Hearing Report: Senate Committee Hears from Three Transportation Nominees

November 5, 2025

The Senate Commerce Committee this afternoon held a nomination hearing to consider three transportation nominees including Daniel Edwards, the President’s pick to serve as Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Aviation and International Affairs. 

Like DOT Secretary Sean Duffy and others in the Trump Administration, Edwards will be serving in two capacities. He is also the new Associate Administrator for the Office of Airports, where he oversees the Airport Improvement and Passenger Facility Charge Programs.

During today’s session, Edwards told lawmakers that maintaining safety is his top priority. He also mentioned that his other goals include “supporting the development of infrastructure that will meet the dynamic needs of the American economy,” and “sustaining and enhancing access to commercial air service for all Americans.”

Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) discussed airport infrastructure needs and stressed the need for the FAA to distribute AIP grants as quickly as possible to avoid construction delays, higher costs, and holding back economic growth. Edwards agreed with Rosen and complimented FAA staff for the work they did in getting grants out the door this year.

The Committee also considered the nominations of Ryan McCormack, who the President nominated to serve as Under Secretary of Transportation Policy, and Trent Morse, who was nominated to serve on the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

Echoing a theme from Secretary Duffy, McCormack told lawmakers that he wants to simplify and streamline grant programs. He pointed out that “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.”

Meanwhihe, Morse vowed to help transform Dulles International Airport, ensure concessionaires keep their costs down, and get rid of the people movers, which he called an “embarrassment” and “relic of the past.”