Transit Nominee Affirms Support for Key Programs at Confirmation Hearing

What happened: Appearing before the Senate Banking Committee March 27, former Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-N.Y.) fielded several questions during his confirmation hearing to lead the Federal Transit Administration (FTA):

• Responding to a question from Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Molinaro said he will “advocate for the disbursement of contracted and obligated awards” for transit projects funded by the 2021 infrastructure investment law.
• Sens. Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) queried Molinaro about his commitment to keeping FTA jobs intact in the face of Trump administration efforts to reduce the federal workforce. “I will certainly advocate for the workforce and for the work that they do,” Molinaro testified.

What’s next: Though received favorably, a date to advance Molinaro’s nomination has not been set. Next week, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will outline his transportation vision before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.