Senator Cantwell Questions Nominee Trent Morse on Airline Lobbying

Senate Commerce Committee Hearing

• 📌 The hearing focused on several nominees impacting transportation infrastructure, including Mr. McCormack, Mr. Edwards, and Mr. Morris.
• ⚠️ Senator Cantwell began by offering condolences for the tragic loss of life in the UPS flight incident and thanked first responders and investigative bodies.

Nominee for Under Secretary for Transportation

• 📊 Mr. McCormack, nominated for Under Secretary for Transportation, is expected to oversee policy development and address the administration's competitive grant re-evaluation process.
• 🌉 A key project mentioned is the I-5 bridge crossing the Columbia River, vital for both Washington state and the national economy.

Nominee for Assistant Secretary for Aviation

• ✈️ Mr. Edwards is expected to champion efforts to raise global aviation standards at IKO and fight for fair competition in the airline industry.
• 🏘️ A commitment to continuous, uninterrupted air service to small and rural communities is also anticipated.

Nominee for Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority

• 🏛️ Trent Morse, nominated for the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, previously lobbied for American Airlines and FedEx.
• 🤝 Morse informed the committee that he will cease lobbying for these companies if confirmed for the position.
• ⚖️ Senator Cantwell emphasized the expectation that Morse will avoid conflicts of interest and be held accountable to his commitments regarding lobbying and board decision-making.
• 📄 The Senator also noted that complete financial disclosure and ethics papers were still pending for the nominees.