Ed Markey Questions Trump Nominee on Lawfulness of Grant Terminations and 2020 Election

Digital Equity Act Grants

• 💡 Senator Ed Markey questioned nominee Mr. Genton regarding the termination of state digital equity grants, authorized and appropriated by Congress.
• ❓ Markey asked if the decision to cancel these grants was a faithful execution of the law.
• 🚫 Mr. Genton stated he was not involved and had not looked into the legal issues, committing to investigate if confirmed, but offered no opinion on the lawfulness.
• ⚠️ Markey expressed his opinion that the administration must immediately rescind these termination notices, calling the action "completely unlawful."

Federal Railroad Administration Rule

• 🚂 Markey affirmed support for a Federal Railroad Administration rule requiring two crew members on class one freight trains.
• ✅ He sought confirmation from Mr. Frink that the administration intends to maintain this regulation, which was met with a positive affirmation.

2020 Presidential Election Lawfulness

• 🏛️ Mr. Genton was asked directly if Joe Biden lawfully won the 2020 presidential election.
• 📜 Genton responded that President Biden was certified and served as president, but repeatedly avoided stating whether he believed Biden was lawfully elected.
• ⚖️ Markey expressed concern that Genton's unwillingness to affirm the lawful election of President Biden, as a nominee for top lawyer at the Department of Commerce, casts a bad cloud over the electoral process and questions his ability to be a sound legal voice.