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Last week, the Senate unanimously approved the nomination of Peter Rogoff as administrator of the Federal Transit Administration.

For the past 22 years, Rogoff has served on the staff of the Senate Appropriations Committee, including 14 years as the Democratic staff director of the Transportation Subcommittee. He helped shape each of the last three surface transportation bills and played an instrumental role in advising policymakers on Amtrak's operating and capital needs. Rogoff also had a hand in overseeing the financing for dozens of new light-rail systems.

The Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO (TTD) supports the appointment.

"Mass transit agencies across the country face counterintuitive budget shortfalls despite the fact that ridership is at a record high," said TTD President Edward Wytkind in a prepared statement. "Rogoff's many years of experience in the field of transit funding and finance will be invaluable as transit systems and their employees navigate these difficult times and seek ways to prevent damaging service and job cuts."

The Senate also confirmed the appointment of John Porcari as deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Most recently secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation, he previously served as vice president for administrative affairs at the University of Maryland. Porcari also served as the university's chief administrative and financial officer.