Press Releases

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO) today announced the appointment of Michael Falencki as Staff Director of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.  Falencki is replacing the Subcommittee’s departing Staff Director, Murphie Barrett.

“Michael’s experience as a subcommittee staff director and his previous transportation policy work in both the public and private sectors make him an excellent choice to lead the Republican staff of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee,” said Graves.  “The Committee has a major reauthorization of surface transportation programs on its agenda in the coming months, and Mike’s proven leadership will benefit the Members of the Committee as we work to develop and pass that critical infrastructure legislation.”

Falencki joined the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure staff in February as Staff Director of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.  Prior to joining the Committee, he worked as a Director for Morgan Stanley, established his own government and public affairs firm with a focus on surface transportation policy and issues, and served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director in the Congressional office of Rep. Sam Graves, where his legislative portfolio included infrastructure policy.

Regarding the departure of Murphie Barrett from the Committee staff, Graves said, “For nearly seven years, Murphie has provided sound guidance to the Members of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee – the largest subcommittee in Congress – and she has offered expert leadership to the Subcommittee’s staff while in the majority and the minority.  Murphie was instrumental throughout the development, negotiations, and enactment of the FAST Act.  Her knowledge and professionalism will be missed on the Committee, and we wish her well in all her future endeavors.”

Barrett joined the Highways and Transit Subcommittee as a Professional Staff member in January 2013 and was promoted to Staff Director in November 2013.  She was the lead House staffer during the development and passage of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) of 2015.