U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, addressed the committee at a hearing focused on nominations for key positions in the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA).
Cantwell began her remarks by offering condolences to those affected by the recent UPS Flight 2976 incident. She said, “I 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 [will track] the developments in this situation.”
She also acknowledged essential personnel working during a government shutdown, stating her ongoing commitment to resolving it.
The hearing considered three nominees: Ryan McCormack for Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy, Daniel Edwards as Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Aviation and International Affairs, and Trent Morse as a member of MWAA’s Board of Directors.
Addressing McCormack’s nomination, Cantwell highlighted his potential role overseeing policy development at DOT if confirmed. She emphasized expectations regarding competitive grant reevaluation processes, saying improvements in transportation infrastructure should not be delayed.
Cantwell pointed out the importance of infrastructure projects such as the Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River, noting its significance both locally in Washington state and nationally.
Regarding Edwards’ nomination, Cantwell said she wants an Assistant Secretary who will represent U.S. interests strongly at international forums like ICAO and advocate for fair competition within aviation while supporting U.S. workers. She expressed hope that Edwards would ensure continued air service to small communities in line with provisions from recent FAA reauthorization legislation.
Trent Morse was recognized as former President Trump’s nominee for MWAA’s Board of Directors. Cantwell referenced his past lobbying work with American Airlines and FedEx, noting his commitment not to lobby these companies if appointed. She stressed accountability regarding conflicts of interest: “I expect…to hold you accountable to those commitments and to avoid conflicts of interest from lobbying the Board or the Board's decision-making process, if confirmed.”
Cantwell concluded by urging completion of financial disclosure and ethics paperwork before final committee action on these nominations.
A video recording along with a full transcript of Senator Cantwell’s opening statement is available online.
