department has been hampered. But would love to work with NHTSA
on whatever may be required and dig into the details of your
legislation.
Senator Lujan. Sure. No one moved anything when the
government was open, man. Ten thousand lives. I am mindful when
I am in a hearing room and on the floor not to use language
that I use when I am on the small farm when I am home.
I will not do it here. I am tired of the excuses and all
the rest, man. We got to find a way to save people's lives and
I just hope we can get there. We need to work to get the
government to open up.
I completely agree we need to prevent people's health
insurance premiums from doubling. I hope we all agree on that
as well. But we got to save people's lives. I am hoping we can
do that.
My question to you, Mr. McCormack, is will you commit to
working with me, Senator Capito, Senator Scott, and others in
Congress, as well as the auto industry, the drunk driving
victims, survivors, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, to set us on
a path to eliminate drunk driving?
Mr. McCormack. Yes, absolutely, Senator. I would love to
work with you in your office on that. Like I said, highway
fatalities is something that I would love to see reduced at the
department.
Senator Lujan. Amen to that.
Mr. McCormack. Thirty percent of all highway fatalities are
related to drunk driving, as you said, and whatever we can do
within our authorities to push forward a workable solution we
should explore.
Senator Lujan. Amen to that. I appreciate that, sir.
Mr. Morse, I asked you earlier if you would carry out an
illegal order. Your response was no. During your time as Deputy
Director of the PPO did you personally write and send e-mails
to a number of inspector generals that, quote, ``due to
changing priorities,'' close quote, they were being, quote,
``terminated effectively immediately?'' Yes or no?
Mr. Morse. Yes, I did send that e-mail.
Senator Lujan. Mr. Morse, yes or no, are you aware that the
Inspector General Act requires any president removing an
inspector general shall communicate in writing the substantive
rationale not later than 30 days before the removal or
transfer?
Mr. Morse. On that question--and thank you, Senator, for
that question--I would have to refer you to the Department of
Justice, which has ongoing litigation on that matter.
Senator Lujan. Is that the law today?
Mr. Morse. I am sorry?
Senator Lujan. Is the Inspector General Act the law today?
Mr. Morse. I would have to defer you to the Department of
Justice on that particular matter. That is subject to
litigation.
Senator Lujan. I will move on.
Mr. Morse. I cannot comment on that.
Senator Lujan. You could.
Mr. Morse, yes or no, did the President provide the
required 30-day notice prior to your e-mails firing the
inspector generals or is that subject to the law----
Mr. Morse. I would have to defer you to the Department of
Justice and White House Counsel on that matter.
Senator Lujan. So you do not know if he did or did not or
is that--there is a question if he did or did not?
Mr. Morse. I would have to refer you to the White House on
that.
Senator Lujan. All right.
Mr. Morse, yes or no, did the White House conduct any kind
of legal analysis to double check the law before sending these
notices?
Mr. Morse. I would have to refer you to the White House on
that matter, Senator. Thank you for your question.
Senator Lujan. Is this how you are going to conduct your
responsibilities if you are confirmed?
Mr. Morse. Senator, thank you for that. I look forward to
working with you if I have the opportunity to be confirmed at
the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
Senator Lujan. I appreciate that. At least you did not have
to reference some lawsuit on that one, man.
Mr. Morse, I do not have any more questions for you.
Mr. McCormack, one of the areas that I hope that we can
find some agreement, there is a lot of us that ride bicycles. I
appreciate the family being here today. I am assuming you want
your children to have a safe place to ride bicycles?
Mr. McCormack. Absolutely, Senator.
Senator Lujan. Yes. There were some grants canceled. I
mean, the Chair asked a couple questions about these, but
grants in different parts of the country to expand bike lanes.
You are responsible for canceling some of those, correct?
Mr. McCormack. I would not say that. No, Senator, I dispute
that characterization of it. I think that if the------
Senator Lujan. What are you responsible in doing that
ultimately led to the cancellation of those?
Mr. McCormack. What am I responsible in doing, Senator?
Senator Lujan. What did you do?
Mr. McCormack. Well, again, Senator, I am Deputy Chief of
Staff of the department. There are significant priorities that
I pursue on behalf of the department. As I explained during my
minority staff interview, you know, we have taken a stance in
the Department.
We are trying to emphasize where we can vehicular traffic,
making sure that we are not constraining vehicular or motorist
capacity in order to add on bicycle lanes. So, really, it is
not in opposition to bike or pedestrian infrastructure. I would
say that the Department supports all means of transportation.
Senator Lujan. I appreciate that.
Mr. McCormack. But, again, when it comes to constraining
other capacity in order to enable that, we would prefer----
Senator Lujan. I appreciate that. Your response to Senator
Cruz about the DEI and all the rest is that the previous
administration carried out a responsibility or carried
something out that Congress was silent on and that it was
important for the Trump administration, Secretary Duffy and
yourself to respond to that. Is that a fair characterization of
your response to Senator Cruz?
Mr. McCormack. My characterization was we wanted to return
to the statutory intent of the program.
Senator Lujan. I appreciate that. My question is just to
remind you, when you were asked about the shift you stated that
previous administration's focus on bike paths and transit
inadvertently restrictive was possible when it came to family
size.
Can you provide me with the data that your team used to
determine that bike paths inadvertently restrict family size?
Mr. McCormack. I think that what you are referring to is a
quote I have in the New York Times in June.
Senator Lujan. Yes, I will follow up--I will follow up in
writing there.
I am just hoping that we can find a way to do this. The DEI
and all the rest is, you know, acronyms and all the rest--I
will close up here, Mr. Chairman.
Finding safe pathways for families to get to school
probably promotes greater family size. It promotes safer places
for people to get to commute. That is not partisan, and I hope
that in some of these conversations that we just find a better
way to get to these places is all that I am asking.
You know, good luck to all of you. I pray for you. I hope
we can all do better in this country including myself, and
thanks for letting me go over quite a bit, Mr. Chairman. I
appreciate that.
Senator Cruz. Thank you, Senator Lujan.
Senator Moreno.
STATEMENT OF HON. BERNIE MORENO,
U.S. SENATOR FROM OHIO
Senator Moreno. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. McCormack, you said something at the beginning that I
just want to probe on. I think it is important for my Democrat
colleagues to hear this.
You prioritize vehicle safety. Is that accurate? Would you
say that--look, you are Northstar, you got to make cars safer.
Is that true?
Mr. McCormack. Absolutely, Senator.
Senator Moreno. All right. And, obviously, there is vehicle
affordability. Let us put that over here for a second. Senator
Lujan mentioned different autonomous vehicle levels.
There is zero, which means the car basically is old school,
no assistance, level one, level two, level three, level four,
level five, no steering wheel. You jump in a car and off it
goes.
Are you aware of how many vehicles had level one or higher
autonomous technology back in 2012? I do not expect you to know
so I am going to give you the answer. Three models, so one,
two, three cars featured it as optional equipment.
Why do I point out 2012 model year cars? Like, who cares?
That is the average age of the car today in America. That means
half the cars on the road are older than 2012.
Since 2012, 16 million vehicles have been made with more
than level one autonomy. So how is affordability and safety
tying together? You make cars more expensive, people will keep
their cars longer. Is that accurate?
Mr. McCormack. That is what we have seen, Senator.
Certainly, there have been--the age of a car has been pushed
back in America. Some of the features that have been added
certainly do add to the cost of the vehicle.
Senator Moreno. And people do not have unlimited budgets
when they come buy a car, right? They do not just go in and
say, I will take every option. Would you agree?
Mr. McCormack. I do agree with that.
Senator Moreno. Would it surprise you that I got the VIN
numbers of every one of my Democrat colleagues' vehicles and
found that none of them bought any of the additional safety
technologies on their cars?
Mr. McCormack. I did not know that, Senator.
Senator Moreno. So when you are actually shopping for a car
with your own money, you do not buy the technology. But we are
sitting here saying that this should be mandated for everybody
else's cars, and what has been the result?
We drove up the price of cars. Almost doubled in the last
10 years. Car prices have doubled in the last 10 years. That is
why cars are now 13 years old and why the fleet is less safe.
Think about that.
Now, back in 2012 the average miles per gallon on a car was
24 miles per gallon. Is that good or bad?
Mr. McCormack. It is the number, Senator.
Senator Moreno. It has been--meaning it is not great.
Mr. McCormack. Right.
Senator Moreno. So you want to make cars more efficient
because you also care about the planet. You would say, well,
let us have cars be newer. That means more affordable cars.
So here is my main question to you, Mr. McCormack. Are you
committed to making cars more affordable so that the fleet is
younger and it is safer?
Mr. McCormack. Absolutely, Senator. Thank you for that
question. I think that you have highlighted this irony, right,
that as--we add some of these features to vehicles they bring
the price higher and make them inaccessible to most people and,
frankly, you know, it is not doing anybody a lot of good if
they cannot buy that vehicle. The average price of a vehicle is
$55,000 today. The average age of a used vehicle is 13 years,
as you said.
Senator Moreno. And all these technologies are even
inaccessible to United States senators because when they go buy
a car they do not have--they choose not to get these extra
features that can cost thousands and thousands of dollars.
And to a working class American, would you agree that the
Northstar should be, like, if we can get a $25,000 car on the
road that that would actually help make that happen?
Mr. McCormack. A $25,000 new vehicle would be great,
Senator.
Senator Moreno. How is that possible when you are forcing
car companies to put an impairment detection device in a car
that would cost thousands of dollars?
Mr. McCormack. It would----
Senator Moreno. That, by the way, has a failure rate that
is significantly high. That does not mean that you encourage
drunk driving. It means that you have a thought process that
says, I cannot force a technology that is going to cost
thousands of dollars in a car that is going to prevent people
from being able to afford cars.
Because these technologies typically become available on
very expensive automobiles because those customers there is a
lot more price elasticity. Would you agree?
Mr. McCormack. It does make sense to me, Senator.
Senator Moreno. Let us talk about EVs, AVs. Last 4 years we
had a reign of terror on electric vehicles.
None of my Democrat colleagues have been able to answer the
question for me as to why they voted to give millionaires who
are leasing luxury electric vehicles $7,500 of government
money. Sort of process that.
Mr. McCormack, I ask you--you are a policy guy. Is that
good public policy that a very wealthy person should be able to
lease an electric Rolls Royce and have the Federal Government
give them $7,500?
Mr. McCormack. It seems like people who have significant
resources probably should not receive a government benefit.
Senator Moreno. Should not? I would say no. I would say
zero. But yet we did that. I just do not understand why. I do
not understand the rationale behind that.
Mr. Edwards, I will shift to you. How stressful is it to be
an air traffic controller?
Mr. Edwards. Senator, thanks for that question. I do not
have any personal experience doing that. That is a highly
critical safety function----
Senator Moreno. But you have been around--you have been
around a lot.
Mr. Edwards.--and I have been around aviation a long time.
Yes, that is a stressful----
Senator Moreno. So for those of us who have maybe attention
issues, if you are sitting in a dark room in front of a
computer and you have got to be totally laser focused because
if you do not, you make a mistake you are going to have people
die. That is a stressful job in and of itself.
What does it feel like to an air traffic controller who has
not gotten paid in over a month?
Mr. Edwards. Senator, I would say that would be very
difficult for anyone who has not been paid in a month. But it
still----
Senator Moreno. You lose focus for a second, right--you
lose focus for a second because maybe your wife sent you a text
message saying, hey, we cannot pay for our daughter's dance
recital because we did not get a paycheck--can you tell her,
what fills up in your brain?
Mr. Edwards. It just--not the job at hand. So, Senator, it
is very critical that an air traffic controller is able to
remain focused.
Senator Moreno. So the pleading--to my Democrat colleagues,
can five of you find the humanity to reopen the government and
allow these people to get paid? Everybody around here, back
here, is not getting paid either.
I do not know how you walk by your staffs knowing that you
are responsible for any of them not getting a paycheck in a
month. We can argue about policy but where is the humanity in
that?
And a last question--I know over time--I will punt it to
you, Mr. Morse. Is there a worse designed airport than Dulles?
Was it designed by some psychotic lunatic who hated people?
Mr. Morse. Senator, I would have to agree with that. I
think it is probably the worst designed airport in the country.
Senator Moreno. Thank you.
Mr. Morse. Thank you.
Senator Cruz. Do either of you have the name of this
psychotic lunatic?
[Laughter.]
Senator Cruz. Senator Duckworth.
STATEMENT OF HON. TAMMY DUCKWORTH,
U.S. SENATOR FROM ILLINOIS
Senator Duckworth. So I am going to avoid the partisan
baiting and instead compliment our Chairman for how well he
worked with the Ranking Member last year when we in this
committee near unanimously passed the FAA Reauthorization Act
and what it has done for this country.
My question line is for Mr. McCormack. In the first half of
this year alone airlines reported mishandling over 4,600
wheelchairs and scooters, and I have said it time and again,
even before I passed legislation requiring such reporting in
2018, that damaging or breaking someone's wheelchair is like
breaking their legs.
When you break my wheelchair on a flight and you give me a
substitute airline wheelchair, you have taken away my legs. I
cannot push that airline wheelchair by myself. Someone has to
push me into the bathroom. If they do not put me in the right
place I cannot get to the toilet. I cannot do anything.
So imagine if we broke over 1 percent of airline
passengers' legs on an annual basis. It would rightfully be a
national scandal and, yet, it is not when it comes to medical
devices. It would dominate headlines across the country because
such negligence would be outrageous and inexcusable.
And yet, for wheelchair users such a nightmare scenario is
not some outlandish hypothetical. It is our reality. It is a
credible fear we confront every damn time we fly.
Airlines have had decades to get their act together and
they failed to change. That is why those of us in the
disability community celebrated the promulgation last year of
the groundbreaking and long overdue wheelchair rule.
This rule implements critical provisions under the
bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act that our Chairman was part
of the team that led that effort in 2024 to help ensure
passengers who use wheelchairs can travel safely and with
dignity.
This rulemaking represented the U.S. Government finally
taking meaningful action to tell the airlines enough is enough
and that is why I am really angry that President Trump and
Secretary Duffy allowed the airlines to bully them into
submission and retreat on enforcing the wheelchair rule.
Look, I get why no air carrier wants to be held accountable
for mishandling wheelchairs or forced to invest in regular
training for their employees, or customers who are empowered to
book or rebook flights on aircraft that can accommodate their
wheelchairs.
I understand why airlines would not want any of that to
happen and airlines are doing what they have done for decades.
What is inexcusable is the Trump administration's weakness
and Secretary Duffy's apparently willingness to let corporate
lobbyists rewrite the wheelchair rule to their liking.
Mr. McCormack, you have been serving as Deputy Chief of
Staff with oversight over the department's policy, a
responsibility that you will continue to have if confirmed as
undersecretary.
Yes or no, did you meet with passengers who use wheelchairs
and other assistive devices to hear firsthand the horrors they
have had to deal with when airlines effectively broke their
legs and then dragged their feet on paying for timely repairs
of those devices?
Mr. McCormack. Thank you for the question, Senator.
I have not met with any of the disability rights advocates
but I have had meetings within the Department. No one has ever
reached out to me for a meeting along those lines and I----
Senator Duckworth. No one has--nobody has reached out to
you? OK.
Mr. McCormack. That is a fact.
Senator Duckworth. Let me ask you this. Did you speak with
any airline lobbyists prior to Secretary Duffy's decision to
wave the white flag when it came to defending and enforcing the
2024 wheelchair rule?
Mr. McCormack. Senator, I have never----
Senator Duckworth. Have you met with any airline----
Mr. McCormack. I have never met with any airlines on any
aviation consumer protection issues.
Senator Duckworth. So you have not met with any airline
lobbyists on this rule?
Mr. McCormack. That is correct.
Senator Duckworth. Very interesting. So you--the Trump
administration claims to operate from a position of strength
and yet, Secretary Duffy is letting the airlines bully him into
submission when it comes to defending the civil rights and
dignity of passengers with wheelchairs.
Passengers with disabilities cannot afford for the Trump
administration to screw them over by wasting precious time in
refusing to defend and enforce the 2024 rule and, even worse,
rewriting it.
So if you have not met with any of the airline lobbyists
and you have not met with any people with disabilities, why did
you choose to suspend this rule?
Mr. McCormack. Again, Senator--and thank you for the
ability to clarify that--I mean, I have not--again, I have not
worked on any of the aviation consumer protection issues. I am
not in charge of all policy at the department.
If confirmed, that would be a significant part of my role.
It is not in my role as Deputy Chief of Staff. And so, again,
it did come up in the minority staff interview that this is
significant concern of the Committee staff as well as members
of the Committee. But it has not been part of my job to date.
Senator Duckworth. So you had nothing to do with it but you
will have something to do with it in the future should you be
confirmed? Is that your position?
Mr. McCormack. Should I be confirmed, I would have more
ability in the rulemaking space. I have not had any firsthand
implications on this.
Senator Duckworth. Should you be confirmed will you meet
with me? Will you meet with disability advocates and will you
meet with everyday ordinary Americans who use assistive devices
when they are traveling?
Mr. McCormack. Senator, I would love to work with you and
your staff on the specific issue. As I mentioned, I know that
people in the Department have been meeting with disability
rights advocates as they have reached out for----
Senator Duckworth. OK, you are not answering my question.
Will you meet with me? Will you--and I will bring disability
advocates and I will bring people in wheelchairs to come talk
to you. Will you meet with us to talk about this rule?
Mr. McCormack. Yes, happy to. Happy to.
Senator Duckworth. All right. Thank you. Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
Senator Cruz. Thank you.
Senator Blackburn.
Senator Blackburn. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. McCormack, I want to come to you. You know, we are
working on a surface transportation reauthorization here and
this is something that we in Tennessee really look at as
important to economic security, national security, and getting
some much-needed certainty on infrastructure projects.
We are a growing state, and the traffic around Nashville,
Knoxville, and Chattanooga shows you how much we are growing
and so I am looking at things like the formula grants that
should be going to high growth areas like Tennessee.
We are also looking at some cargo theft issues that are out
there and, of course, innovation, which is a priority for us
and with AI that innovation is going to be important. We are a
logistics state.
So I would love to hear what your priorities are?
Mr. McCormack. Thank you for that question, Senator.
Absolutely it is a priority of Secretary Duffy's and the
Department to make sure that we are building infrastructure in
growing areas.
This is infrastructure that we want to stand the test of
time, you know, exists for 100 years, you know, effectively. We
want to make sure that we are--where we are going to put
Federal resources we are going to do it in states like
Tennessee that are growing, that they have needs that we can
meet with Federal resources. So absolutely we want to build
there.
Senator Blackburn. That sounds great. One thing, I know
that DOT has an advisory committee on human trafficking and
they did a 2024 report and emphasized how the victims of
commercial sex trafficking and forced labor are exploited
across all modes of transportation.
This is how they are being moved across our country. It is
hundreds of billions of dollars in illicit profits that are
made every single year trafficking human beings. Many of these
are women and children and it is heartbreaking.
And so I have the TRAFFIC Act and the TRAFFIC Act would
ensure that individuals that are convicted of these human
trafficking crimes are prohibited permanently from getting any
type of professional transportation license by DOT and DHS, and
I would like to hear from you how you are going to work with us
as we look to combat this human trafficking that is using our
roads, our rails, our rivers, our runways to transport these
individuals?
Mr. McCormack. Yes. Thank you, Senator, and thank you for
your work on that important issue.
I would, of course, love to work with you and your staff on
that, any technical assistance that we can provide. I would
just also say the Department does have programs related to
human trafficking.
We have an office that is geared to combat that illicit
activity, whether it is raising awareness on certain
transportation systems or providing some money in order to,
again, raise awareness.
It is part of an interdepartmental effort to, again,
eradicate the scourge of human trafficking.
Senator Blackburn. Yes.
Mr. Morse, let me come to you. Sounds like you took a
little heat earlier in the hearing but, you know, I think
sometimes TDS comes out in full display by some of our friends.
But I would like for you to talk a little bit about some of
the real issues that are affecting the aviation sector and also
the metro airports and that authority, and I do think that the
airports around the Nation's capital have some unique issues.
I think there was concern yesterday with the bomb threat at
DCA, and we are looking at America 250, one of the reasons we
need to get this government back open and get people paid and
back to work.
So there will be a bucket of issues that are going to be
facing our airports as we move toward the 250 celebration and
so touch on those specifically for the DCA and Dulles area, and
I am certain some of those are repeated across the country?
Mr. Morse. Thank you, Senator, for your question.
I would like to comment first on your first comment, which
is that I was very proud to be a part of the Trump
administration and help hire over 3,200 people across the
government. I think we broke every record at day 100, day 200,
and the amount of people that have been confirmed by this body.
So I am very appreciative for all the senators that--you
know, their hard work to support the President's agenda.
As far as the 250 celebration, I think I would also add to
that the World Cup and the Olympics. Even though it is not
directly within the D.C. Metropolitan Washington Airport
Authority for the World Cup and the Olympics, there could still
be a lot of connecting traffic that comes through those
facilities.
And I just want to assure you that I will work diligently
with the rest of the board to make sure that, number one,
safety is paramount but also that we have the facilities to be
able to handle the amount of traffic and I think we have seen
some improvements at DCA, and just like I mentioned before, I
am dedicated to working on improvements at Dulles to handle an
influx of inbound and outbound travelers.
Senator Blackburn. Well, and Senator Moreno is trying to
get the Grand Prix here in Washington, D.C., so that would add
another event to your list.
Mr. Morse. I am not aware of that, but I fully support
that. I think that is a great idea.
Senator Blackburn. He is all over it. Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
Senator Cruz. Thank you.
Senator Rosen.
STATEMENT OF HON. JACKY ROSEN,
U.S. SENATOR FROM NEVADA
Senator Rosen. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I would like to
ask unanimous consent for something to be submitted to the
record because I would like to ask for Senator Moreno to submit
to the Committee how he obtained our personal VIN numbers, what
he plans to do with them, and it appears to be a clear
overreach and violation of our privacy and not accurate as to
what he said, especially about--I can talk about my own
vehicles.
And so I am asking for unanimous consent to find out what
he is trying to find out about my automobile ownership?
Senator Moreno. VIN numbers are displayed on the windshield
of the car.
Senator Rosen. So you--I am not going to get back and forth
and use my time so you--you went into my garage----
Senator Moreno. No.
Senator Rosen.--in Las Vegas to find the VIN number on my
car.
Senator Moreno. You have a car that you drive here or do
you walk?
Senator Rosen. Mr. Chairman, I will talk to you after but I
do not have a car that I drive here, sir.
Senator Moreno. Do you drive in a car here?
Senator Rosen. That is my staff's car, not mine.
Senator Moreno. So you are not concerned about your staff's
safety?
Senator Rosen. I am not going to go back and forth with
you. I am just telling you that I am asking unanimous consent
that you submit to this committee what VIN numbers you have,
whose privacy you violated, and what you plan to do with it?
[The information referred to is not released to the
public.]
Senator Rosen. That is all. I would like to move on to
international tourism now.
Mr. McCormack, international visitors play a vital role in
Nevada's economy, particularly in Las Vegas where global
tourism directly supports tens of thousands of jobs across
hospitality, entertainment, and related industries.
However, recent challenges include visa processing delays,
custom staffing shortages, and limited promotion of the United
States as a travel destination hindered growth in this sector.
If confirmed, what specific steps will you take to
strengthen international tourism to U.S. destinations like
Nevada? Ensure that the department's policies actively support
states that rely heavily on tourism, and how will you measure
the economic impact of such efforts?
Mr. McCormack. Thank you for the question, Senator.
Again, we are engaged in the department on--related to the
international events that have come up earlier--the World Cup,
FIFA, the Olympics.
Senator Rosen. Do you have specific thoughts how you might
streamline the visa and customs process so that we can put on
all these international events?
Mr. McCormack. Again, I am focused on the authorities
within the Department of Transportation. Visa authorities are
not in the Department of Transportation.
Senator Rosen. Let me move on to Mr. Edwards then.
I understand that in addition to your nomination to serve
as Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs
you are currently serving as the Associate Administrator for
the FAA's Office of Airports.
That experience gives you a unique perspective on the
infrastructure needs facing our Nation's airports. So I want to
emphasize how important timely infrastructure investment is for
states like Nevada.
Projects such as the MoreRNO modernization at Reno Tahoe
International are essential to expanding our capacity,
improving passenger experience, and supporting our state's
growing tourism and business travel economy.
However, airports can only move forward if Federal funds,
particularly airport improvement program dollars, well, that
they are delivered on time because there is contracts and there
is commitments, right?
If we have delays in those fundings and going slow out the
door can slow construction. It raises costs. It holds back our
economic growth.
So, Mr. Edwards, given your dual experience at the FAA and
within the Department will you commit to ensuring that critical
airport infrastructure funds that impact all of us in
particularly huge amounts onto our economy every single day
that they are distributed on time and the Department of
Transportation continues to support airports like Reno Tahoe in
advancing major modernization projects without unnecessary
delays?
Mr. Edwards. Thank you, Senator Rosen, for that question
and pointing out the importance of those AIP funds.
Absolutely, you have my commitment. That is part of the
mandate of the airports office, which I joined about three
weeks ago, and I cannot take credit for it but those that were
working the last rounds of grants did an amazing job at getting
a huge number of them out in a very short period of time.
If I am remembering the data I have seen recently is that a
lot of those grant dollars were not appropriated until May so
it was a huge push to get them out and get them out quickly. So
short answer now, yes, you have my commitment. I am happy to
work with you.
Senator Rosen. Airports are critical to our economy so
modernizing, moving all of this forward, really makes a huge
difference to our economic growth.
I am going to stick with you for a minute and talk about
multimodal transportation because as the entertainment tourism
capital of the world, Las Vegas economy depends on reliable
connectivity, not just for air travel but also via ground
transport that moves visitors efficiently from airports to
hotels, convention centers, and entertainment venues.
So, Mr. Edwards, as you know, congestion, limited transit
options, and infrastructure bottlenecks can directly impact the
visitor experience and ultimately our state's growth, every
state's growth.
If confirmed, how would your office ensure that Federal
transportation and aviation policies support coordinated
multimodal infrastructure planning that enhances connectivity
for travelers, it strengthens the tourism economy, and
maximizes the return on Federal investments for states like
Nevada?
Mr. Edwards. Senator Rosen, thank you for bringing that
topic up.
Admittedly, today I will not purport to be a subject matter
expert on multimodal transportation given my aviation focus.
However, I recognize the point that you are making is very
significant, especially with the upcoming USA 250, the World
Cup, LA28, and then sprinkle in there the--you know, the
upcoming advanced air mobility modes that are going to be added
to our infrastructure.
So I think thinking holistically about that is exactly what
needs to be done, obviously with safety in mind. We have to
figure out how to insert all these new opportunities to move
people with eVTOLs and electric aircraft and move them in and
out of airports and connect them to multimodal transportation
hubs.
Senator Rosen. Because moving people--we get them to the
airport but we want them to come back. But in between they need
to go somewhere to work or go on vacation, do whatever business
they have. It is important that all of that is coordinated.
So I thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Edwards. Thank you, Senator.
Senator Cruz. Thank you. Senator Moreno has asked for a
moment.
Senator Moreno. I just need--a real quick question for Mr.
Edwards.
But before I do, as somebody who has been here 10 months I
think what we just saw was exactly classic Washington, D.C.
In other words, the car that I drive should be safe. The
car that my staff drives, who cares about them? I get a
paycheck.
Senator Rosen. I object to you stalking my car and my staff
to find the VIN numbers to present to this committee. Why are
you doing there? What are you going to do with them?
It is an invasion of our privacy. If you came and asked me
for my VIN I will tell you what I have in my car.
Senator Moreno. It is on the--it is on the--it is visible
from the outside of the car.
Senator Rosen. So you went and followed me.
Senator Moreno. Mr. Chairman, is this my time or should I--
--
Senator Rosen. You went and followed me to see who drives
me and write down their VIN number.
Senator Moreno. Can I reclaim my time here?
Senator Rosen. You interrupted me. You are attacking me.
You watched me go to see who drives me, writing down their VIN
number so you could find out what they have. That seems a
little creepy. That seems a little creepy.
Senator Moreno. No, just to expose the hypocrisy. Much
like, for example, the fact that you----
Senator Rosen. Expose the hypocrisy? Come and ask me about
my car?
Senator Moreno.--that you get paid--you get a paycheck but
you walk by--you get a paycheck.
Senator Rosen. I am donating my paycheck, sir, and I am--
would happily be on legislation not to give back.
Senator Moreno. How about your staff? What do you say to
them? What do you say to the staff? What do you say to the TSA
workers?
What do you say to the air traffic controllers? What do you
say to the military? What do you say to the Capitol police?
Senator Rosen. I am saying to you is this is a Republican
shut down, my friend. You are in control of the White House,
you are in control of the House and you are in control of the
Senate.
Senator Moreno. Does it take 60 votes? Does it take 60
votes?
Senator Rosen. And if you went home to a food bank instead
of going to Mar-a-Lago----
Senator Moreno. Does it take 60 votes?
Senator Rosen.--to eat at a gold-plated dinner while people
are starving you might see and hear your constituents, sir.
Senator Moreno. Does it take 60? Does it----
Senator Rosen. You are blind to the suffering of your
people.
Senator Moreno. Does it take 60 votes? Does it take 60
votes?
Senator Rosen. It takes you listening and coming to the
table to have a discussion.
Senator Moreno. It does take 60 votes.
Senator Rosen. If you want to have this come talk to me in
private, sir.
Senator Moreno. So it does take 60 votes, for the record,
just so that we are clear on the reporting so there is no
misinformation. It does take 60.
Back to you, Mr. Edwards. A question about airports. In
Cleveland we have an airport called Burke Lakefront Airport.
Some people in the community say that the airport is not
necessary and they might have a plan.
The city and the county might have a plan in which they
would request that you take a look at closing that airport for
redevelopment.
I am not asking you to opine on that. My question to you is
would you be willing to work with me and the local officials,
assuming they have a good, strong plan, to get that airport
repurposed? Are you willing to have that conversation, come to
Ohio, meet with the stakeholders?
Mr. Edwards. Senator, yes, I am. When the time is
appropriate and the appropriate plans are made, I am happy to
support the effort.
Senator Moreno. And a last question and I promise, Mr.
Chairman, I am done.
Mr. Morse, would it surprise you that when some of these
nominees walk into our Democrat colleagues' office they say, we
like you, you are hyper-qualified, you do a good job, you
strike me as a good person but I cannot vote for you because we
have decided we are going to fight President Trump?
Mr. Morse. Yes, that is if they grant a meeting, which is
already hard enough to get.
Senator Moreno. So do not even meet and just an automatic
reflective no. You have to go through this charade.
Mr. Chairman, I hope that we get to a point where the
hypocrisy leaves D.C., but I think a pink unicorn may fly
through the room before that happens.
Senator Cruz. Well, if Senator Moreno would be open,
perhaps, to a couple of questions just to clarify the record
because we had a bit of Washington play acting just a moment
ago.
Senator Moreno, is it accurate that you and virtually every
other Republican have voted 14 times to reopen the government?
Senator Moreno. We voted 14 times to end debate so that we
could actually vote to open the government, yes.
Senator Cruz. And is it accurate that Senator Rosen and
virtually every other Democrat has voted 14 times to keep the
government closed?
Senator Moreno. Yes. Her colleague from Nevada has bravely
fought Chuck Schumer and has voted to open the government, so
has John Fetterman and Angus King from Maine. So I applaud
three Democrats for actually having the decency, the humanity,
to be able to pay government workers, pay our military, provide
Head Start, provide SNAP benefits.
Senator Cruz. And is it accurate that Democrat Senator John
Fetterman has repeatedly said this is a Democrat shutdown
caused by Chuck Schumer and the Democrats?
Senator Moreno. Yes, and I find it ironic that my Democrat
colleagues will go to lobbyist dinners tonight which they get
fed steak while people and their own constituents in their own
states will not know where to get money to buy their groceries
or in the case of SNAP recipients not be able to buy basic
goods.
Senator Cruz. Is it also accurate that during the Biden
presidency 13 times Republicans worked with Democrats to pass a
clean continuing resolution?
Senator Moreno. You would know better, Chairman, but I do
not think there has ever been a time in U.S. history where a
clean continuing resolution has been voted down by either
party.
Senator Cruz. And is it accurate as well that CNN has fact-
checked multiple Democrats who have insisted this is not a
clean CR and CNN--sometimes called the Clinton News Network,
sometimes called the Communist News Network--has fact-checked
the Democrats and said, no, this is in fact a clean CR that
your party is voting against?
Senator Moreno. Yes, although I do wonder whether they have
actually read the legislation because that evidently is
something that is optional.
But I would assume if they have read it or took the time to
read it, they would realize it is their budget that they passed
and they are blocking this through a procedural technicality
that prohibits us from actually taking a vote to reopen the
government.
Senator Cruz. The record will reflect that every one of the
questions we just engaged in is objectively true and it says
something that not a single Democrat is here to contest it,
that their approach to this is instead to scream and yell while
consistently voting to keep the government shut down and to
deny pay to thousands of Federal workers including within this
committee's jurisdiction some 50,000 TSA agents who are going
to work right now.
They missed their last paycheck. They are not being paid,
including some 14,000 air traffic controllers who are going to
work right now. They are not being paid, and the consequence we
are seeing delays at airports all across the country.
We are seeing thousands of delays. We are seeing thousands
of flight cancellations. We are seeing ground stops in major
airports, and I would note one senior Democrat aide told
Politico this shutdown will continue until planes start falling
from the sky.
For a committee with jurisdiction over aviation safety that
is a horrifying statement and, yet, for our Democrat colleagues
apparently they agree with those sentiments.
I have 28 letters of support from various organizations for
the nominations of Mr. McCormack, Mr. Edwards, and Mr. Morse. I
ask unanimous consent that these letters be inserted into the
hearing record.
Without objection, so ordered.
[The information referred to follows:]
NBAA
Washington, DC, October 29, 2025
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman, Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member, Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell,
On behalf of the National Business Aviation Association and our
11,000 members, I am pleased to express our strong support for the
nomination of Mr. Dan Edwards to serve as the Assistant Secretary for
Aviation and International Affairs at the U.S. Department of
Transportation.
Mr. Edwards is an accomplished aviation professional whose deep
understanding of both domestic and international aviation issues
uniquely qualifies him for this critical role. Throughout his
distinguished career as a pilot for the USAF, CEO of a MRO, and
business leadership positions, he has demonstrated a steadfast
commitment to advancing safety, efficiency, and innovation in the
national airspace system. His broad experience, spanning government
service, policy development, and industry collaboration, reflects a
valued combination of technical insight and diplomatic skill.
As the Department continues to guide the integration of emerging
technologies, strengthen global aviation partnerships, and support the
diverse network of airports and operators that connect communities
across the country and around the world, Mr. Edwards' leadership will
be instrumental. He is widely respected for his balanced approach, his
commitment to collaboration, and his ability to build consensus among
stakeholders with differing perspectives.
The business aviation community looks forward to working with Mr.
Edwards to ensure that U.S. aviation remains a global leader in safety,
access, and innovation. We urge the Committee to act favorably and
expeditiously on his nomination.
Sincerely,
Ed Bolen,
President and CEO,
National Business Aviation Association.
______
NBAA
Washington, DC, November 4, 2025
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman, Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member, Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell,
On behalf of the National Business Aviation Association and our
11,000 members, I am writing to express our strong support for the
nomination of Mr. Ryan McCormack to serve as the Under Secretary of
Transportation for Policy at the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Mr. McCormack brings an uncommon blend of policy acumen,
operational insight, and a results-driven approach to public service.
His years of experience shaping transportation initiatives have been
marked by an ability to bridge perspectives, modernize frameworks, and
advance policies that keep our Nation's transportation system both safe
and globally competitive.
He has demonstrated a deep appreciation for the role that aviation,
and business aviation in particular, plays in connecting communities,
sustaining jobs, and driving innovation. Mr. McCormack's pragmatic
leadership style, coupled with his commitment to collaboration, ensures
that stakeholders across the transportation spectrum are heard and that
policy decisions are grounded in both data and real-world experience.
Further, Mr. McCormack's longstanding professional relationship
with Secretary Duffy will serve the Department and the public
exceptionally well. Having worked together in multiple settings, the
two share a strong foundation of trust, accountability, and shared
purpose. Mr. McCormack's deep understanding of how to bridge
congressional priorities with regulatory execution will enable him to
translate policy goals into practical, well-coordinated outcomes. That
unique perspective will be invaluable in advancing the Department's
mission with clarity and cohesion.
As the Department confronts rapid technological change, evolving
workforce needs, and an increasingly complex infrastructure
environment, Mr. McCormack's steady judgment and policy expertise will
be invaluable. NBAA is confident that, under his leadership, the Office
of the Under Secretary for Policy will continue to advance solutions
that strengthen America's mobility and competitiveness.
We urge the Committee to move swiftly to confirm Mr. McCormack's
nomination.
Sincerely,
Ed Bolen,
President and CEO,
National Business Aviation Association.
______
UPS
Washington, DC.
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science
and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Dear Senator Cruz and Senator Cantwell,
I am writing today to express my recommendation for Trent Morse to
serve on the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Airports
Authority. Trent's extensive background and breadth of experience makes
him an exemplary candidate for this important role.
I've had the opportunity to work with Trent on several occasions.
His combination of strategic vision, policy expertise, and a
collaborative spirit aligns perfectly with the objectives of the Board
of Directors. His track record is a testament to his capability to
contribute meaningfully to the Board's success.
I am confident that Trent will bring valuable perspectives and
dedicated service to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
Board of Directors.
Sincerely,
Michael Kiely,
President,
UPS Global Government Affairs.
______
United
Washington, DC, October 31, 2025
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman, Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member, Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell,
On behalf of United Airlines, I am writing in support of the
nomination of Mr. Trent Morse to serve as a Member of the Board of
Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA),
which oversees Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Ronald
Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
Trent's previous experience at the U.S. Department of
Transportation and as a member of the White House senior staff will
make him a valuable member of the MWAA Board of Directors. During his
time in the White House, Trent was a thoughtful and responsive liaison
to United and other stakeholders seeking to engage with the
Administration's new appointees.
MWAA is a valued partner and both DCA and IAD are important to
United Airlines' growing domestic and international network. With new
and existing international flights to destinations across Europe,
Africa, the Middle East, South America, and Asia, United's IAD hub
provides a gateway from the Washington-capital region to the rest of
the world. Should he be confirmed by the United States Senate, United
looks forward to working with Trent, the MWAA Board of Directors, and
the Trump Administration to continue to improve IAD operations and
infrastructure and strengthen IAD's status as a world class domestic
and international airport.
Thank you for your consideration of Trent's nomination to serve as
an MWAA Board Member. Should you have any questions, please do not
hesitate to reach out to me or my team.
Sincerely,
Terri Fariello,
Executive Vice President,
Government Affairs & Global Public Policy.
______
Air Line Pilots Association, International
McLean, VA, November 3, 2025
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chair,
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Maria Cantwell.
Ranking Member,
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chair Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell,
On behalf of the more than 80,000 professional airline pilots
represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), I
am writing to express our support for the nomination of Ryan McCormack
for Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy.
Serving as Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. McCormack has engaged
thoughtfully with stakeholders, including ALPA. He has a long history
of public service and has impressive knowledge of transportation
policy. He has been collaborative and responsive in his current
position, and we look forward to continuing to work with Mr. McCormack
on critical aviation policy matters. I am confident with his skills and
experience he will be an excellent Under Secretary.
ALPA strongly supports Mr. McCormack's nomination to serve as Under
Secretary of Transportation for Policy. We look forward to his
consideration before the Senate Commerce Committee, and his swift
confirmation by the full Senate.
Sincerely,
Captain Jason Ambrosi,
President.
______
United Airlines
Washington, DC, October 30, 2025
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman, Senate Commerce, Science,
and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member, Senate Commerce, Science,
and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell,
On behalf of United Airlines, I am pleased to write in support of
the nomination of Mr. Ryan McCormack to serve as Under Secretary for
Transportation Policy at the United States Department of
Transportation. Throughout his time serving as Deputy Chief of Staff to
DOT Secretary Sean Duffy, Ryan has been thoughtful and responsive.
With over a decade of experience on Capitol Hill, including as a
Chief of Staff in the U.S. House of Representatives, Ryan has worked
extensively on a variety of legislative policies, including
transportation and infrastructure. Ryan has been a solid representative
as we have sought to engage with the Secretary and his team on key
policy and operational issues impacting our airline. We especially
appreciate that Ryan has closely worked with United and the Federal
Aviation Administration to help improve operations at Newark Liberty
International Airport during his time in the Office of the Secretary.
Thank you for your consideration of Ryan's nomination to serve as
Under Secretary for Transportation Policy. Should you have any
questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or my team.
Sincerely,
Steve Morrissey,
Vice President,
International Regulatory & Policy.
______
American Trucking Associations
Washington, DC, November 4, 2025
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman,
United States Senate Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member
United States Senate Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman and Ranking Member:
On behalf of the American Trucking Associations (ATA), I am writing
to you today in support of the nomination of Ryan McCormack to serve as
Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy at the U.S. Department of
Transportation (USDOT).
Our nation's 3.6 million professional truck drivers are the
linchpin of our economy. They move more than 72% of the nation's
freight by tonnage and are the sole mode of freight transportation
serving more than 80% of American communities. The trucking industry
has appreciated the willingness of the Trump Administration to listen
to truckers' concerns. Through multiple rulemakings and enforcement
actions, USDOT is making significant progress to ensure that only safe,
qualified drivers are moving freight on American highways. Mr.
McCormack has been a leader in those efforts, and we strongly support
his confirmation by the Senate.
Mr. McCormack has served USDOT with distinction as Secretary
Duffy's Deputy Chief of Staff. His position within the current USDOT,
combined with his deep well of knowledge of the legislative process
derived from his time on Capitol Hill, makes him well suited to help
negotiate, advance, and implement important reforms that will further
enhance the safety of our transportation network. Additionally, Mr.
McCormack's background and extensive experience will be especially
beneficial as we look towards the 2026 surface transportation
reauthorization effort.
As the largest national trade organization representing 8.4 million
men and women working in the trucking industry, including 3.6 million
professional truck drivers, ATA strongly encourages the Committee to
swiftly approve the nomination of Mr. McCormack so that he can be
confirmed by the full Senate at the earliest opportunity.
Sincerely,
Chris Spear,
President and CEO,
American Trucking Associations.
______
Southwest
Washington, DC, November 3, 2025
Senator Ted Cruz,
Chairman,
Senate Commerce, Science,
and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Senator Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member
Senate Commerce, Science,
and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell:
Southwest Airlines is pleased to submit this letter in strong
support of the nomination of Dan Edwards for the position of Assistant
Secretary of Aviation and International Affairs at the U.S. Department
of Transportation.
The role of Assistant Secretary of Aviation and International
Affairs is critical to shaping U.S. aviation policy, both domestically
and globally. This position helps guide the Department's efforts to
promote a safe, competitive, and innovative air transportation system,
and ensures that U.S. airlines can compete on a fair and level global
playing field.
Mr. Edwards brings the ideal blend of experience, judgment, and
leadership to this important role. His distinguished two-decade career
in the U.S. Air Force reflects a lifelong commitment to public service
and operational excellence. Combined with his broad experience in
business leadership and deep understanding of aviation as both a
civilian and military pilot, Mr. Edwards possesses the technical
expertise, strategic insight, and integrity required to navigate the
complex issues that define today's aviation industry.
Throughout his career, Mr. Edwards has demonstrated the ability to
bring people together to solve difficult problems, a quality that will
serve the Department and the broader aviation community well. His
experience gives him a unique perspective on the intersection of
aviation safety, innovation, and economic competitiveness-all vital
priorities for the future of our national airspace system.
For these reasons, Southwest Airlines strongly supports Dan
Edwards's nomination. We are confident that his leadership will
contribute meaningfully to strengthening the aviation sector and
maintaining the United States' role as the global standard-bearer in
aviation safety and competitiveness.
Sincerely,
Christa Lucas,
Vice President Governmental Affairs,
Southwest Airlines Co.
______
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chair,
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate.
Washington, DC.
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member,
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chair Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell:
On behalf of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, I am honored to
write to you in strong support of Dan Edwards to serve as Assistant
Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs at the U.S. Department
of Transportation (DOT). We believe Mr. Edwards is an exceptional
candidate whose experience, integrity, and dedication to aviation,
safety, and innovation make him a tremendous asset to the nation's
aviation sector.
In Mr. Edwards' time at DOT, he has already demonstrated a strong
grasp of the complex issues facing the industry in the U.S. as well as
around the world. We believe he understands the importance of leading
the DOT aviation team focused enhancing competition, on serving the
most remote parts of our country, as well as positioning the U.S. as
the global aviation leader. Mr. Edwards' openness to stake holder
engagement and his deep under standing of the unique challenges facing
the aviation industry position him as an outstanding choice for this
important role.
We respectfully urge the Committee to give full and favorable
consideration to Dan Edwards' nomination.
Sincerely,
Megan Ouellette,
VP Public and Government Affairs.
______
American Airlines
September 26, 2025
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman, Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz,
On behalf of American Airlines, I am writing to express our
enthusiastic support for the nomination of Daniel J. Edwards to serve
as Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs at the
U.S. Department of Transportation. His business leadership, technical
expertise, and operational experience will serve the Department well in
its role ensuring the preeminence and global competitiveness of the
U.S. aviation industry and broader transportation sector.
Mr. Edwards' professional achievements demonstrate his capabilities
and capacity to succeed in the Assistant Secretary role. He has an
extensive background in the aerospace and defense industries, leading
organizations in the public, private, and military spheres. Most
recently, prior to joining DOT, he served as CEO of privately held
businesses in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul, as well as
supply chain and distribution. Mr. Edwards also has leadership
experience with aviation infrastructure, such as with technologies
providing crucial situational awareness, command and control
capabilities, and integrated data in real-time. His background includes
working with FAA to develop safety technologies to address aircraft
runway overruns at airports in the United States and internationally.
Moreover, Mr. Edwards has direct operational experience. He served
over 23 years in the United States Air Force (USAF) and USAF Reserves
as both a KC-10 pilot and airfield civil engineer. He has flown over
100 combat missions, holds type ratings in the DC-10 and 757/767, and
has accumulated over 4,000 flight hours as both a military and
commercial pilot. His commercial pilot career includes serving at
American Airlines.
In sum, Mr. Edwards embodies the vision, technical expertise, and
strategic leadership necessary to advance U.S. aviation interests on
the global stage. His proven ability to bridge operational realities
with forward-looking policy makes him an outstanding choice for
Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs.
We urge his swift confirmation and look forward to the positive
impact his leadership will bring to the Department of Transportation
and the Nation's aviation sector.
Sincerely,
Stephen Neuman,
Senior Vice President,
Global Head of Government Affairs.
cc: The Honorable Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member, Senate Commerce
Committee
______
Airports Council International--North America
Washington, DC, October 31, 2025
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chair
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member,
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chair Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell:
I write in support of two nominees for leadership positions within
the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT): Daniel J. Edwards to be
Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs and Ryan
McCormack to be Under Secretary for Policy. These positions are
critical to U.S. airports, and we urge your favorable recommendation of
both nominees.
Airports Council International--North America (ACI-NA) is the trade
association representing entities that own and operate commercial-
service airports in the United States and Canada. Our 300+ member
airports--which facilitate the safe, secure, and efficient movement of
goods and millions of passengers each day--collectively support more
than 12.8 million jobs in our local communities and contribute more
than $1.8 trillion in annual economic impact. U.S. airports serve as
gateways to our country, facilitating international connectivity for
American business, travelers, and supply chains. Airports pledge to
support DOT to bolster aviation safety, promote economic growth, and
enhance the international competitiveness of U.S. aviation.
My staff and I have had the opportunity to work with Mr. Edwards in
recent months in his role as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at
DOT. He is committed to collaborating with industry to improve airports
and our overall aviation system. His experience, from service in the
military to leadership in private sector aviation maintenance, makes
him uniquely qualified for this role.
Likewise, Mr. McCormack's experience in the legislative and
executive branches will help guide the Department's policy and
strategic direction as new challenges and opportunities emerge, from
the scalability of advanced air mobility to demands to further link
transportation infrastructure to economic growth and opportunity in our
country.
Thank you for your consideration of these nominees. I appreciate
the continued opportunity to work with DOT and the Committee to promote
excellence at airports and in our aviation industry.
Sincerely,
Kevin M. Burke,
President and CEO,
Airports Council International--North America
______
Commercial Space Federation
Washington, DC, November 3, 2025
Chairman Ted Cruz,
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Ranking Member Maria Cantwell,
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell:
On behalf of the Commercial Space Federation (CSF), the voice of
the commercial space industry, I am writing to convey CSF's support for
the confirmation of Mr. Ryan McCormack as Under Secretary of
Transportation for Policy.
Mr. McCormack is currently the Deputy Chief of Staff for the U.S.
Department of Transportation, and he has served in leadership positions
focused on policy and public affairs throughout his career. His
experience and dedication to public service more than qualifies him to
serve as the Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy. In
particular, his knowledge of commercial space licensing and other space
activities will guide the Department of Transportation as the cadence
of commercial space launch and reentry operations continue to grow and
demand for licensing activities overseen by the Department increases.
CSF thanks the Committee for considering this letter of support for
Mr. McCormack to serve as the Under Secretary of Transportation for
Policy and looks forward to continuing to work with him to ensure that
the United States remains the global leader in space.
Sincerely,
Dave Cavossa,
President,
Commercial Space Federation.
______
Atlas Air
Miami, FL, October 30, 2025
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman, Senate Commerce,
Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member, Senate Commerce,
Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell:
I am writing on behalf of Atlas Air to express our strong support
of Daniel J. Edwards, President Trump's nominee to serve as Principal
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs at
the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Atlas Air is a global leader in outsourced aviation logistics,
connecting customers to more than 330 stations in over 80 countries.
The DOT Office of Aviation and International Affairs plays a vital role
in shaping the policy and regulatory environment that enables our
company and other U.S. cargo airlines to compete and operate globally.
Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Edwards has demonstrated
an extraordinary command of the complex issues shaping global aviation.
He brings decades of transportation policy experience and a proven
track record of tackling tough issues. Additionally, his more than 23
years in the U.S. Air Force reflects his commitment to public service
and understanding for how aviation impacts U.S. national security and
safety.
I am confident that his unique combination of private sector
expertise, public service, and operational understanding will serve the
Department and the broader aviation community well.
For these reasons, I wholeheartedly support Daniel Edwards's
nomination and encourage the Committee's favorable consideration.
Sincerely,
Michael Steen,
Chief Executive Officer.
______
United
Washington, DC, September 3, 2025
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman, Senate Commerce, Science,
and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member, Senate Commerce, Science,
and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell:
I am writing to express support for Dan Edwards' nomination to
serve as Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs at
the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT). I have found Mr.
Edwards to be knowledgeable, engaged, hard-working and responsive on
the major issues affecting the aviation sector during his time at U.S.
DOT. He is an important member of Secretary Duffy's team.
As a business executive, pilot, and civil engineer, Dan brings a
wealth of experience to the Department's Office of Aviation and
International Affairs. Dan is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy
and served in the United States Air Force for over 23 years. In
addition, Dan holds over 4,000 flight hours as a military and
commercial pilot. His prior service affords an important perspective on
the complexities and intricacies of aviation operations and policy in
the United States and around the world.
On a personal note, we at United have appreciated Dan's hands-on
involvement in permanently remedying the air traffic deficiencies
facing Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). He has immersed
himself in the matter, including making multiple visits to EWR
immediately following the disruptions earlier this summer to listen to
all perspectives for himself and drive positive changes.
Thank you for consideration of my views as you deliberate Dan
Edwards' nomination to serve as Assistant Secretary for Aviation and
International Affairs.
Sincerely,
Steve Morrissey,
Vice President,
International Regulatory & Policy.
______
JetBlue Airways
Long Island City, NY, September 10, 2025
Majority Leader John Thune,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Majority Leader Thune and Minority Leader Schumer:
On behalf of the more than 23,000 crewmembers of JetBlue Airways,
New York's low fare, hometown airline, I am writing to urge the
Senate's swift consideration and confirmation of Daniel Edwards of
North Carolina to the position of Assistant Secretary of Transportation
for Aviation and International Affairs.
As the Nation's leading low fare, full-service airline, JetBlue
faces challenges as a five percent player in a field dominated by four
carriers with more than eighty percent of the domestic marketplace.
Scale matters and JetBlue's ability continue as a catalyst ensuring the
largest carriers face robust price and product competition is critical
to a competitive aviation marketplace. JetBlue has shown that when it
enters a market, fares fall and traffic increases across all carriers
but when we, on occasion, exit a market, fares increase significantly
and conversely, traffic levels fall.
In leading the Department of Transportation's office responsible
for ensuring a competitive aviation marketplace, our meetings with Mr.
Edwards make clear he fully understands how important it is to have a
healthy and robust set of competitors for aviation consumers to choose
from. As such, we fully support his confirmation to lead this important
office.
Thank you for your consideration and please do not hesitate to
contact me to further discuss if helpful to your deliberations.
Sincerely,
Robert C. Land,
Senior Vice President for Government Affairs,
and Associate General Counsel.
cc: Chairman Ted Cruz, Ranking Member Maria Cantwell, Chairman Jerry
Moran and Ranking Member Tammy Duckworth
______
Advanced Air Mobility
Manassas, VA, October 29, 2025
Hon. Ted Cruz, Chairman,
Hon. Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member,
U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell:
I write in support of the nomination of Daniel J. Edwards to serve
as Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Aviation and International
Affairs.
The emerging Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry is at a critical
inflection point. Transformative airplanes like Electra's EL9 Ultra
Short are ready to come to market. U.S. leadership in this global
domain will create thousands of new, high-paying jobs for the country's
aerospace and defense workers. President Trump's Executive Order
creating the eIPP (eVTOL Integration Pilot Program) is a critical step
forward to enable this progress. Mr. Edwards is the right leader to
bring experience, insight, and passion to this important effort, and to
ensure that the eIPP succeeds beyond all expectation.
Mr. Edwards has already become a critical part of Secretary Duffy's
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) team, leading the office in an
acting capacity. His leadership has seamlessly built on his adjacent
roles leading Airports at the FAA and other components at DOT. He also
offers the country decades of aerospace experience for this role, to
include his 23 years of distinguished flying service in the U.S. Air
Force and his many years as a CEO and senior executive leaders across
several aerospace businesses.
From my direct interaction with Mr. Edwards and his team, I have
full confidence that he is the right leader for the job. Thank you for
the Committee's prompt consideration of his nomination and Electra's
views.
Sincerely,
B. Marc Allen
Chief Executive Officer
Electra.aero, Inc.
______
Airlines for America
Washington, DC, October 30, 2025
Senator Ted Cruz,
Chairman,
Senate Commerce, Science,
and Transportation Committee
Washington, DC.
Senator Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member,
Senate Commerce, Science,
and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell:
On behalf of the members of Airlines for America (A4A), I am
writing in support of Dan Edwards' nomination to serve as Assistant
Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs at the U.S. Department
of Transportation (U.S. DOT).
The position of Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International
Affairs is critical for the health and competitiveness of our Nation's
aviation system. As a business executive, pilot and civil engineer, Dan
will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the Department's
Office of Aviation and International Affairs. Dan is a graduate of the
U.S. Air Force Academy and served in the United States Air Force for
over 23 years, demonstrating his commitment to public service. As a
military and commercial pilot, Dan has flown over 4,000 flight hours,
giving him a real-life understanding and knowledge of the National
Airspace System (NAS). This service uniquely qualifies him to serve in
this position as he understands the importance and nuances of aviation
policy and operations from both a domestic and international
perspective.
A4A strongly supports Dan Edward's nomination and urges his swift
confirmation.
Sincerely,
Christopher T. Sununu,
President and CEO,
Airlines For America.
______
The Boeing Company
Arlington, VA, November 4, 2025
Hon. Ted Cruz,
United States Senator,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
United States Senator,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell,
On behalf of The Boeing Company, I want to express our support for
the confirmation of Dan Edwards to serve as Assistant Secretary for
Aviation and International Affairs at the U.S. Department of
Transportation. As a former U.S. Air Force pilot with extensive private
sector experience in aviation, Mr. Edwards is well-qualified to serve
in this position. He has demonstrated thoughtful leadership, extensive
industry knowledge, and a genuine dedication to advancing the global
competitiveness of American aviation.
Mr. Edwards possesses a unique combination of public service and
private sector aviation leadership experience that gives him valuable
insight into the challenges and opportunities facing U.S. aviation and
industries that support it. His practical leadership style, coupled
with these experiences, make him ideally suited to guide policies that
will strengthen aviation safety and innovation while reinforcing
America's leadership in aviation manufacturing.
We appreciate the Committee's commitment to advancing Mr. Edwards'
nomination for this critical role and support his Senate confirmation.
Thank you for your consideration and continued leadership in advancing
American aviation.
Sincerely,
Jeff Shockey,
Executive Vice President,
Government Operations,
Global Public Policy & Corporate Strategy.
______
Cargo Airline Association
Washington, DC, October 31, 2025
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman,
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member,
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell:
On behalf of the Cargo Airline Association (CAA)\1\, I write to
express our support for the nomination of Daniel J. Edwards to be
Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs at the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ CAA Board members include: ABX Air, Inc., Atlas Air, Inc.,
FedEx, and UPS Airlines. Associate members include: Amazon, DHL
Express, and Kalitta Air.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The air cargo community has worked closely with Mr. Edwards in his
current role as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aviation and
International Affairs at DOT. His professionalism, decades of aviation
expertise, and pragmatic leadership have already yielded meaningful
results for cargo operations and the global competitiveness of American
aviation.
CAA particularly values Mr. Edwards' understanding of the air cargo
ecosystem and his recognition of the importance of American leadership
and defense of our international aviation agreements. He has been
instrumental in advancing policies that strengthen the air cargo sector
and enhance America's supply chain resilience.
As the Committee considers his nomination, CAA respectfully urges
your support for Mr. Edwards' nomination. His qualifications, industry
insight, and proven track record of collaboration and partnership make
him an outstanding choice to serve as the next Assistant Secretary for
Aviation and International Affairs.
Thank you for your continued commitment to ensuring the strength
and safety of America's aviation system.
Sincerely,
Lauren Beyer,
President,
cc: Senator Jerry Moran, Chairman, Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and
Innovation Senator Tammy Duckworth, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on
Aviation, Space, and Innovation
______
Airports Council International--North America
Washington, DC, August 12, 2025
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman,
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member,
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell:
I write in support of the nomination of Daniel J. Edwards to be
Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs at the U.S.
Department of Transportation. Mr. Edwards' leadership skills,
experience, and commitment to partnership will be vital to the success
of the department's mission.
Airports Council International--North America (ACI-NA) is the trade
association representing entities that own and operate commercial-
service airports in the United States and Canada. Our 300+ member
airports--which facilitate the safe, secure, and efficient movement of
goods and millions of passengers each day--collectively support more
than 12.8 million jobs in our local communities and contribute more
than $1.8 trillion in annual economic impact. Our members also serve as
gateways throughout the country to facilitate international
connectivity for American business, travelers, and supply chains. We
are committed to supporting the department in improving aviation
safety, promoting economic growth, and bolstering the international
competitiveness of the U.S. aviation industry.
In his acting capacity in this role, Mr. Edwards has met with my
staff; in recent months. He has demonstrated a willingness to
collaborate with industry to improve airports and our overall aviation
system. This is the type of leadership we need. His experience, from
service in the military to leadership in private sector aviation
maintenance, makes him uniquely qualified for this role. His service to
our country in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserves bring bonafide
experience and expertise to the U.S. Department of Transportation will
serve our country well.
I urge your prompt consideration of Mr. Edwards' nomination and am
grateful for the continued opportunity to work together to promote
American leadership in aviation at home and globally.
Sincerely,
Kevin M. Burke,
President and CEO,
Airports Council International--North America.
______
Senator Ted Cruz, Chairman,
Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member,
Senate Commerce Committee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell,
I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the nomination
of Daniel J. Edwards as the Assistant Secretary of Transportation for
Aviation and International Affairs. I firmly believe that Mr. Edwards
possesses the expertise, experience, vision, and sense of urgency
necessary to excel in this critical role and to contribute
significantly to the advancement of our Nation's aviation and
international transportation policies.
Prior to joining the Department of Transportation, Mr. Edwards
dedicated his entire career to aerospace and defense, achieving
significant accomplishments across diverse organizations in the public,
private, and military sectors. He served over 23 years in the U.S. Air
Force and Air Force Reserves, flying more than 100 combat missions and
accumulating over 4,000 flight hours as a military and commercial
pilot. His military and aviation experience further underscores his
deep understanding of the complexities and demands of the aviation
sector.
With a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School at
the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Civil
Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Mr. Edwards' educational
background, combined with his extensive professional experience, equips
him with a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and
strategic aspects of aviation and international transportation.
Given the critical importance of aviation and international
transportation to our economy and national security, it is essential to
have a leader of Mr. Edwards' caliber in this role. His background and
proven leadership make him the ideal candidate to guide our aviation
and international transportation policies towards a prosperous and
secure future.
I urge the Senate Commerce Committee to move forward with a swift
and favorable confirmation of Daniel J. Edwards.
Sincerely,
Fatih Ozmen,
CEO,
Sierra Space and Sierra Nevada Company, LLC.
______
Air Line Pilots Association, International
October 30, 2025
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chair,
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member,
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chair Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell,
On behalf of the more than 80,000 professional airline pilots
represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), I
am writing to express my strong support for the nomination of Daniel J.
Edwards for the office of Assistant Secretary of Aviation and
International Affairs of the United States Department of
Transportation.
Serving as Acting Assistant Secretary presently, Mr. Edwards has
impressed us as a thoughtful listener who understands the safety and
economic issues surrounding United States civil aviation. His
considerable background at several levels in the aviation industry,
including past service as a long-haul airline pilot for a global U.S.
airline, should greatly benefit the Department's policy-making. I am
confident with his skills and experience he will be an excellent
Assistant Secretary.
ALPA strongly supports Mr. Edwards' nomination to serve as
Assistant Secretary of Aviation and International Affairs. We look
forward to his consideration before the Senate Commerce Committee, and
his swift confirmation by the full Senate.
Sincerely,
Captain Jason Ambrosi,
President.
______
JSX
September 30, 2025
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman,
Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member,
Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell,
We are writing to express JSX's strong support for Dan Edwards'
nomination to serve as Assistant Secretary for Aviation and
International Affairs at the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S.
DOT). JSX has enjoyed a long-standing, productive relationship with the
Office of Aviation and International Affairs, and we have found Mr.
Edwards to be knowledgeable, engaged, and deeply committed to the
mission of this important office. He will be a vital member of
Secretary Duffy's team.
As a business executive, pilot, and civil engineer, Dan brings a
wealth of experience to the Department's Office of Aviation and
International Affairs. Dan is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy
and served in the United States Air Force for over 23 years. In
addition, Dan holds over 4,000 flight hours as a military and
commercial pilot. His prior service affords an important perspective on
the complexities and intricacies of aviation operations and policy in
the United States and around the world.
Dan's unique background positions him to excel in this role, which
requires balancing aviation economic policy with safety considerations,
coordinating closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),
and advancing key priorities including small community air service,
competition, air traffic modernization, and the national AAM strategy--
priorities that are central to JSX's mission and operations.
JSX is a Dallas-based Part 135/380 air carrier serving niche and
underserved communities throughout the United States with our fleet of
30-seat aircraft. JSX has been voted America's favorite North American
airline by consumers in the Travel + Leisure ``World's Best'' survey
for two consecutive years. With the largest order book for advanced air
mobility aircraft in the US, we believe AAM technology is critical to
the future of small community and regional air service, bringing air
service back to communities that have been left behind by the hub and
spoke model.
During our recent meeting with Dan and his team, we were impressed
by his commitment to these shared objectives and his collaborative
approach to fostering innovation and competition, while maintaining the
highest safety standards.
Thank you for consideration of our views as you deliberate Dan
Edwards' nomination to serve as Assistant Secretary for Aviation and
International Affairs.
Sincerely,
Alex Wilcox,
Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder.
Kerrie Forbes,
Chief Legal Officer, Corporate Secretary and
Head of Government & Regulatory Affairs.
______
Allegiant
Las Vegas, NV, October 30, 2025
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman, Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member, Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell:
On behalf of Allegiant, I am pleased to express our strong support
for the nomination of Mr. Ryan McCormack to serve as Under Secretary of
Transportation for Policy at the U.S. Department of Transportation.
We have greatly enjoyed working with Ryan in his current role as
Deputy Chief of Staff to Secretary Duffy, where he has consistently
demonstrated thoughtful leadership, professionalism, and a deep
understanding of the complex issues facing our Nation's transportation
system. His ability to bring stakeholders together and drive progress
on key initiatives has earned the respect of the entire aviation
community.
We especially appreciate Ryan's recognition of the important role
Allegiant plays in ensuring air travel remains within reach for
Americans across the country, especially those in smaller and
underserved communities. His balanced perspective and commitment to
competition reflect a strong alignment with the Department's mission to
expand access and affordability in air travel.
We are also confident in Ryan's leadership to resolve outstanding
issues with the Mexican government, and to enable Allegiant to extend
the same affordable, value-driven service to international markets,
benefiting even more American travelers.
Ryan's integrity, experience, and steady leadership make him
exceptionally well suited to serve as Under Secretary for Policy.
Allegiant is proud to offer our full support for his nomination.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
John Pepper,
Vice President,
Government Affairs & Corporate Development.
______
Allegiant
Las Vegas, NV, October 30, 2025
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman, Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member, Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell:
On behalf of Allegiant, I am pleased to express our strong support
for the nomination of Mr. Trent Morse to serve as a Member of the Board
of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA).
During his time in the White House Presidential Personnel Office,
Trent made a significant contribution by helping staff key leadership
positions at the U.S. Department of Transportation. Through that
effort, he demonstrated a deep understanding of the Department's
mission and an ability to identify and empower capable public servants
who deliver meaningful results.
Trent's experience building trusted relationships across government
will serve him well in this role. His collaborative approach and sound
judgment will be critical to restoring consumer confidence and ensuring
fair and transparent slot allocation across MWAA airports.
We believe Trent's professionalism, insight, and record of
effective public service make him an excellent choice for this
important position. Allegiant is proud to offer our support for his
nomination.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
John Pepper,
Vice President,
Government Affairs & Corporate Development.
______
Allegiant
Las Vegas, NV, October 30, 2025
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman, Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member, Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell:
On behalf of Allegiant, I am writing to express our strong support
for the nomination of Dan Edwards to serve as Assistant Secretary for
Aviation and International Affairs at the U.S. Department of
Transportation.
We were encouraged by Mr. Edwards' thoughtful engagement and
remarks during the recent Association of Value Airlines board meeting.
His understanding that carriers like Allegiant play a vital role in
connecting communities across the country that otherwise would not have
service reflects both his grasp of the aviation landscape and his
appreciation for the diverse needs of the traveling public.
Mr. Edwards' extensive background in business and aviation equips
him well to address the complex international issues facing the
Department. We are confident that his leadership will help to
expeditiously resolve the outstanding issues with the Mexican
government, allowing the Allegiant-Viva Aerobus Joint Venture to move
forward. This important partnership stands to deliver on President
Trump and Secretary Duffy's commitment to increasing competition and
lowering fares for the American people.
We believe Mr. Edwards' experience, professionalism, and practical
approach will make him an asset to the Department and to the Nation's
air travelers. Allegiant is proud to offer our support for his
nomination.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
John Pepper,
Vice President,
Government Affairs & Corporate Development.
______
Association of Value Airlines
November 3, 2025
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman,
U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member,
U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell,
The Association of Value Airlines strongly supports the nomination
of Dan Edwards to serve as Assistant Secretary of Transportation for
Aviation and International Affairs. Our Board of Directors, the CEOs of
Allegiant Air, Avelo Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and
Sun Country Airlines, recently met with Mr. Edwards and are strongly
encouraged by his responsiveness, familiarity with aviation, and
attention to important policies that can promote enhanced competition
in the airline industry. In addition, Mr. Edwards' concurrent role as
Associate Administrator for Airports at the Federal Aviation
Administration will uniquely position him to align competition and
airport policies to maximize effectiveness.
The Association of Value Airlines represents the Nation's leading
low-fare airlines who together safely transported 95 million passengers
last year on a combined fleet of nearly 600 aircraft to 240
destinations, supported by 60,000 taxpaying employees. Our airlines
create the competition that keeps fares in-check across the industry.
When we met with Mr. Edwards, we had a productive dialogue about
USDOT's policy initiatives, including the importance ensuring our
airlines can access airports, and creating a regulatory framework that
supports the continued success of value airlines' unique operating
models. It is clear that his background in commercial aviation and
airport engineering has given him unparalleled perspective and insight
into the interdependence of airport and airline operations, and Federal
policy.
Mr. Edwards has been serving a vitally important role as a key
member of Secretary Duffy's team. We appreciate his willingness to
engage with the value airlines, and we urge the Senate to swiftly
confirm his appointment.
Sincerely,
Jonathon Freye
Executive Director,
Association of Value Airlines.
______
Southwest
Washington, DC, November 3, 2025
Senator Ted Cruz,
Chairman,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Senator Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell:
Southwest Airlines is pleased to submit this letter in strong
support of the nomination of Mr. Ryan McCormack for Under Secretary of
Transportation for Policy at the U.S. Department of Transportation
(DOT).
The DOT plays a vital role in supporting our Nation's economy and
ensuring the safety, efficiency, and reliability of our transportation
systems. As one of the Secretary's principal advisors, the Under
Secretary for Policy provides strategic guidance on legislative and
regulatory initiatives and helps ensure that the Nation's
transportation network functions as a cohesive, forward-looking system
that fosters growth, innovation, and public confidence.
Mr. McCormack has made significant contributions to the U.S.
transportation sector through his service as Deputy Chief of Staff at
the DOT. In this role, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership,
judgment, and a results-oriented approach to complex policy and
operational challenges. He is widely recognized for his accessibility,
collaborative style, and ability to build consensus across diverse
stakeholders. His prior service at the Export-Import Bank of the United
States and in the U.S. House of Representatives strengthened his
understanding of government operations and policymaking and further
equipped him to advance the DOT's policy priorities.
Southwest Airlines has greatly valued the professionalism and
constructive engagement Mr. McCormack brings to his work with industry
partners. His steady leadership and commitment to collaboration reflect
the best traditions of public service. We are confident that, as Under
Secretary for Policy, he will continue to strengthen the Department's
effectiveness and its partnership with the aviation industry and other
key transportation stakeholders.
For these reasons, Southwest Airlines strongly supports Mr.
McCormack's nomination.
Christa Lucas,
Vice President Governmental Affairs,
Southwest Airlines Co.
______
Airlines for America
Washington, DC, October 30, 2025
Senator Ted Cruz,
Chairman,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Senator Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell:
On behalf of the members of Airlines for America (A4A), I write in
support of Trent Morse's nomination to serve as a Member of the
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA).
Mr. Morse would be an asset as a MWAA Member. He previously served
as policy advisor in the Florida Department of Transportation and has
experience at a transportation and infrastructure company. He's served
at the United States Department of Transportation as Special Assistant
to the Secretary, and more recently, in his role as Deputy Director of
Presidential Personnel, he played a critical role in transportation
issues. Given MWAA's unique organizational origins, Mr. Morse's
experience as a former public sector employee at both the Federal and
state levels who understands the importance of the aviation sector and
the critical role airports play in the economy will make him a great
addition to MWAA.
Airlines have a strong interest in ensuring our Nation's airports
are healthy and well run, and we support Mr. Morse's nomination and
urge his swift confirmation.
Sincerely,
Christopher T. Sununu,
President and CEO,
Airlines For America.
Senator Cruz. Senators will have until the close of
business on November 7 to submit questions for the record. The
nominees will have until the close of business on November 10
to respond to those questions.
This concludes today's hearing. The Committee stands
adjourned.
[Whereupon, at 3:59 p.m., the hearing was adjourned.]
A P P E N D I X
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Jerry Moran to
Ryan McCormack
Question 1. Can you provide an update on the status and anticipated
timeline for the issuance of Advanced Digital Construction Management
Systems Grants?
Answer. The FY 24 ADCMS awards have been reviewed and approved.
Some have executed grant agreements and have obligated funds; others
are still working to finalize their grant agreements. The Department
anticipates releasing the next ADCMS NOFO in the first half of 2026.
______
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Ted Budd to
Ryan McCormack
Following the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act and the President's
Executive Order calling for a new rule governing drone Beyond Visual
Line of Sight (or BVLOS) operations, the FAA and TSA jointly published
a draft rule in August. One of several issues the draft rule covers is
the aircraft certification process. Recently, the FAA has adopted a
more flexible and performance-based approach for drone certification
called Criteria for Making 44807 Determinations, or CMD. Unfortunately,
the draft rule embraces much of the prescriptive and unworkable
requirements that the FAA abandoned several years ago trying to use the
standard aircraft Type Certification process for drones.
Question 1. If confirmed, how will you use your new position at DOT
to push for streamlined, proven certification processes like CMD and
resist efforts to move us backwards in a final rule governing BVLOS
operations for drones?
Answer. Enabling BVLOS operations for drones is critical. If
confirmed, I will assist the Secretary and the Administrator of the FAA
in advancing the objectives set forth in President Trump's Executive
Order on Unleashing American Drone Dominance, which directs the
Department to accelerate safe, routine BVLOS operations and reduce
regulatory barriers to drone integration. Consistent with that policy,
I will work to streamline certification and approval processes, promote
innovation, and ensure timely rulemaking that strengthens U.S.
leadership in drone technology.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Maria Cantwell to
Ryan McCormack
I-5 Bridge. Mr. McCormack, the I-5 bridge is a critical project not
only regionally, but to the national economy. $48 billion in American
made and grown goods cross the bridge each year. The bridge's national
impact is why it is not only supported by the local community, but also
national business groups like the American Trucking Associations.
Question 1. Will you commit to keeping the project in the Capital
Investment Grant program pipeline until it can be rated by the Federal
Transit Administration?
Answer. If confirmed as Under Secretary of Transportation for
Policy, I will work with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to
ensure that coordination continues with the Washington State Department
of Transportation (WSDOT), the project sponsor, on the IBR project's
status in the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) New Starts program. As I
understand it, the status of the IBR project in the CIG program is
being monitored monthly and FTA is working with the sponsors related to
open questions regarding project cost and other factors. Further
coordination will help forecast with more accuracy project elements
critical to advancing within the CIG program.
DOT Grants. Mr. McCormack, it is my understanding that several
previously awarded pedestrian and bike safety projects and port
infrastructure projects across the country have been cancelled after it
was determined they did not align with the White House's priorities.
Additionally, about 111 transportation infrastructure projects remain
under review and are at risk of being cancelled.
Question 1. Current law does not require the Department of
Transportation (DOT) to inform Members of Congress in advance of the
withdrawal, termination, or cancellation of any grant awards. However,
Senators may be able to provide important local context about the
importance of projects in their home state that could help inform any
reviews of grant awards being conducted by the Department. Will you
commit to providing relevant Senators and this Committee at least three
days' advanced notice prior to the formal withdrawal, termination, or
cancellation of any grant awards?
Answer. If confirmed as Undersecretary of Transportation for
Policy, I will notify Congress of grant actions in accordance with
Federal law. I recognize that the Members of the Committee, and the
Congress broadly have context related to specific projects informed by
discussions with state and local governments, as well as constituents
that may prove helpful and the Department will engage as appropriate on
those matters.
Question 2. We appreciate the initial list of canceled and
withdrawn grant awards that DOT provided the Committee on November 4,
2025, in connection with your nomination process. Upon review, this
list does not appear to reflect a full list of grant awards that were
canceled, withdrawn, terminated, or had otherwise lapsed as a result of
this Administration's grant re-evaluation process. Please certify that
the list DOT provided on November 4 reflects a complete list of every
such grant award, including those from all DOT modal administrations.
If not, please provide an updated list to include all omitted
responsive grant award(s) as an appendix to your QFR responses.
Answer. Please see the Attachment 1.
Question 3. During your staff interview on October 30, 2025, you
indicated you would also provide the Committee a complete list of the
roughly 200 grant awards that were still under review by DOT at that
time. During your testimony on November 5, 2025, you indicated you were
still ``working'' on providing this list. Will you provide an accurate
list of these grant awards to this Committee before your markup is
held?
Answer. DOT expects to provide a list by the end of the calendar
year. These grants are still part of a deliberative process. In the
time since this was first raised in the staff interview, 89 of the
grants have since cleared the review process and advanced further
toward obligation.
Question 4. Please provide a timeline for when we should expect DOT
to provide the list referenced in the above question.
Answer. DOT will provide a list by the end of the calendar year.
Aviation Consumer Protection. After hearing directly from my
constituents who had their travel plans ruined during the Southwest
Airlines' meltdown, I knew we needed to make sure the flying public was
not left holding the bag wondering if they would ever be made whole
after getting their flight canceled or delayed.
Thanks to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) law, we ensured
passengers are entitled to hassle-free refunds when their flights are
canceled or significantly delayed by an airline--no matter the cause.
And we empower the DOT to be a strong cop on the beat by establishing a
new Office of Aviation Consumer Protection and tripling fines for
consumer protection violations.
But I'm concerned that DOT will revert back to a 2020 Trump
Administration rule that weakened airline oversight, changing DOT's
interpretation of what is considered an ``unfair and deceptive
practice.'' We cannot afford a light-touch approach to consumer
protections when Americans have experienced so many costly and
widespread travel disruptions caused by airlines in the past three
years.
Question 1. Must DOT show they are committed to upholding and
enforcing protections for everyday travelers?
Answer. The Department must faithfully uphold the law.
Question 2. If confirmed, will you make protecting passenger rights
a priority during your time at DOT?
Answer. My current role has not delved into any aviation consumer
protection issues, and if confirmed to the role of Under Secretary of
Transportation for Policy, the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection
would not report to me. However, I do want to convey that my top
priority would be to continue upholding safety on our Nation's
roadways, railways, and yes,--skies, as well as exercising the
Secretary's authorities over competition and economic licensing in
aviation Should there be an issue where passenger safety is at concern
or the competitive vitality of aviation services, I too expect that DOT
should be a ``strong cop on the beat,'' and I will not hesitate to
elevate the issue. I also want to advance policies that will benefit
the passenger experience and look forward to working with the Committee
on those issues.
Question 3. The 2024 FAA law requires DOT to take a stronger
approach to consumer protection. Do you commit to fully implementing
all the consumer protection requirements as required by the FAA law as
quickly as possible?
Answer. I will follow the law.
Roadway Safety. Roadway deaths have increased 15 percent in the
last decade. In the state of Washington, 730 people were killed on our
roads last year--a 34 percent increase from a decade ago, and the
number of people killed while walking or biking has reached an all-time
high.
Question 1. In 2022, the Department released the first-ever
National Roadway Safety Strategy with the long-term goal of zero
fatalities on our roadways. Will you continue this mission to save
lives and prevent deadly traffic crashes?
Answer. Yes. Far too many Americans die on our roadways. I cite
reducing highway fatalities as one of my top priorities and if
confirmed, will continue the work to further reduce highway fatalities.
As Secretary Duffy has said, the Department is committed to putting
safety first. For example, this July, USDOT launched a nationwide
roadway safety effort to prioritize investments that improve mobility
and safety on roadways through the Federal Highway Administration's
(FHWA) Safe Arterials for Everyone through Reliable Operations and
Distraction-Reducing Strategies--SAFE ROADS--initiative. The program
targets non-freeway arterial roads, which is where more than half of
U.S. roadway deaths occur. The response has been unprecedented, with
all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico identifying
safety concerns they will address.
Question 2. We have learned from other industries the importance of
a safe-system approach to prevent fatal accidents. How will you ensure
that DOT works across modes to improve safety?
Answer. Safety is my top priority. The integration of emerging
technologies is a key factor in enhancing safety across all modes of
transportation. Collaboration is key in further bolstering safety. I
support the Safe System approach that works by building and reinforcing
multiple layers of protection from all Operating Administrations to
both prevent crashes from happening in the first place and minimize the
harm caused to those involved when crashes do occur. If confirmed,
I will ensure that the surface transportation operating
administrations continue to build on strategies that work through
coordinating activities.
Commercial Space Launch and Reentry. The commercial space industry
has encountered significant issues with the FAA's Office of Commercial
Space Transportation (AST), including chronic resource shortages,
regulatory inefficiencies, and delays in processing licensing and
approvals. These problems will only get worse as the commercial space
industry grows. Last year's rate of licensed launches was up 33.3
percent from 2023, and 97.4 percent from 2022. 85 percent of the
licensed launches in 2024 were conducted by SpaceX, including 4
Starship launches, which means that SpaceX receives more time and
attention from the FAA than any other launch company. Yet SpaceX and
Elon Musk have been the most vocal public critics of the FAA's
Commercial Space Transportation Office.
Question 1. Smaller innovators and new start commercial space
companies often struggle to compete against well established players.
What role do you see DOT and the FAA playing in ensuring the government
fosters a diversified ecosystem of space providers to increase
resiliency and reduce dependency on any single company?
Answer. It is important we promote as much competition as possible
in the marketplace. The Department, including the FAA, should be
broadly supportive of all space providers seeking launch and reentry
approvals, consistent with safety protocols.
Question 2. Will you commit to reactivating the Commercial Space
Transportation Advisory Committee and appointing new members as a means
of receiving formal input from across industry and other interested
stakeholders and experts?
Answer. Consistent with Executive Order, the Department has
undertaken a broad effort to reevaluate the Department's Federal
advisory committees and is in the process of reconstituting several
advisory committees. This process is deliberative and I will follow the
law and the direction of Secretary Duffy related to advisory
committees. I am interested in hearing from stakeholders and experts in
this space to inform Departmental action and will engage as
appropriate.
Question 3. As you consider proposals to increase domestic
commercial launch industry competitiveness, will you also commit to
maintaining public safety and the safety of human spaceflight
participants?
Answer. Yes.
5G Spectrum Auction Impacts to Aviation Safety. The safety and
effectiveness of the National Airspace System (NAS) depends on the
management of radar, navigation, and safety-critical systems on
airplanes. As the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) moves towards
auctioning off additional spectrum and telecommunication companies'
voluntary mitigations end in 2028, it's imperative that DOT and FAA
ensure that radio altimeters and C-Band spectrum can co-exist without
jeopardizing aviation safety.
Question 1. To that end, what is the timeline for the FAA proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to be issued so that the FAA and the aviation
industry can begin planning towards a stable regulatory baseline?
Answer. The FAA continues to work closely with the FCC on this
issue. If confirmed, I will study this issue further and better
understand the timeline of the FAA's NPRM efforts to ensure aviation
safety is maintained.
Question 2. The current commercial aviation fleet continues to rely
on radio altimeters and filters that were not certified to operate
adjacent to highpower 5G emissions close to their receiver frequencies.
It is still unclear whether updated altimeters would be able to
withstand 5G interference and retrofitting altimeters for use alongside
full powered commercial 5G will require more than simple filtering.
What is DOT doing to proactively address additional issues facing
airlines associated with this forthcoming auction with respect to radio
altimeter equipment performance and considerations for related
retrofits?
Answer. As I understand it, the FAA is working collaboratively with
industry and the FCC to evaluate the performance of radio altimeters in
the full power 5G environment. The FAA is assessing potential equipment
and retrofit needs to ensure continued safety and operational
reliability. Findings from this work have informed FAA's preparation of
a proposed rule addressing C-band and radio altimeter coexistence, and
the FAA will continue to work with industry and the FCC to provide
clear requirements for affected operators.
Question 3. Will you commit to keeping this committee updated on
this process and ensuring that the FAA and FCC are closely working
together to ensure aviation safety is not compromised and that the
concerns of aviation stakeholders are accounted for as this auction is
designed?
Answer. Yes.
______
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Amy Klobuchar to
Ryan McCormack
Distracted Driving
You stated that you plan to pay particular attention to reducing
highway fatalities. Nine people in the United States are killed
everyday in accidents that are reported to involve distracted driving.
Question 1. If confirmed, do you commit to working to combat
distracted driving as a part of your efforts to reduce highway
fatalities?
Answer. Yes. Safety is my--and the Department's--top priority. We
must find ways to reduce fatalities on roadways and I will support
efforts to combat distracted driving.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Tammy Baldwin to
Ryan McCormack
Question 1. The Build America, Buy America Act expresses a general
policy preference against general applicability waivers. If a waiver to
a Buy America law is necessary to overcome short-term market
limitations, the Department of Transportation should issue ad hoc,
product-specific waivers to ensure projects proceed without delay and
signal market demand, triggering new capital investments to expand
domestic manufacturing capacities.
a. Do I have your commitment to enforce current Buy America
standards?
Answer. I will follow the law and I share your passion to promote
domestic manufacturing and job growth. The President and Secretary
Duffy are committed to buying American and hiring American when
spending Federal dollars, where possible. If confirmed, I look forward
to supporting them in that effort.
b. Will you commit to only issuing waivers that are ad hoc,
product-specific waivers and avoid issuing new general applicability
waivers?
Answer. I will follow the law and I share your passion to promote
domestic manufacturing and job growth. The President and Secretary
Duffy are committed to buying American and hiring American when
spending Federal dollars, where possible. If confirmed, I look forward
to supporting them in that effort.
Question 2. As Congress works to advance a surface transportation
reauthorization bill, one of my priorities is to continue to strengthen
Build America, Buy America Act implementation and enforcement required
under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
a. Would you support legislation that would require an additional
round of identification of programs at the Department of Transportation
that still have not implemented Buy America preference requirements?
Answer. I will follow the law and I share your passion to promote
domestic manufacturing and job growth. The President and Secretary
Duffy are committed to buying American and hiring American when
spending Federal dollars, where possible. If there is technical
assistance required to inform your draft legislation, I would be happy
to assist.
b. How would you go about addressing deficient programs under the
DOT's purview?
Answer. If confirmed as Under Secretary of Transportation for
Policy, I will work to ensure that DOT applies Buy America preferences
to its financial assistance programs in a manner consistent with the
statutory requirements established by Congress.
Question 3. For the past 40 years, the Department of
Transportation's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program has helped
level the playing field for businesses seeking to participate in
federally assisted contracts. This program has been extremely
beneficial for business owners in Wisconsin. I was disappointed to see
the recent interim final rule that removes race-and sex-based
presumptions of social and economic disadvantage as criteria for
consideration for the program.
a. What are your thoughts on the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
Program?
Answer. Recipients of highway, transit and airport funding
distributed by the Department are subject to certain requirements of
the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. The Interim Final
Rule referenced in the question would ensure that this program
continues to operate in accordance with the Constitution and Federal
civil rights laws. The Office of Civil Rights, which administers the
guidance on DBE, does not report to the Under Secretary of
Transportation for Policy. If confirmed, I would nevertheless work to
ensure the new guidance is clearly understood by applicants
b. What do you envision for the future of the program?
Answer. As relayed in my answer to the previous question, the
program will continue to operate in accordance with the Constitution
and Federal civil rights laws.
c. If confirmed, will you commit to reassessing this interim final
rule and considering reversal of the Department's decision?
Answer. I am committed to following the law. For specifics on this
interim final, rule, I would refer you to the Office of Civil Rights.
Question 4. One of my longstanding priorities is improving access
to air travel for people with disabilities, including our Nation's
veterans. I was disappointed to see that the DOT announced in September
that it would be delaying enforcement of provisions intended to hold
airlines accountable for mishandled wheelchairs and provide more
regular training for airline personnel and contractors who provide
physical assistance to passengers with disabilities and handle
passengers' wheelchairs and scooters. My ask for the Department of
Transportation is to reverse its decision to delay enforcement of these
important provisions in the final rule. Will you commit to
reconsidering this decision if confirmed?
Answer. On September 30, 2025 the Department issued a notice that
it is delaying enforcement of four provisions of the Wheelchair Rule I:
those related to airline liability for mishandled wheelchairs,
frequency of refresher training, pre-departure notifications, and fare
difference reimbursements until December 31, 2026. My understanding is
that this action was taken because the Department is considering a new
rule on this topic. It is my understanding that nothing in the
September 30, 2025 announcement affects the continued requirement of
air carriers to return wheelchairs to their users in the condition in
which the air carrier received the wheelchair, or to compensate the
passenger for any damage to a wheelchair as a result of the air
carrier's actions or failure to act in a prudent manner.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Tammy Duckworth to
Ryan McCormack
Question Topic: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization
Act of 2024
Question 1. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Reauthorization Act of 2024 (PL 118-63) included a bipartisan provision
titled, ``Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers with
Disabilities Using Wheelchairs'' or the Wheelchair rule and was issued
on December 16, 2024. However, the U.S. Department of Transportation
(USDOT) released in the Federal Register on September 30, 2025, that
would delay enforcement of the rule until the end of 2026, and a notice
of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) seeking to weaken core protections in the
law.
A. What disability advocacy groups did you or USDOT officials meet
with prior to making this change to the existing law?
Answer. I did not participate in deliberative processes related to
this NPRM. As I explained in the hearing, this is not part of my
portfolio in my current role nor does the Office of Aviation Consumer
Policy report to the role I am nominated for.
B. When did you meet with such groups and which individuals were
included?
Answer. Refer to my answer in ``A.''
C. What recommendations were made by such groups?
Answer. Refer to my answer in ``A.''
D. Which recommendations under C. were accepted, why were they
accepted and how were they implemented?
Answer. Refer to my answer in ``A.''
E. Which recommendations under C. were rejected and why were they
rejected?
Answer. Refer to my answer in ``A.''
F. What airline advocates and industry lobbyists did you or USDOT
employees meet with prior to making this change to the existing law?
Answer. Refer to my answer in ``A.''
G. When did you meet with such stakeholders?
Answer. Refer to my answer in ``A.''
H. What recommendations were made by such stakeholders?
Answer. Refer to my answer in ``A.''
I. Which recommendations under H. were accepted, why were they
accepted and how did USDOT implement each?
Answer. Refer to my answer in ``A.''
J. Which recommendations under H. were rejected and why were they
rejected?
Answer. Refer to my answer in ``A.''
Question 2. Congress passed the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (PL
118-63), which requires the FAA to issue regulations and guidance to
increase safety and accessibility for passengers with disabilities and
an aging population. Several provisions of the FAA law regarding
publication of guidance or rulemaking are already behind schedule. If
confirmed as Under Secretary:
A. Will you prioritize FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 full and
faithful implementation, without delay, regardless of any Executive
Order that would force USDOT and FAA to violate statutory requirements
or otherwise hinder implementation in contravention of legislative text
and congressional intent?
Answer. If confirmed as Under Secretary of Transportation for
Policy, I will support the Secretary in implementing regulations
required by the FAA Reauthorization Act in a timely manner.
B. Do you commit to placing all of the FAA Reauthorization Act of
2024's required regulations and guidance on the Unified Regulatory
Agenda?
Answer. If confirmed as Under Secretary of Transportation for
Policy, I will support the Secretary in implementing regulations
required by the FAA Reauthorization Act in a timely manner.
Question Topic: Surface Transportation Reauthorization
Our Nation's infrastructure is in desperate need of updating.
Congress is due to reauthorize surface transportation policy next year,
and we are already putting our heads together on what needs to be
included. One program that we hope to reauthorize is the All Stations
Accessibility Program, or ASAP, which aims to make public areas of
transit station accessible to people with disabilities. The ASAP
program has provided funding on a competitive basis to support such
infrastructure projects across the country, including in Illinois,
Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Ohio and several other States. These critical
investments have helped provide jobs and increase accessibility, but we
have a long way to go before the promise of the Americans with
Disabilities Act is fulfilled.
Question 1. If confirmed, will you commit to working with me to
reauthorize the ASAP program?
Answer. I appreciate and share the commitment to ensuring that
Americans with disabilities have access to the transportation services.
If confirmed as Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy, I will
continue the work in the Department to ensure the needs of Americans
with disabilities are considered when designing transportation systems.
Question 2. A recent report by the National Council on Disability
on the current state of ground transportation and the challenges it
presents to Americans with disabilities, who still struggle to get to
medical appointments, work, school, the grocery store and so on due to
inaccessible routes, transit and insufficient transportation options,
and wheelchair users are particularly hard hit due to a lack of
wheelchair accessible vehicles. New technologies and innovations, such
as transportation network companies, or TNCs (aka, rideshare), and
autonomous vehicles present an opportunity to increase accessibility
for all Americans.
If confirmed as Under Secretary, do you commit to working with me
and stakeholders in the disability community to develop and implement
policy to improve the availability of WAVs by TNCs and the
accessibility of autonomous vehicles of transportation routes?
Answer. If confirmed, I would be happy to work with you and your
staff on these important issues.
Question Topic: Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Question 1. In 2021, multiple U.S. Federal agencies, including
Department of Transportation and specifically the FAA joined an
interagency working group to roll out the SAF Grand Challenge. This was
a historic government-wide strategy for scaling up production of SAF
that reduces cost and expands the use of SAF across the U.S. airline
industry, while also growing the domestic biofuels sector. SAF is a
bipartisan topic that Senator Moran and I proudly advocate for as co-
chairs of the Senate SAF Caucus. SAF production is critical for the
aviation industry. It also creates new economic opportunities in
agricultural and rural communities while reducing environmental
impacts. It also supports U.S. energy independence and global
competitiveness. With the goal of 3 billion gallon per year by the 2030
target, it is important that we remain committed to this goal of
American grown, American made biofuels.
B. Do you remain committed to the expansion of domestic SAF
production and usage in this country?
Answer. I understand there have been recent deliberations within
the Congress related to SAF and that this issue is important to your
constituents. I will follow the law and engage with the SAF Caucus and
aviation stakeholders as appropriate when the Department considers
matters related to SAF.
Question 2. Without the inclusion of U.S. agricultural feedstock
for SAF we will miss an incredible economic and environmental
opportunity. That being said, some international aviation sectors have
chosen to measure their SAF carbon intensity using the International
Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction
Scheme for International Aviation or ``CORSIA''. However, domestically
we prefer Illinois' own Argonne National Laboratories, Department of
Energy commissioned Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy
use in Technologies Model or ``GREET Model'', as it more accurately
considers sustainable agricultural practices, reduced land and water
uses and other relevant considerations in its calculations.
A. Do you support the U.S. formally adopting the Argonne GREET
model to measure our SAF carbon intensity?
Answer. If confirmed, I will study this issue further and better
understand the differences in the CORSIA and GREET Model approaches.
B. Do you support the global aviation sector adopting one single
model to measure the carbon intensity of SAF?
Answer. If confirmed, I will study this issue further and better
understand the differences in the CORSIA and GREET Model approaches.
Question Topic: Federal Elections
Question 1. Setting aside the Congressional count and
certification, do you believe President Donald Trump received more
votes than Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. presidential
election?
Answer. Donald Trump received the majority of certified electoral
college votes in the 2024 presidential election.
Question 2. Setting aside the official Congressional count and
certification, do you believe President Joe Biden received more votes
than President Donald Trump in the 2020 U.S. presidential election?
Answer. Joseph Biden received the majority of certified electoral
college votes in the 2020 presidential election.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Ben Ray Lujan to
Ryan McCormack
Question 1. In February, Secretary Duffy released a memo that the
Department of Transportation would prioritize projects and goals that
``give preference to communities with marriage and birth rates higher
than the national average.'' When asked about this shift, you stated
that the previous administration's focus on bike paths or transit
``inadvertently . . . restrict[ed] what was possible when it came to
family size.'' Please provide the data that your team used to determine
that bike paths inadvertently restrict family size.
Answer. The Department is committed to supporting critical
transportation infrastructure improvements. In instances where a
bicycle lane removes a motor vehicle travel lane and leads to a
significant reduction in travel efficiency it affects motorists,
including families.
Question 2. Most recently, the Department of Transportation
canceled multiple grants stating they ran ``counter to DOT's priorities
. . . [to] improve vehicular travel.'' This includes an $11.5 million
RAISE grant in New Mexico that was intended to construct a multi-use
urban trail for bicyclists and pedestrians through a downtown corridor.
The law that authorized these funds states that ``in selecting projects
. . . the Secretary shall take into consideration geographical and
modal diversity.'' Limiting program support to projects that are
focused only on vehicular modes of transportation is in direct conflict
with the plain language of the law.
a. Were you aware that the sole focus on vehicular modalities
directly conflicts with the law?
Answer. The program has not been restricted to vehicular modes of
transportation. I will continue to follow the law and if confirmed,
will request and follow the advice of counsel in doing so.
b. What role did you play in the cancellation of those grants?
Answer. DOT is conducting a review to ensure all competitive grant
activities align with Administration priorities, which was led by the
Deputy Secretary in coordination with the Secretary.
To the best of my knowledge and true belief, the Department has
carried out grant award announcement withdrawals and grant terminations
within the law with regard to relevant statutory authorizations while
exercising Secretarial discretion also authorized by those statutes.
The Department and I will continue to follow applicable laws.
c. Will you provide Congress with an update on how many similar
grants have been cancelled and/or currently under review?
Answer. The committees of jurisdiction have been provided with a
list of all grants withdrawn or cancelled.
d. Will you commit to ensuring that grants are reinstated that are
not in conflict with the law?
Answer. I will continue to follow the law in all that I do.
Question 3. Did Joe Biden lawfully win the 2020 presidential
election?
Answer. Joseph Biden received the majority of certified electoral
college votes in the 2020 presidential election.
Question 4. Did Donald Trump lawfully win the 2024 presidential
election?
Answer. Donald Trump received the majority of certified electoral
college votes in the 2024 presidential election.
______
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. John Thune to
Daniel Edwards
The current U.S. pilot retirement age of 65 greatly impacts
regional airline staffing. In October 2025, the International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO) made the concerning decision to reject a
proposal to raise the recommended international pilot age from 65 to
67.
Question 1. If confirmed, will you commit to working with the
Ambassador to ICAO in supporting a raise in the pilot retirement age
both domestically and on the international stage to ensure that the
U.S. pilot supply remains robust for many years to come?
Answer. I recognize that the retirement rules impact regional
airline staffing and the availability of diverse business models to
provide the safe airline services that Americans demand, especially in
small and rural communities. Safety is and will remain the Department's
priority, and I will work with Secretary Duffy and Administrator
Bedford, who lead on this issue, to engage as appropriate at ICAO.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Jerry Moran to
Daniel Edwards
Question 1. Can you provide an update on the status of the report
authorized in the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership
Act?
Answer. The large expert Federal working group has completed its
work, having worked closely with stakeholders throughout the aviation,
telecom, and infrastructure development industries, as well as with
State, local, Tribal, and Territorial governments. The national
strategy, and its associated comprehensive plan, are complete and will
be an excellent template to develop a new industry with new
capabilities for the American people. The Department will partner with
Congressional leaders in this area to release the strategy as soon as
possible.
Question 2. Can you provide an update on the implementation of Sec.
912, the Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grant Act, and Sec. 702 as it
relates to the eligibility of Advanced Digital Construction Management
Systems?
Answer. The FAA also continues to implement the provisions of the
2024 reauthorization act, including Section. 912, and has thus far
prioritized provisions that are funded to realize the intent of
Congress.
Question 3. New technology will be vital in elevating aviation
safety and creating a safer NAS, and new companies are offering
aircraft operating systems designed to make the aircraft safer in every
environment while lessening the cognitive load on pilots. How will you
work to ensure platforms that make it fundamentally safer to fly make
it to market?
Answer. If confirmed, I will support the safe and timely
certification of new technologies that enhance aviation safety and
reduce pilot workload. The Department, including the FAA, must continue
to modernize its approval processes to keep pace with innovation while
maintaining rigorous safety standards, ensuring that proven, safety-
enhancing platforms can enter the market without unnecessary delay.
Question 4. You have also been selected to serve as the FAA
Associate Administrator for Airports, which is a key position,
especially considering the ongoing focus on enhancing aviation safety
and efficiency. How will you ensure your role as Assistant Secretary
doesn't prevent you from fulfilling the needs of the FAA Office of
Airports and the airport community?
Answer. If confirmed I will ensure dedicated focus on the FAA
Office of Airports by maintaining close coordination with FAA
leadership and stakeholders, prioritizing resources and engagement to
address airport safety, efficiency, and operational needs while also
fulfilling my responsibility as Assistant Secretary for Aviation and
International Affairs. I have significant relevant experience in
airfield safety, infrastructure and engineering and am passionate about
preparing our Nation's airports for the next generation of aviation and
economic growth. I also have experience simultaneously leading and
integrating multiple organizations and lines of business and will bring
that to bear to ensure that the airports team fulfills its mission.
Question 5. Airports in Kansas and around the country are working
to upgrade outdated facilities and make investments that help
accommodate rising demand and improve safety. The FAA Office of
Airports plays an important role in helping airports move forward with
their critical infrastructure projects and ensure the safety of
aircraft operations on the ground. What are your priorities as the
Associate Administrator for Airports?
Answer. As the Associate Administrator for Airports, safety is my
top priority. I will work to ensure that the operation of aircraft,
including within and around the airport environment, remains safe. I am
also passionate about preparing our Nation's airports the next
generation of aviation technology.
Question 6. Airports have been calling for the FAA to streamline
the review and approval processes for airport infrastructure projects
while proposing other commonsense recommendations to reduce regulatory
red tape. How will you ensure that the Trump administration's
deregulatory agenda is implemented for the benefit of airports?
Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure airport projects benefit from
President Trump's deregulatory agenda, implementing streamlined
processes and approvals consistent with applicable law.
Question 7. FAA predicts airports face $67.5 billion in capital
needs over the next five years--can you provide assurance that FAA will
not attempt to claw-back or cancel previously appropriated funding for
airports?
Answer. I can provide assurance that I, under Secretary Duffy's
leadership, will uphold the letter of the law.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Maria Cantwell to
Daniel Edwards
Airline Competition and Protecting U.S. Aviation Jobs. Mr. Edwards,
a key part of your role at the Department of Transportation (DOT)
Office of the Secretary (OST) would be to oversee the evaluation and
potential approval of proposed airline industry acquisitions and
mergers. Airline competition decisions are critical as they impact many
core parts of how the airline industry operates and what choices the
flying public has as a result. These DOT decisions affect consumer
flight options in communities across the country, flight and airport
gate access for airlines, as well as jobs and benefits for pilots,
flight attendants and other members of our aviation workforce essential
to supporting these flights.
Question 1. What does it mean to you to promote ``fair
competition'' in the airline industry?
Answer. In a competitive airline industry, multiple types of
business models are able to compete to win over consumers based upon
the strength of their products and services, without impediments in the
form of structural factors such as government intervention or
overregulation, or other factors such as exclusionary conduct, that
could otherwise harm consumers and American businesses. If confirmed, I
will apply the authorities provided by Congress to promote free, fair,
and vigorous competition.
Question 2. If confirmed, how would you ensure decisions at DOT
about competition in the airline industry benefit the flying public and
don't compromise protections or air service access for consumers?
Answer. I believe that, in considering the equities of the aviation
industry, Congress has put market access and consumers at the center of
the Department's economic authorities. If confirmed, I will ensure that
my office maximizes consumer benefits in regulatory decisions on
airline competition matters. This includes paying close attention to
the impact of any transaction on the access that Americans have to the
national air transportation system.
Question 3. Global competition in aviation is critical not only for
the national economy but also for Washington State, which has a strong
aviation workforce and trade ties that depend on open markets. To
strengthen U.S. competitiveness, we need policies that encourage
carriers--especially new entrants--to expand internationally. Will you
commit to ensuring DOT actively promotes global aviation competition
and works with carriers to create real opportunities for access to
international markets?
Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I will absolutely do so. It is critical
to strengthen U.S. competitiveness and enable new entrants and emerging
global airlines to access international markets.
Question 4. Your role would involve evaluating and deciding whether
to allow certain foreign airlines to operate within the U.S. market. If
confirmed, do you commit to safeguarding U.S. aviation jobs and
workplace benefits when making such decisions relating to airline
competition in the industry?
Answer. Safeguarding U.S. aviation jobs and workplace benefits are
an important responsibility, and if confirmed, I will ensure that
Departmental decisions regarding foreign air carrier licensing and
access to the United States are made and carried out consistent with
U.S. law and the public interest.
Question 5. Do you also commit to ensuring your decisions related
to airline competition prioritize safeguarding small and regional air
service?
Answer. Ensuring access for small and rural communities to the
national aviation system is an important goal of the Department and one
that I take seriously. If confirmed, I will ensure that the
Department's decisions consider impacts on small, rural, and
underserved communities, consistent with Department's mission. The
office to which I am seeking confirmation oversees the Essential Air
Service and Small Community Air Service Development Programs, two
avenues to supporting and developing air service to underserved
communities. I will administer these programs to the best of my
ability, prioritizing the needs of the affected communities.
U.S. Leadership at ICAO. The International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) gets 20 percent of its funding from the U.S.--and I
am concerned that considerations to withdraw some of this funding will
seriously undermine our ability to influence safety and energy
standards and policy in the international aviation community.
Question 1. If confirmed, do you commit to ensuring the United
States continues to provide funding contributions to support ICAO
activities--even in the event that the DOT has disagreements with some
of ICAO's policy priorities?
Answer. While decisions regarding funding for international
organizations are the ultimate purview of the Department of State, I
can assure you that I recognize the importance of the United States
exerting strong leadership at ICAO. As I stated in my hearing, and as
Secretary Duffy emphasized in the U.S. National Statement at the ICAO
Assembly in September, we are prepared to reassert U.S. leadership
ICAO, including through establishing a physical presence for DOT's
Office of the Secretary at the U.S. Mission to ICAO, in order to ensure
safe, secure, and efficient air travel.
Question 2. If confirmed, do you commit to continuing the United
States' funding contributions to ICAO at the current rate?
Answer. Secretary Duffy and I are already engaging with ICAO,
focusing on its fundamental principles of safety, security, and
efficiency and ensuring that the global aviation ecosystem provides for
innovation while also modernizing the safety of our skies. I commit to
working with the Department of State on funding for this important
organization.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Amy Klobuchar to
Daniel Edwards
Essential Air Service
For many rural communities in Minnesota, smaller regional airports
provide a vital link to the Twin Cities and beyond. Essential Air
Service helps maintain the operations of regional airports in Minnesota
and across the country.
Question 1. How does the EAS program fit into the Department's
overall aviation strategy for ensuring equitable and reliable access
for rural communities?
Answer. The EAS program allows the Department to ensure that small
and rural communities remain connected to the national air
transportation system. By sustaining scheduled air service where it
would not otherwise be economically viable, the program helps preserve
economic and social mobility for residents and businesses in these
areas. From Secretary Duffy on down, the Department is committed to
ensuring that all Americans, regardless of geography, have access to
the benefits and opportunities that the national aviation system
provides. If confirmed, I will continue to leverage the funding
provided by Congress to the EAS program to do so.
Aviation Workforce Development
I am concerned that the shortage of trained aviation manufacturers,
mechanics, and air traffic controllers is leading to more flight
cancellations and repair delays. I led bipartisan legislation in the
FAA reauthorization bill to recruit and prepare students for aviation
careers.
Question 2. If confirmed, what will you do to ensure we have a
pipeline of new talent and bolster our existing aviation workforce?
Answer. If confirmed, I will prioritize strengthening the aviation
workforce pipeline by working with the FAA to advance programs that
attract, train, and retain the best and brightest professionals across
all sectors of aviation. This includes supporting FAA initiatives that
expand partnerships with schools and industry to develop technical
talent and ensure a steady flow of qualified mechanics, manufacturers,
and air traffic controllers to meet growing demand.
Low-Cost Carriers
In your testimony, you stated that you will focus on ensuring a
competition-friendly market and enhancing access to commercial air
service for all Americans. Low-cost carriers play a vital role in
bringing competition into the market. When low-cost carriers serve a
route, fares on that route fall by nearly 20 percent on average.
Question 3. If confirmed, do you commit to working to address
barriers that low-cost carriers face in expanding their operations into
new markets?
Answer. If confirmed, yes, I will work hard to address those
barriers. I believe strongly in supporting multiple business models in
the marketplace, enabling innovative businesses to serve customer
needs. There may be opportunities to address many different issues,
including airport access issues, given my roles as Assistant Secretary
(if confirmed) and Associate Administrator of Airports.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Tammy Duckworth to
Daniel Edwards
Question Topic: Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Question 1. In 2021, multiple U.S. Federal agencies, including
Department of Transportation and specifically the FAA joined an
interagency working group to roll out the SAF Grand Challenge. This was
a historic government-wide strategy for scaling up production of SAF
that reduces cost and expands the use of SAF across the U.S. airline
industry, while also growing the domestic biofuels sector. SAF is a
bipartisan topic that Senator Moran and I proudly advocate for as co-
chairs of the Senate SAF Caucus. SAF production is critical for the
aviation industry. It also creates new economic opportunities in
agricultural and rural communities while reducing environmental
impacts. It also supports U.S. energy independence and global
competitiveness. With the goal of 3 billion gallon per year by the 2030
target, it is important that we remain committed to this goal of
American grown, American made biofuels.
A. Do you remain committed to the expansion of domestic SAF
production and usage in this country?
Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to working with your office,
under the leadership of Secretary Duffy, and Senator Moran on this
issue.
Question 2. Without the inclusion of U.S. agricultural feedstock
for SAF we will miss an incredible economic and environmental
opportunity. That being said, some international aviation sectors have
chosen to measure their SAF carbon intensity using the International
Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction
Scheme for International Aviation or ``CORSIA''. However, domestically
we prefer Illinois' Argonne National Laboratories, Department of Energy
commissioned the Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use
in Technologies Model or ``GREET Model'', as it correctly considers
sustainable agricultural practices, reduced land and water uses and
other relevant considerations in its calculations.
A. Do you support the U.S. formally adopting the Argonne GREET
model to measure our SAF carbon intensity?
Answer. If confirmed, I will commit to studying this issue more and
following the leadership and direction of Secretary Duffy.
B. Do you support the global aviation sector adopting one single
model to measure the carbon intensity of SAF?
Answer. If confirmed, I will commit to studying this issue more and
following the leadership and direction of Secretary Duffy.
Question Topic: Federal Elections
Question 1. Setting aside the Congressional count and
certification, do you believe President Donald Trump received more
votes than Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. presidential
election?
Answer. Congress certified that Donald Trump won the 2024 election
on January 6, 2025.
Question 2. Setting aside the official Congressional count and
certification, do you believe President Joe Biden received more votes
than President Donald Trump in the 2020 U.S. presidential election?
Answer. Congress certified that Joseph Biden won the 2020
presidential election on January 7, 2021.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Maria Cantwell to
Trent Morse
Lobbying. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA)
operates Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which is a
major hub for American Airlines, as well as Washington Dulles
International Airport (IAD). After leaving the White House, you began
lobbying for American Airlines, as well as FedEx. You made several
commitments to me and my staff regarding how you would mitigate
conflicts of interest with your lobbying practice if confirmed. Please
confirm the following for the record:
Question 1. You will drop both American Airlines and FedEx as
clients if you are confirmed to the MWAA Board of Directors?
Answer. Yes.
Question 2. You do not currently represent any other clients in the
transportation space that could give rise to a conflict of interest or
an appearance of a conflict of interest with MWAA?
Answer. No.
Question 3. You will not represent any new clients in the aviation
space if confirmed?
Answer. Correct, I will not represent any new clients in the
aviation space.
Question 4. Are you aware of any other conflict of interest or the
appearance of a conflict of interest between MWAA and your lobbying
work, as defined under the statutory conflicts of interest requirements
for MWAA or MWAA's code of ethics for members of the board of
directors? If yes, please list each and provide a complete description
of how you intend to address each.
Answer. I am not aware of any other conflicts of interest or the
appearance of a conflict of interested. I will work with MWAA ethics
officials to ensure compliance.
Incomplete Financial Disclosure Paperwork. On August 19, 2025,
while you still worked at the White House, you executed your OGE 450
financial disclosure form. This was more than two weeks before you were
formally nominated for the MWAA Board of Directors position, and it was
before you started your own lobbying firm. On October 28, 2025, my
staff requested in writing that you submit an updated OGE 450 to
accurately reflect, among other things, your reportable private-sector
income, fees, commissions, and assets. My staff reiterated this
outstanding item on October 31, November 3, and November 4. To date,
you have not submitted an updated OGE 450 or a corresponding letter
from an MWAA ethics official assessing your updated OGE 450 for
conflicts of interest, despite telling my staff that you would do so.
This is already a departure from the Committee's practice, which
typically calls for nominees to submit complete financial disclosure
and ethics paperwork prior to a nomination hearing.
Question 1. To confirm: Do you intend to submit a complete OGE 450
and corresponding MWAA ethics review letter to the Committee?
Answer. In the addendum filed with the Committee, I have already
disclosed my income and assets. I will work with MWAA ethics officials
to ensure compliance.
Question 2. If yes, by when should the Committee expect to receive
these materials?
Answer. As outlined by Mr. Heppen's letter to the Office of
Government Ethics about my nomination, once appointed to the Board of
Directors, I will be required to complete the Airports Authority's
financial disclosure form within 30 days of assuming the position and
comply with all other applicable ethics policies and procedures, as
outlined in the Code of Ethics for Members of the Board of Directors.
Question 3. Do you agree that this Committee is entitled to receive
your complete financial disclosure paperwork and appropriate ethics
assessment prior to your nomination proceeding for further
consideration?
Answer. I plan to complete the Airports Authority's financial
disclosure form within 30 days of assuming the position and comply with
all other applicable ethics policies and procedures, as outlined in the
Code of Ethics for Members of the Board of Directors.
Question 4. Will you commit to following all OGE and MWAA agency
ethics agreements and advice, including recusing from particular
matters where a conflict of interest or an appearance of a conflict may
exist?
Answer. Yes.
Wages and Benefits for Airport Contract Workers at DCA and Dulles.
While MWAA leases both airports from the Federal government, MWAA sets
the wage rates for airport concessions and contract workers employed at
both DCA and IAD through the Airport Workers Wage Program. In 2019, the
MWAA Board approved a measure to boost the minimum wage for these
workers to $15 an hour by 2023. Recently, the MWAA Board approved
increases to the basic wage rate ensuring compensation at $16.78 an
hour as of January 1, 2025. The Board also set requirements for covered
businesses to provide at least 40 hours of paid leave per year for
full-time covered workers.
MWAA's workforce supports over 53 million passengers each year and
passenger traffic grew by 5.8 percent in the preceding year. MWAA's
workers struggle with high costs of living in the greater DC area and
deserve wage increases commensurate with the growing passenger traffic
demands MWAA airports are facing.
Question 1. Yes or No: If confirmed to be a Member of the Board,
would you support fair compensation for airport concessions and
contract workers at DCA and IAD, including wage increases to at a
minimum keep pace with inflation?
Answer. I support fair compensation for airport workers, as long as
we continue to keep costs low for consumers.
Question 2. Yes or No: If confirmed to be a Member of the Board,
would you support guaranteeing meaningful benefits such as health
insurance and paid leave to help attract and retain a stable airport
concessionaire and contract workforce at DCA and IAD?
Answer. I support fair compensation for airport workers, as long as
we continue to keep costs low for consumers.
Illegal Firings at Independent Agencies. The White House has been
illegally firing independent Board Members and Commissioners
responsible for ensuring public safety and protecting consumers. This
includes Members on the National Transportation Safety Board, Consumer
Product Safety Commission, Federal Trade Commission, and other
independent agencies under this Committee's jurisdiction.
You personally sent e-mails terminating these independent Board
members without any cause, in violation of the law.
Question 1. How is the testimony you provided at your hearing,
during which you said you would not carry out an illegal order,
consistent with your involvement in initiating these illegal firings?
Answer. I would refer you to White House counsel and the Department
of Justice on these matters.
Question 2. Why should we trust you to be independent and follow
the law when you have been central to illegally removing independent
authorities across the Federal government?
Answer. I would refer you to White House counsel and the Department
of Justice on these matters.
Question 3. Do you believe there is any hypocrisy in asking the
Senate to confirm you to an independent Board position, after you spent
months in the White House initiating illegal terminations of
independent Board members?
Answer. I would refer you to White House counsel and the Department
of Justice on these matters.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Tammy Duckworth to
Trent Morse
Question Topic: Federal Elections
Question 1. Setting aside the Congressional count and
certification, do you believe President Donald Trump received more
votes than Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. presidential
election?
Answer. As I said in my hearing, Congress certified President Trump
in the 2024 election, verifying the electoral college vote.
Question 2. Setting aside the official Congressional count and
certification, do you believe President Joe Biden received more votes
than President Donald Trump in the 2020 U.S. presidential election?
Answer. As I said in my hearing, Congress certified President Biden
in the 2020 election, verifying the electoral college vote.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Ben Ray Lujan to
Trent Morse
Question 1. Did Joe Biden lawfully win the 2020 presidential
election?
Answer. As I said in my hearing, Congress certified President Biden
in the 2020 election, verifying the electoral college vote.
Question 2. Did Donald Trump lawfully win the 2024 presidential
election?
Answer. As I said in my hearing, Congress certified President Trump
in the 2024 election, verifying the electoral college vote.
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