WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee nominations hearing, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) voiced his support for David Fink (Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration), David Fogel (Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service), Pierre Gentin (General Counsel of the Department of Commerce), and Robert Gleason (Amtrak Board of Directors). Sen. Cruz highlighted the nominees’ experience and priorities, which include attracting foreign direct investment, reducing trade barriers for U.S. exports, and improving the reliability, efficiency, and safety of the nation’s rail system.

Here are Sen. Cruz’s remarks as prepared for delivery:

“Today, we’ll hear from four nominees:

“David Fink for Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration;

“David Fogel for Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service;

“Pierre Gentin for General Counsel of the Department of Commerce; and

“Robert Gleason for the Amtrak Board of Directors.

“Congratulations to each of you on your nomination. I’m eager to hear more about your qualifications for your respective roles.

“Let’s start with the Department of Commerce. As General Counsel, Mr. Gentin will draw on his experiences as an in-house attorney to provide legal advice to the Secretary and the Department’s various agencies. Mr. Gentin is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York who has held legal and management roles at major companies, including most recently as the Chief Legal Officer at McKinsey & Company. He has lectured at Yale Law School, Columbia Law School, and the Wharton School of Business—a favorite of the President’s, as we all know. Mr. Gentin will provide strategic legal counsel and support Secretary Lutnick’s efforts to address critical policy challenges, such as reallocating spectrum, advancing AI, and building the nation’s manufacturing base.

“David Fogel is well versed in international economic diplomacy. As Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, he will strive to increase foreign direct investment in the United States and remove trade barriers on American exports. During the first Trump administration, Mr. Fogel served as chief of staff at the Export-Import Bank and as a senior advisor to the Undersecretary of Economic Growth at the State Department. If confirmed, he will work to counterbalance the CCP’s expanding footprint in global markets and encourage our allies to buy more products and services made in America.

“Now, let me turn to David Fink, the President’s nominee for administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration. As a fifth-generation railroader, Mr. Fink knows the ins and outs of the industry. He led Pan Am Railways when it was the largest regional railroad in the country and helped negotiate the sale of the company to CSX in 2022. Pan Am’s employee injury rate was consistently lower than the Class II railroad industry average for the decade concluding his tenure as CEO. He is deeply committed to the FRA’s core mission—safety—and will ensure it remains top-of-mind in all regulatory actions.

“Finally, Robert Gleason, who has been nominated to Amtrak’s Board of Directors. Mr. Gleason will draw on his time serving on transportation commissions in Pennsylvania to enhance the passenger experience across Amtrak’s network. I look forward to hearing how he will expand Amtrak’s rail service to underserved areas, improve its safety record, and insist on transparency regarding executive compensation.

“The nominees before us today will champion regulatory clarity and strategic investment in American industries. Our rail nominees, in particular, will take practical steps to improve the reliability, efficiency, and safety of moving people and goods across the country. Let’s hear more about how they’ll build a stronger, more prosperous America.”

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