Yesterday, the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs conducted a hearing on the nomination of Marcus Molinaro to lead the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Flanked by the leader of the nation’s largest transit union and many of Molinaro’s former colleagues in the House of Representatives, the nominee managed to avoid saying anything that is likely to engender opposition. 

Transit, he said, “connects rural towns and big cities, creates opportunity, and drives growth. It revitalizes the centers of community. It gives Americans—from students to seniors, veterans to working parents—the freedom to move, thrive and succeed.” He added, “transit must embrace technology, modernize systems, and leverage investment in housing, commercial, and overall economic development.” 

Molinaro had lined up a wide range of support before the hearing including from leaders of the American Bus Association, American Public Transportation Association, Associated General Contractors of New York State, and others. Committee chair, Sen. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) provided real time feedback to Molinaro, calling his opening remarks “really well done.” 

Molinaro enjoys support from critical labor constituencies, including the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and the AFL-CIO. Regarding union workers, Molinaro noted, “I value the work of the unions that represent them and see them as partners in building a system that is safer, more efficient, and future-ready. And I thank my good friend John Samuelson, President of the Transport Workers Union, for his support and being here with me today.” 

John Samuelson, Marcus Molinaro and Molinaro’s son (Jack) at the hearing. 

Samuelsen had previously endorsed Molinaro in his 2024 reelection bid stating, “We have worked closely with him on transit, rail, and air issues over the course of his term. On every issue our members care deeply about, Marc has taken the time to understand our concerns and ensure working people are the top priority of our government.” The union’s leaders worked extensively with Congressman Molinaro since the union represents tens of thousands of New York transit and rail workers. Last September, Politico quoted Samuelson as saying, “I want Hakeem Jeffries to take back the House. I’m a strong supporter of Hakeem Jeffries … But I’m not going to throw transport workers under the bus.” 

Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) expressed his concern that at least 80 FTA employees recently lost their jobs. Likewise, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada) called out the administration’s “lack of transparency and accountability” regarding staff reductions.  

Molinaro noted that he is seeking to increase morale, and would uphold the highest standards of transparency, working with Congressional offices to discuss the most recent and future changes, but declined to provide an opinion on staff reduction efforts.  

When asked whether he supported the recent reductions in workforce, Molinaro said, “I’m going to start with those decisions already made. I’ll certainly advocate for the workforce and the work that they do.”  

Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) asked about potential funding freezes, and Molinaro said he would advocate for the disbursement of authorized and obligated funds. He also said he would advocate for robust funding, and technical support to help rural transit agencies grow their capacity. 

(Ed. Note: For the important Capital Investment Grant program at FTA, it’s not enough just to promise to spend authorized or obligated funds. Grant agreements under CIG are somewhat unique in that the grant agreement is signed before Congress makes most of the appropriations needed to pay for the work under the grant. So FTA needs to request sufficient new funding in its budget each year in order to pay the annual installments of all of the signed grant agreements.)

Molinaro did not need to answer many questions because the hearing combined nominees for the Securities and Exchange Commission, Comptroller of the Currency, and Assistant Secretary of the Treasury. The senators had more questions about financial and economic issues than transportation. 

Molinaro served one term in Congress, representing a wide swath of exurban and rural New York State, located north of New York City and south of Albany. The New York Republican won his seat with 51 percent of the votes in 2022 and then lost his reelection bid in November with 49 percent. 

Molinaro had also served as Dutchess County executive for 11 years, an area that includes nine Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Metro-North commuter rail stations. Although Molinaro supports transit investments, he may have transit agencies walking on thin ice. On February 1, he posted on social media (from an account that no longer exists): “Instead of scheming for more money from taxpayers, the MTA must reckon with fare and toll evasion, inefficiencies and a lack of accountability — all contribute to massive waste, fraud and abuse.”