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S. HRG. 108–1017 

NOMINATIONS TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF 

COMMERCE, THE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION 

SAFETY BOARD, THE CONSUMER PRODUCT 

SAFETY COMMISSION, THE FEDERAL MARITIME 

COMMISSION AND THE SAINT LAWRENCE 

SEAWAY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 

HEARING 

BEFORE THE

COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, 

SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION 

UNITED STATES SENATE 

ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH CONGRESS 

SECOND SESSION 

MARCH 30, 2004 

Printed for the use of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 

( 

(II) 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION 

ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH CONGRESS 

SECOND SESSION 

JOHN MCCAIN, Arizona, Chairman 

TED STEVENS, Alaska 

CONRAD BURNS, Montana 

TRENT LOTT, Mississippi 

KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON, Texas 

OLYMPIA J. SNOWE, Maine 

SAM BROWNBACK, Kansas 

GORDON H. SMITH, Oregon 

PETER G. FITZGERALD, Illinois 

JOHN ENSIGN, Nevada 

GEORGE ALLEN, Virginia 

JOHN E. SUNUNU, New Hampshire 

ERNEST F. HOLLINGS, South Carolina, 

Ranking 

DANIEL K. INOUYE, Hawaii 

JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER IV, West Virginia 

JOHN F. KERRY, Massachusetts 

JOHN B. BREAUX, Louisiana 

BYRON L. DORGAN, North Dakota 

RON WYDEN, Oregon 

BARBARA BOXER, California 

BILL NELSON, Florida 

MARIA CANTWELL, Washington 

FRANK R. LAUTENBERG, New Jersey 

JEANNE BUMPUS, Republican Staff Director and General Counsel 

ROBERT W. CHAMBERLIN, Republican Chief Counsel 

KEVIN D. KAYES, Democratic Staff Director and Chief Counsel 

GREGG ELIAS, Democratic General Counsel 

(III) 

C O N T E N T S 

Page 

Hearing held on March 30, 2004 ............................................................................ 1 

Statement of Senator Breaux ................................................................................. 3 

Statement of Senator Hollings ............................................................................... 2 

Statement of Senator McCain ................................................................................. 1 

Statement of Senator Nelson .................................................................................. 4 

Letter dated March 29, 2004 to Hon. John McCain and Hon. Ernest 

Hollings from Senator Bob Graham, U.S. Senator from Florida .............. 4 

WITNESSES

Anderson, Hon. A. Paul, Nominated to be a Commissioner, Federal Maritime 

Commission ........................................................................................................... 38 

Prepared statement .......................................................................................... 39 

Biographical information ................................................................................. 40 

Brennan, Hon. Joseph E., Nominated to be a Commissioner, Federal Maritime Commission .................................................................................................. 46 

Prepared statement .......................................................................................... 47 

Biographical information ................................................................................. 48 

Hersman, Deborah A. P., Nominated to be a Member, National Transportation Safety Board .............................................................................................. 17 

Prepared statement .......................................................................................... 18 

Biographical information ................................................................................. 19 

Kassinger, Hon. Theodore W., Nominated to be Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce ........................................................................................ 7 

Prepared statement .......................................................................................... 8 

Biographical information ................................................................................. 9 

McGregor, Jack E., Nominated to be a Member of the Advisory Board, Saint 

Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation .................................................... 54 

Prepared statement .......................................................................................... 54 

Biographical information ................................................................................. 55 

Mica, Hon. John L., U.S. Representative from Florida ........................................ 6 

Moore, Hon. Thomas H., Nominated to be a Commissioner, U.S. Consumer 

Product Safety Commission ................................................................................. 25 

Letter dated March 26, 2004 to Hon. John McCain from Hal Stratton, 

Chairman, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission ............................ 26 

Prepared statement .......................................................................................... 28 

Biographical information ................................................................................. 31 

Shays, Hon. Christopher, U.S. Representative from Connecticut ....................... 2 

APPENDIX

Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, prepared statement ................................... 70 

Rockefeller IV, Hon. John D., U.S. Senator from West Virginia, prepared 

statement .............................................................................................................. 69 

Shaw, Jr., Hon. E. Clay, prepared statement ....................................................... 69 

(1) 

NOMINATIONS TO THE 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, 

THE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY 

BOARD, THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY 

COMMISSION, THE FEDERAL MARITIME 

COMMISSION AND THE SAINT LAWRENCE 

SEAWAY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 

TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2004 

U.S. SENATE, 

COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION, 

Washington, DC. 

The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 2:35 p.m. in room 

SR–253, Russell Senate Office Building, Hon. John McCain, Chairman of the Committee, presiding. 

OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. JOHN MCCAIN, 

U.S. SENATOR FROM ARIZONA 

The CHAIRMAN. Good afternoon. The Commerce Committee meets 

today to consider the nominations of six individuals who have been 

nominated by the President to serve our country in very important 

positions. 

This Committee takes its advice and consent role very seriously, 

and I will note that each of the nominees has responded in detail 

to the Committee’s request for biographical and financial data. I’ve 

had the opportunity to review your responses to the Committee 

questionnaire, and I look forward to moving your nominations 

quickly. 

We have, appearing before the Committee today: Theodore 

Kassinger, to be Deputy Secretary of Commerce; Debbie Hersman, 

to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board; 

Thomas Moore, to be a Commissioner of the Consumer Product 

Safety Commission; Paul Anderson and Joseph Brennan, to be Federal Maritime Commissioners; and Jack McGregor, to be a Member 

of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. 

I thank the nominees for being here today. I know your nominations are a great honor and your families are very proud. Please 

feel free to introduce any family members who are present before 

we begin your remarks. 

And Senator Hollings? 

Senator HOLLINGS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Let me yield to 

Congressman Shays. He’s busier than I am. 

[Laughter.] 

2 

The CHAIRMAN. Congressman Shays, we welcome—— 

Mr. SHAYS. Senator, I’m—— 

The CHAIRMAN. Well, could I just ask Senator Nelson, do you 

have any—— 

Senator NELSON. No, I just—— 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you. 

Congressman Shays, welcome. Thank you for coming. 

STATEMENT OF HON. CHRISTOPHER SHAYS, 

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FROM CONNECTICUT 

Mr. SHAYS. Thank you. It’s an honor to be here, Senators. 

Mr. Chairman, Senator Hollings, distinguished Senators from 

Louisiana and Florida, I am grateful for the opportunity to introduce my good friend and neighbor, Jack McGregor, who has been 

nominated by the President to the Advisory Board of the Saint 

Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. 

Jack has been a corporate and civic leader in my home town of 

Bridgeport, Connecticut, for many years. In his varied and distinguished career, he has repeatedly broken new ground and made 

dreams realities. From founding the Pittsburg Penguins hockey 

team and the Bridgeport Bluefish baseball team, to leading both a 

major water utility and oil company, to helping Governor Rowland’s transition in Connecticut when he was first elected, November 1994, to serving as an elected official in Pennsylvania for two 

four-year terms as a state senator, Jack has repeatedly shown himself to be both a skillful leader and effective team player. Jack 

McGregor always gets the job done, and I know he will continue 

to serve his country as he has served his community, with extraordinary distinction. 

I thank you for your consideration of this very worthy appointee 

and my friend, Jack McGregor. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you, Congressman Shays, for coming over 

to say some very nice comments about this fine American, and we 

thank you for being here. And you’re always welcome here, Congressman Shays. 

Mr. SHAYS. Thank you all. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you. 

Could the other nominees join us at the table—which would be 

the Honorable Theodore Kassinger, Deborah Hersman, Thomas 

Moore, Paul Anderson, Joseph E. Brennan and—Mr. McGregor, if 

you would just stay where you are. 

And I think that Senator Hollings and then Senator Nelson 

would like to make some remarks. 

STATEMENT OF HON. ERNEST F. HOLLINGS, 

U.S. SENATOR FROM SOUTH CAROLINA 

Senator HOLLINGS. Thank you very, very much, Mr. Chairman. 

I’d like to, of course, once again—— 

The CHAIRMAN. Senator Breaux, also. 

Senator HOLLINGS.—welcome our friend, Governor Brennan. I’m 

proud to support, and we all are proud to support his nomination. 

And let me say, an extended word, and not too extended, I ask 

that my full statement be included, Mr. Chairman. 

The CHAIRMAN. Without objection. 

3 

Senator HOLLINGS. But Debbie Hersman, she has a bachelor of 

arts, political science, and bachelor of arts, international studies at 

VPI, a master of science, conflict analysis and resolution at George 

Mason, and she has had a graduate degree in conflict analysis 

serving on this Committee for the past 5 years. 

[Laughter.] 

Senator HOLLINGS. She has really been a tremendous assistance 

to the Committee. She has taken over the oversight of truck and 

bus safety, pipeline safety, hazardous materials, transportation 

safety, even assisted on aviation matters, rail, ports, and trucking. 

And, most of all, she has led our thinking and progress on Amtrak. 

She has more or less been Mrs. Amtrak, we know, on the Committee, because she’s not only advised both sides—and the distinguished Chairman, who’s got a different view, supposedly, of Amtrak—but she’s been objective, and she has been persistent, and 

she’s stayed up long hours with her independent thinking, looking 

at all sides of the issue. And allowing she not only has got the technological points down fine, but she’s got also the political points. 

She understands both, and that’s a rare combination, and I couldn’t 

be stronger in my recommendation for her confirmation. 

And I thank the Chairman. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you very much, Senator Hollings, and I 

share your very high opinion of Ms. Hersman. We may have had 

disagreements, but those disagreements were not uninformed, and 

I appreciate the great work she did. 

Senator Nelson—or Senator Breaux, would you like to make any 

remarks? 

STATEMENT OF HON. JOHN B. BREAUX, 

U.S. SENATOR FROM LOUISIANA 

Senator BREAUX. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I would 

make comments about two of our nominees that I’ve had the privilege of working with, Thomas Moore, who was on my staff as a legislative director a long time ago, and then moved on to government 

service on the Consumer Products Safety Commission, and has 

done a terrific job in that capacity, and in the sense that he was 

recognized and appointed, and then reappointed again, and that 

speaks of his ability and understanding of the process. He was appointed first in 1994, then renominated for a full term in 1996, and 

he’s back with us again and brings a stability and intelligence to 

that very important commission that is so necessary and so needed. 

So I enthusiastically support his renomination to that position. 

And with regard to Debbie Hersman, I would just say that I 

think Senator Hollings has said it all very well. I mean, it’s a person that has worked well with all members of the Commission— 

I mean, the Committee, and now will serve as a member of the 

Transportation Safety Board. And, you know, some would say, well, 

you need someone who’s a mechanical engineer, who knows how to 

get into the crash site and determine what happened. And I think 

that there’s more than just that. That’s part of it. But serving on 

the National Transportation Services Safety Board also has a requirement that you can understand the law, understands the Congress, understands how we got where we are in all these areas. 

You can always hire engineers to look at the mechanical failures, 

4 

but to know the whole total process, the big picture, if you will, 

how to interact and be responsible to the Congress, is something 

that is incredibly important, and Debbie obviously brings that ability to this position. And I enthusiastically support her nomination 

and look forward to working with her. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you very much. 

Senator Nelson? 

STATEMENT OF HON. BILL NELSON, 

U.S. SENATOR FROM FLORIDA 

Senator NELSON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

I’m here to speak for Paul Anderson. I know a number of you, 

and you certainly have our support. I had the privilege of serving 

in the House with then-Congressman Brennan. And Paul is a Floridian. 

I want to introduce his father. Mr. Anderson, why don’t you 

stand up and—thank you for coming. 

Mr. Chairman, I give, to you and Senator Hollings, a letter from 

Senator Graham, also supporting the nominee. 

The CHAIRMAN. Without objection, it’ll be made part of the 

record. 

Senator NELSON. Thank you. 

[The letter referred to follows:] 

UNITED STATES SENATE

Washington DC, March 29, 2004 

Hon. JOHN MCCAIN, 

Chairman, 

Senate Committee on Commerce, 

Science, and Transportation, 

Washington, DC. 

Hon. EARNEST HOLLINGS, 

Ranking Member, 

Senate Committee on Commerce, 

Science, and Transportation, 

Washington, DC. 

Dear Chairman McCain and Ranking Member Hollings: 

I am in full support of the nomination of Alan Paul Anderson to be a Federal Maritime Commissioner. I have known Paul Anderson for almost 20 years and I am 

sure that he will be an outstanding asset to the Commission in its efforts to regulate 

transportation in the oceanborne commerce of our Nation. 

Paul Anderson’s professional background, both in the maritime industry and elsewhere, qualify him to be an effective Commissioner. Paul worked in Port Everglades, Florida for nine years with Hvide Marine, a maritime support and transportation business. During his time with Hvide, Paul was actively involved in marketing and public affairs and maritime trade associations; he also served as Assistant to Hvide’s Chairman and CEO. Paul’s exposure to the business realities of the 

maritime industry will be of great value in helping the Commission execute its mission. 

Paul’s background also includes significant experience with government. He 

gained valuable exposure to the local, state, and Federal levels of government 

through his service as the Vice President for Government Relations at JM Family 

Enterprises, a diversified automobile business headquartered in Deerfield Beach, 

Florida. Paul also served for several years as a Special Assistant to United States 

Senator Paula Hawkins. 

Paul has a long record of public service and leadership in the state of Florida, 

and has been actively involved in his community for many years. He has served on 

numerous boards, including the Broward Community College Board of Trustees, the 

Broward Education Foundation, the Florida Chamber, and the Junior Achievement 

of South Florida Board of Directors, as well as on the boards of other charitable organizations and maritime industry groups. 

5 

The mission of the Federal Maritime Commission is to foster and protect an efficient and nondiscriminatory ocean transportation system. Alan Paul Anderson will 

ably fulfill that goal. I support his nomination without reservation. 

Sincerely, 

BOB GRAHAM, 

Unites States Senator. 

Senator NELSON. Maritime issues are not anything new, not to 

Paul, going way back to the time that he had served in the employ 

of a major shipping company that is located in our state. And he 

has been extremely involved in public and community service, and 

I can name them all, from the Board of Governors of the Chamber, 

and so forth, Florida Tax Watch. It’s been a rather stellar community service record. And that includes things like the Board of 

Trustees on one of our community colleges in Florida, and serving 

in a statewide capacity, the Florida Association of Community College Trustees. And then he gets involved in trying to help out kids 

through a statewide public-private partnership, offering mentoring 

to high-risk children, at-risk children in Florida. 

He’s had quite a bit of government experience, formerly as an assistant to U.S. Senator Paula Hawkins, and then as press secretary 

to then Congressman Connie Mack. He is a devoted sports fan. We 

both had the privilege of serving on the Orange Bowl Committee. 

And so, Mr. Chairman, I’m very happy to be here and lend a 

word on behalf of his nomination. 

Thank you. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you very much. 

Before we begin our opening statements, I’d like to ask that each 

of the members, starting with you, Mr. Moore, would recognize 

your family members in the audience so we can thank them for 

being here in support of your nominations. 

Mr. MOORE. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Most of my 

family are out of town today, but I would like to thank my staff, 

who are here to support me, very much, and I also would like to 

thank Commissioner Mary Graul. 

The CHAIRMAN. Is she here? 

Mr. MOORE. She’s here, yes. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you very much. 

Mr. MOORE. Yes. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you, Mr. Moore. 

Governor Brennan? 

Governor BRENNAN. Mr. Chairman, with me today is my wife 

Connie, if she may stand, with my son, Joe, and my young sister, 

Mary. 

The CHAIRMAN. Welcome, Mary. Welcome to the family. Thank 

you, sir. 

Mr. Kassinger? 

Mr. KASSINGER. Senator McCain, I’m glad that I’m able to be 

joined by my wife Ruth and two of my three daughters, Anna—— 

The CHAIRMAN. Would you stand, please, so we—— 

Mr. KASSINGER.—Anna and Austin. 

The CHAIRMAN. Congratulations. 

Mr. McGregor? 

Mr. MCGREGOR. Mr. Chairman, my family is back home in Connecticut covering for me today. 

6 

[Laughter.] 

The CHAIRMAN. They’re not trying to get through that traffic jam. 

Ms. Hersman will take care of that for you. 

[Laughter.] 

The CHAIRMAN. Ms. Hersman? 

Ms. HERSMAN. Thank you, Senator McCain. As a staffer, this 

was always my favorite part of nomination hearings, and today is 

no different. My husband Neil is here with me today, and my two 

sons, Taylor—— 

The CHAIRMAN. Would you stand, please? 

Ms. HERSMAN.—and Wilson is announcing himself. 

[Laughter.] 

Ms. HERSMAN. My father, Walt, and his wife, Inga Hersman. 

The CHAIRMAN. Welcome. 

Ms. HERSMAN. My sister, Valerie, and her husband, Cary, and 

my husband’s family, the Plummers, my in-laws, and my sisterand brother-in-law. 

The CHAIRMAN. Would you all please stand? Welcome. 

Mr. Anderson? 

Mr. ANDERSON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And thank you, Senator Nelson. He has already introduced my dad, who’s here, but I 

do want to reintroduce him again today. Perry Anderson, here from 

California, is a distinguished veteran and retired marine officer, 

and I’m glad to have my dad here for today. 

Thank you. 

The CHAIRMAN. Mr. Anderson, welcome twice—— 

[Laughter.] 

The CHAIRMAN.—and thank you for your—— 

Mr. ANDERSON. I’d also—— 

The CHAIRMAN.—thank you for your service to our country. 

Mr. ANDERSON. Mr. Chairman, I also recognize my colleagues 

that are here, Chairman Steve West, Chairman of the FMC, and 

Commissioners Rebecca Dye and Hal Creel, who you all know so 

well, and I thank them and the rest of the staff that’s here today. 

The CHAIRMAN. I thank them for being here. 

In no particular order, we’ll begin with the Honorable Theodore 

Kassinger. And I would like the witnesses to know that their statements will be made part of the record. 

By the way, I saw Congressman Mica. Congressman Mica, would 

you like to just come up and sit here? I know you wanted to introduce one of the nominees. And thank you for coming over. Please 

go ahead. 

STATEMENT OF HON. JOHN L. MICA, 

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FROM FLORIDA 

Mr. MICA. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

I just came, actually, to speak either for or against Paul Anderson, whichever would help the most. 

[Laughter.] 

Mr. MICA. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, I’ve known Paul for 

over two decades, and I tell you, I’m so proud of him. He has a distinguished career, and it started over here as a Senate staffer, 

when I was Chief of Staff for Senator Hawkins from Florida. And 

he has had a great career in the private sector and the maritime 

7 

industry. He’s an absolute credit. And I tell you, if he was my own 

son today I wouldn’t be any prouder. So I leave him in your good 

hands. 

Thank you. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you very much, Congressman Mica. And 

those were very kind words. 

Mr. Kassinger, welcome. 

STATEMENT OF HON. THEODORE W. KASSINGER, NOMINATED 

TO BE DEPUTY SECRETARY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 

Mr. KASSINGER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Senator Hollings, 

Members of the Committee. I’m honored to appear before you today 

as the President’s nominee to serve as the Deputy Secretary of the 

U.S. Department of Commerce. 

I’m grateful to President Bush for providing me this opportunity 

to serve the public, and I deeply appreciate the continued confidence and support shown to me by Secretary Evans. I wish to 

thank this Committee, as well, for the courtesy it has extended to 

me in my current position and with respect to this nomination. 

The Deputy Secretary of the Commerce Department effectively 

serves as the agency’s Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the Department’s some 40,000 employees and $6 billion budget. The Deputy Secretary also acts as the Secretary’s advisor and surrogate, 

providing additional leadership for the Department’s broad and 

complex responsibilities and activities. From internal administration to marine fisheries to international trade, the census, and various other scientific, technological, environmental, and economic 

areas, the Department, every day, addresses a multitude of important challenges an opportunities. With the support of the Committee, the talented management team of the Department, and the 

Department’s hardworking employees, I am confident that I can 

continue the good work of former Deputy Secretary Bodman, and 

emulate Secretary Evans’ commitment to excellence in our work in 

all of these areas. 

If confirmed by the Senate, I would bring substantial relevant experience and knowledge to the position of Deputy Secretary. For 

the past 3 years, I have been privileged to serve as the Department’s General Counsel. As the agency’s Chief Legal Officer, I have 

provided legal advice and guidance to the Secretary and other senior Department officials on the full range of issues entrusted to the 

Department. And I have regularly represented the Department in 

policymaking councils within the Administration. 

Prior to joining the Department, I practiced law for 16 years, and 

also served as a staff member of the Senate Committee on Finance 

and with two Federal agencies. 

I think I, as a result, enjoy good familiarity with the Commerce 

Department’s operations and programs. I also know that staying 

abreast of matters before the Department requires a willingness to 

learn something new every day about what we do. 

I welcome that challenge and will continue to work hard to satisfy the high standard of achievement expected by the President, 

the Secretary, and this Committee. 

During the remainder of this term, the Secretary and I will 

maintain the Department’s focus on economic growth and job creVerDate Nov 24 2008 06:44 Aug 31, 2016 Jkt 075679 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6601 S:\GPO\DOCS\21346.TXT JACKIE
8 

ation. We will continue, also, to strive to open foreign markets, to 

ensure compliance with trade agreements, and to foster technological innovation, intellectual property protection, effective export 

controls, wise stewardship of natural resources, and sound economic statistics. I look forward to working with this Committee on 

these and any other matters. 

Mr. Chairman, before closing, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and other Members of this Committee, especially Senator Hollings, Senator Stevens, and Senator Snowe, for 

your help in enacting the NOAA Corps legislation. I understand 

the House passed H.R. 2584 last night, clearing the way for that 

bill to go to the President and, hopefully, for NOAA Corps appointments and promotions to resume in the normal course in the near 

future. I assure you that we have worked hard to fix what was a 

broken system, but I am confident that with the enactment of 

H.R. 2584, NOAA Corps will return to effective operations under 

much strengthened oversight and administrative processes. 

In conclusion, permit me to reiterate my gratitude for being 

asked to serve the public in this new role. I am especially fortunate 

to benefit in this endeavor from the support of my family and 

friends; most particularly, my family. Thank you for the opportunity to introduce them. 

That concludes my statement. I’d be happy to respond to any 

questions. 

[The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr. 

Kassinger follow:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF HON. THEODORE W. KASSINGER, NOMINEE FOR THE

POSITION OF DEPUTY SECRETARY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Mr. Chairman, Senator Hollings, and Members of the Committee, 

I am honored to appear before you today as the President’s nominee to serve as 

Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce. I am grateful to President 

Bush for providing me this opportunity to serve the public, and I deeply appreciate 

the continued confidence and support shown to me by Secretary Evans. I wish to 

thank this Committee as well for the courtesy it has extended to me in my current 

position and with respect to this nomination. 

The Deputy Secretary of the Department of Commerce effectively serves as the 

agency’s chief operating officer, overseeing the Department’s nearly 40,000 employees and $6 billion budget. The Deputy Secretary also acts as the Secretary’s advisor 

and surrogate, providing additional leadership for the Department’s broad and complex responsibilities and activities. From internal administration to marine fisheries 

to international trade, the Census, and various other scientific, environmental, technological, and economic areas, the Department addresses every day a multitude of 

important challenges and opportunities. With the support of the Committee, the talented management team at the Department, and the Department’s hard-working 

employees, I am confident that I can continue the good work of former Commerce 

Deputy Secretary Bodman and emulate Secretary Evans’ commitment to excellence 

in our work in all of these areas. 

If confirmed by the Senate, I would bring substantial relevant experience and 

knowledge to the position of Deputy Secretary. For the past three years, I have been 

privileged to serve as the Department’s General Counsel. As the agency’s chief legal 

officer, I have provided legal advice and guidance to the Secretary and other senior 

Commerce officials on the full range of issues entrusted to the Department, and I 

have regularly represented the Department in policy-making councils within the Administration. 

Before joining the Department, I practiced law in the private sector for nearly 16 

years, representing and counseling clients engaged in a wide variety of international 

trade regulatory matters and proceedings, business transactions, litigation, and arbitrations. I have also had the privilege of serving on the staff of the Senate Committee on Finance and as an attorney at both the Department of State and the U.S. 

9 

International Trade Commission. My public service and private practice have taught 

me much about the Department and its sister Federal agencies and their interactions with the private sector. 

While I now enjoy good familiarity with the Commerce Department’s operations 

and programs, I also know that staying abreast of matters before the Department 

requires a willingness to learn something new every day about what we do. I welcome that challenge and opportunity, and will continue to work hard to satisfy the 

high standard of achievement expected by the President, the Secretary, and this 

Committee. 

During the remainder of this term, the Secretary and I will maintain the Department’s focus on economic growth and job creation. We will also continue to strive 

to open foreign markets, to ensure compliance with trade agreements, and to foster 

technological innovation, intellectual property protection, effective export controls, 

wise stewardship of natural resources, and sound economic statistics. I look forward 

to working with this Committee on these and many other matters. 

In closing, permit me to reiterate my gratitude for being asked to serve the public 

in this new role. I am especially fortunate to benefit in this endeavor from the support of my family and friends, and most particularly my wife and my daughters. 

Thank you again for this opportunity to appear before you today, and for your 

consideration of my nomination. 

I would be pleased to respond to any questions you may have. 

A. BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

1. Name: (include any former names or nick names used.) Theodore William 

Kassinger (Ted). 

2. Position to which nominated: Deputy Secretary of the U. S. Department of 

Commerce. 

3. Date of nomination: February 26, 2004. 

4. Address: (List current place of residence and office addresses.) 

Residence: Information not released to the public. 

Office: Room 5870, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution 

Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20230. 

5. Date and place of birth: January 26, 1953; Atlanta, GA. 

6. Marital status: (include maiden name of wife or husband’s name.) 

Married—Ruth Good (wife’s maiden name) 

7. Names and ages of children: (Include stepchildren and children from previous 

marriages.) 

Name Age 

Anna L. Kassinger 17 

Austen Kassinger 15 

Alice C. Kassinger 11 

8. Education: (List secondary and higher education institutions, dates attended, 

degree received and date degree granted.) 

Name of School Dates Attended Degree 

Date Degree Granted 

University of Georgia September 1975 to June 1978 J.D. June 1978 

University of Georgia June 1970–Jnne 1975 B.L.A June 1975 

Athens (GA) High School September 1968–June 1970 none (skipped senior year) 

9. Employment Record: (List all jobs held since college, including the title or description of job, name of employer, location of work, and dates of employment.) 

Title Name of Employer Location Dates Employment 

Law clerk U.S. Dept of HEW Atlanta, GA June 1976–May 1977 

Summer Associate Smith, Currie & Hancock Atlanta, GA June 1977–August 1977 

Instructor UGA Business School Athens, GA September 1977–June 1978 

Attorney-Advisor U.S. International Trade 

Commission 

Washington, DC August 1978–April l980 

Attorney-Advisor U.S. Dept. of State Washington, DC April 1980–October 1981 

International Trade 

Counsel 

U.S. Senate Committee 

on Finance 

Washington, DC October 1981–June 1985 

10 

Title Name of Employer Location Dates Employment 

Associate (1985–1989) 

Partner (1990–2001) 

Vinson & Elkins LLP Washington, DC July 1985–February 2001 

Instructor Georgetown Law Center Washington, DC January 1987–December 

1987 

Senior Advisor to the 

Secretary 

U.S. Dept. of Commerce Washington, DC February 2001–May 2001 

General Counsel U.S. Dept. of Commerce Washington, DC May 2001 to present 

10. Government experience: (list any advisory, consultative, honorary or other 

part-time service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other than 

those listed above.) None. 

11. Business relationships: (List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee, 

partner, proprieto1, agent, representative, or consultant of any corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business enterprise, educational or other institution.) 

Vinson & Elkins LLP—Partner (1990–2001) 

Ford’s Theatre Society—Trustee (1998–2001) 

The Concord Hill School—Trustee (1995–2001) 

University of Georgia School of Law Board of Visitors (1999–2001) 

12. Memberships: (List all memberships and offices held in professional, fraternal, 

scholarly, civic, business, charitable and other organizations.) 

District of Columbia Bar 

Georgia Bar 

American Bar Association 

The Nature Conservancy 

13. Political affiliations and activities: 

(a) List all offices with a political party which you have held or any public office 

for which you have been a candidate. 

None. 

(b) List all memberships and offices held in and services rendered to all political 

parties or election committees during the last 10 years. 

Bush-Cheney 2000 Presidential Campaign: Assisted policy staff of campaign. 

Bush/Cheney Presidential Transition: Served as coordinator of Commerce 

Department Transition Team. 

Dole for President Campaign 1996: Volunteer. 

(c) Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign organization, 

political party, political action committee, or similar entity of $500 or more for 

the past 10 years. 

Name Amount 

National Good Government Fund $546 

National Good Government Fund $525 

Vinson & Elkins Texas PAC $911 

Vinson &Elkins Texas PAC $1,000 

Vinson & Elkins Texas PAC $2,304 

Vinson & Elkins Texas PAC $970 

Vinson & Elkins Texas PAC $1,100 

Vinson & Elkins Texas PAC $1,465 

Vinson & Elkins Texas PAC $1,803 

Vinson & Elkins Texas PAC $1,520 

Vinson & Elkins Texas PAC $1,668 

Dole for President $1,000 

George W. Bush Presidential Campaign $1,000 

Republican National Committee $1,000 

Bush-Cheney Recount Fund $500 

11 

14. Honors and awards: (List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary society memberships, military medals and any other special recognitions for 

outstanding service or achievements.) 

College Honorary: Gridiron Secret Society, Blue Key, Omicron Delta Kappa, 

Senior Superlative. Skipped senior year of high school to join University Honors 

Program. 

Awarded Law School scholarship. 

15. Published writings: (List the titles, publishers, and dates of books, articles, reports, or other published materials which you have written.) 

• ‘‘Antidumping Duty Investigations,’’ in Law and Practice of United States International Trade Regulation, Oceana Publications (1987, 1989, 1996 update with 

Rosemary E. Gwynn) 

• Basic Documents of International Economic Law (chapters on the GATT Antidumping Code, Subsidies Code, Standards Code, and Procurement Code), CCH 

International and Westlaw (1990) 

• ‘‘The Trade Agenda of the 98th Congress,’’ Federal Bar News and Journal 

(1983) 

• ‘‘Recombinant DNA and Technology Assessment,’’ 11 Ga. L. Rev. 785 (1978) (coauthor with Benna Solomon) 

16. Speeches: Provide the Committee with two copies of any formal speeches you 

have delivered during the last 5 years which you have copies of on topics relevant 

to the position for which you have been nominated. 

Copies attached. (Not available at time of printing.) 

17. Selection: 

(a) Do you know why you were chosen for this nomination by the President? 

I believe President Bush determined that my skills and experience would enable 

me to perform successfully the responsibilities of Deputy Secretary. 

(b) What do you believe in your background or employment experience affirmatively qualifies you for this particular appointment? 

For the past three years, I have served first as Senior Advisor to Secretary Evans 

and then as General Counsel to the Department of Commerce. In those positions 

I have worked closely with Secretary Evans, Deputy Secretary Bodman, and other 

senior agency officials on matters involving every part of the Department’s varied 

responsibilities. I have regularly represented the Department in inter-agency activities, including policy-making committees operating at the most senior levels of government. I have also worked successfully with Members of Congress and Congressional staff on matters involving the Department. This experience, combined with 

my prior experience in law practice and government, provides me with both broad 

and deep knowledge of a wide range of the Department’s programs as well as public 

policy issues that come before the Department. With respect to the management responsibilities of the Deputy Secretary, I have worked closely with senior Department officials on management and administrative issues over the past three years. 

In addition to managing the Office of the General Counsel, I also handled substantial administrative responsibilities for my former law firm, itself a large business 

enterprise. I thus believe I have acquired the skills and experience necessary to 

carry out the duties of the Deputy Secretary. 

B. FUTURE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIPS

1. Will you sever all connections with your present employers, business firms, 

business associations, or business organizations if you are confirmed by the Senate? 

Yes, I did so upon entering government service in 2001. As noted below, I have 

maintained assets in a 401(k) pension plan sponsored by Vinson & Elkins LLP. 

2. Do you have any plans, commitments or agreements to pursue outside employment, with or without compensation, during your service with the government? If 

so, explain. No. 

3. Do you have any plans, commitments or agreements after completing government service to resume employment, affiliation or practice with your previous employer, business firm, association or organization? No. 

4. Has anybody made a commitment to employ your services in any capacity after 

you leave government service? No. 

5. If confirmed, do you expect to serve out your full term or until the next Presidential election, whichever is applicable? Yes. 

12 

C. POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation agreements, and 

other continuing dealings with business associates, clients or customers. 

I have maintained assets in a 401(k:) pension plan sponsored by Vinson & Elkins 

LLP, consistent with the plan’s standard option and the practice of other former 

partners. 

2. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other relationships which 

could involve potential conflicts of interest in the position to which you have been 

nominated. 

I have addressed potential conflicts of interests in an Ethics Agreement into 

which I have entered with the Department of Commerce (copy attached). 

3. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial transaction which you 

have had during the last 10 years, whether for yourself, on behalf of a client, or 

acting as an agent, that could in any way constitute or result in a possible conflict 

of interest in the position to which you have been nominated? 

The Commerce Department’s ethics officials, together with the Office of Government Ethics, have advised me of the possible conflicts of interest that might arise 

from my prior business arrangements and current investments. Implementation of 

the Ethics Agreement will resolve the potential conflicts that those officials identified. I am unaware of any other such potential conflict of interest. 

4. Describe any activity during the past 10 years in which you have engaged for 

the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat or modification 

of any legislation or affecting the administration and execution of law or public policy. 

During the course of my law practice prior to 2001, I regularly represented clients 

in a variety of administrative proceedings and in connection with matters pending 

before or involving consideration by Federal agencies, including the Departments of 

Commerce, Treasury, Defense, and State; the International Trade Commission; and 

the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. These matters included, for example, 

antidumping and countervailing duty investigations; other trade law investigations; 

export licenses and investigations; economic sanctions regulations; and regulation of 

foreign investments. I also participated in several matters for which my firm or I 

registered as lobbyists, or that indirectly related to legislative or rulemaking matters. These included advocacy concerning customs user fees, the sale of the Naval 

Petroleum Reserves, economic sanctions legislation, imports of ammonium nitrate 

from Russia, and financial aid to Russia. 

From time to time in my capacity as General Counsel, I have represented the Department of Commerce in testimony before and discussions with Members of Congress and their staffs concerning pending legislation and other public policy matters. 

5. Explain how you will resolve any potential conflict of interest, including any 

that may be disclosed by your responses to the above items. (Please provide a copy 

of any trust or other agreements.) 

I have worked with government ethics counsel to identify potential conflicts and 

to address appropriately those conflicts through the Ethics Agreement (copy attached). I have no trust or other agreements relevant to these matters. I will continue to act upon the advice of the Department’s ethics counsel to avoid conflicts 

of interest that might arise, recusing myself from matters as appropriate. 

6. Do you agree to have written opinions provided to the Committee by the designated agency ethics officer of the agency to which you are nominated and by the 

Office of the Government Ethics concerning potential conflicts of interest or any 

legal impediments to your serving in this position? Yes. 

D. LEGAL MATTERS

1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics for unprofessional 

conduct by, or been the subject of a complaint to any court, administrative agency, 

professional association, disciplinary committee, or other professional group? If so, 

provide details. No. 

2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged or held by any Federal, 

State, or other law enforcement authority for violation of any Federal, State, county, 

or municipal law, regulation or ordinance, other than a minor traffic offense? If so, 

provide details. No. 

3. Have you or any business of which you are or were an officer ever been involved as a party in interest in an administrative agency proceeding or civil litigation? If so, provide details. 

I have not been an officer of any business. None of the non-profit corporations for 

which I previously served as trustee were involved in such proceedings during my 

tenure, to my knowledge. During my time as a partner in Vinson & Elkins LLP, 

13 

the firm was occasionally involved as a party in interest in civil litigations, but I 

was not personally involved or implicated in any such proceedings. 

4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo contendere) of 

any criminal violation other than a minor traffic offense? No. 

5. Please advise the Committee of any additional information, favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be considered in connection with your nomination. 

None. 

E. RELATIONSHIP WITH COMMITTEE

1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with deadlines set by 

congressional committees for information? 

Yes, within the bounds of my authority. 

2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can to protect 

congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal for their testimony and 

disclosures? Yes. 

3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested witnesses, to include technical experts and career employees with firsthand knowledge of matters 

of interest to the Committee? Yes. 

4. Please explain how you will review regulations issued by your department/ 

agency, and work closely with Congress, to ensure that such regulations comply 

with the spirit of the laws passed by Congress. 

I will instruct the General Counsel and the heads of agencies within the Department of Commerce to advise me of all regulations that are economically significant 

or relate to matters of controversy. Within the Department of Commerce, the General Counsel serves as Regulatory Policy Officer and overseer of the Department’s 

regulatory activities. Having served as the General Counsel, I am well situated to 

work with the General Counsel to ensure that the rules issued by the Department 

of Commerce comply with both the spirit and letter of the laws passed by Congress. 

5. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly constituted committee of 

the Congress on such occasions as you may be reasonably requested to do so? Yes. 

F. GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS AND VIEWS

1. How have your previous professional experience and education qualifies you for 

the position for which you have been nominated? 

In my position as the General Counsel of the Department of Commerce, a position 

I have held for over three years, I have managed over 250 lawyers who are charged 

with providing legal advice to all agencies and bureaus within the Department. This 

position has provided me the unusual opportunity to acquire an in-depth knowledge 

of the programs and issues of all components of the Department. I have provided 

both legal and policy advice to Secretary Evans, Deputy Secretary Bodman, and to 

all the various Under Secretaries and Assistant Secretaries, and have extensive 

knowledge of all the bureaus within the Department, including the management 

challenges faced by each. I have traveled with Secretary Evans both domestically 

and internationally, have engaged in discussions with foreign government representatives and private sector leaders on a wide variety of topics, and have assisted in 

the development of policy on a myriad of sensitive issues before the Department. 

Further, before assuming the position of General Counsel, I practiced law for 16 

years with a major international law firm. That experience exposed me to a wide 

variety of transactional and public policy matters, particularly involving international trade and other commercial matters. I believe these previous professional 

experiences qualify me to be Deputy Secretary of Commerce. 

2. Why do you wish to serve in the position for which you have been nominated? 

I continue to support the ideas and vision articulated by President Bush and Secretary Evans for promoting U.S. commercial interests, for creating the conditions in 

which the American economy thrives, and for exercising wise stewardship of our Nation’s natural resources. I wish to contribute to the success of the Department’s mission by continuing to contribute the knowledge and experience I have gained to public service. 

3. What goals have you established for your first two years in this position, if confirmed? 

• Assist Secretary Evans to achieve the goals that he sets. 

• Continue the great strides made under former Deputy Secretary Bodman in focusing attention on improving work place safety and emergency operations 

plans. 

• Implement the President’s Manufacturing Initiative. 

14 

• Formulate the budget for Fiscal Year 2006, and work to obtain enactment of 

the Fiscal Year 2005 budget. 

• Ensure prompt and effective implementation of the reorganization plan for the 

International Trade Administration, especially with respect to the new Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing and Services. 

• Evaluate the forthcoming recommendations of the Oceans Commission and initiate appropriate action on those recommendations. 

• Continue progress in deploying information technologies to improve internal Departmental operations and especially to facilitate public participation in agency 

rulemaking and grant issuance processes. 

4. What skills do you believe you may be lacking which may be necessary to successfully carry out this position? What steps can be taken to obtain those skills? 

I believe that I generally possess the experience and skills that are necessary to 

carry out the responsibilities of the Deputy Secretary. I expect nevertheless to learn 

much from both my colleagues among the Department’s personnel as well as other 

Deputy Secretaries throughout the Executive Branch. I expect to seek their advice 

and counsel, and I believe they will be helpful to me in learning my new job. 

5. Please discuss your philosophical views on the role of government. Include a 

discussion of when you believe the government should involve itself in the private 

sector, when should society’s problems be left to the private sector, and what standards should be used to determine when a government program is no longer necessary. 

The Federal Government is entrusted with defending the national security and 

promoting economic security, conducting international trade and other diplomatic 

relations with foreign states, defending individual liberty including rights granted 

under the Constitution and Federal laws, and working with state and local governments and the private sector to provide for the common welfare, including wise 

stewardship of the Nation’s natural resources. The government has an important 

role to play in working with the private sector where necessary to ensure competitive opportunity, to promote free enterprise, and to protect public health, safety, and 

the environment. Government programs should be established and continually evaluated based on need, cost effectiveness, and alternative means of accomplishing the 

same ends. 

6. Describe the current mission, major programs, and major operational objectives 

of the department/agency to which you have been nominated. 

The Department of Commerce has a continuing commitment to creating conditions for both economic growth and employment opportunity by promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and competitiveness, and by serving as responsible stewards 

of our Nation’s natural resources. The Commerce Department’s major programs 

focus on its partnership with American businesses in maintaining a prosperous and 

productive America. The Department will continue to maintain its record of innovation in manufacturing, communications, and measurement that has helped sustain 

U.S. leadership in the international marketplace. 

7. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the department/agency and why? 

Three top challenges will be: (1) effecting continual improvement in the effectiveness and efficiency of the Department’s programs in a time of constrained budgetary 

resources; (2) adapting the Department’s programs and policy initiatives to address 

effectively current challenges posed by the international competitive environment, 

so that U.S. businesses and workers will continue to succeed; and (3) furthering 

oceans research and effective management of our marine environment backed by 

public consensus. 

The reasons why these three challenges are particularly important include, respectively: 

(1) Prosecuting the war on terror and providing adequately for the national defense and homeland security will require hard budgetary choices and particularly 

close attention to management of available funds over the next few years. 

(2) Negotiating and implementing effective trade agreements will continue to form 

a key part of maintaining U.S. export competitiveness. At the same time, the government can undertake numerous steps at home to ensure that U.S. workers and 

businesses remain the world’s most productive and innovative. The Department has 

begun to reorganize to meet these challenges more effectively, but seeking continuous improvement in its own operations will be essential to meeting the needs of 

today’s economy. 

(3) The forthcoming report of the Oceans Commission should provide new focus 

to what we know—and do not know about the oceans, including competition for uses 

15 

of our coastal zones and marine resources. Few subjects are as important or contentious, and a critical task of the Department in the coming years will be to develop 

our knowledge of these issues and collaborative approaches to effective resource 

management. For example, the Department has made great strides in the past three 

years to move regulation of marine fisheries away from litigation into more positive, 

community-accepted, ecosystem-based management approaches, with tangible success. Nevertheless, pressures on fishing stocks arising from various natural and 

human sources require continued focus on scientific research, public outreach, and 

innovative solutions this critical aspect of our oceans resources is to be managed in 

a sustainable manner that meets the needs of diverse stakeholders. 

8. In reference to question number six, what factors in your opinion have kept 

the department/agency from achieving its missions over the past several years? 

The Department continually makes progress in pursuit of its missions, and by definition those missions are never completed. Individual programs within the agency 

face particular challenges, however. For example, the expiration of the Export Administration Act requires the Bureau of Industry and Security to operate under 

emergency authority while seeking new authorizing legislation. Expired and sometimes outdated statutory authorizations in other areas similarly inhibit optimal implementation of agency programs. Although the Department has made much 

progress over the past three years in reducing litigation, the National Marine Fisheries Service remains the target of recurrent legal challenges, sometimes resulting 

in conflicting judicial mandates. 

9. Who are the stakeholders in the work of this agency? 

The Commerce Department’s mission and programs are directed to the benefit of 

all Americans. As a Department first established in 1903 with broad authority to 

foster, to promote, and to develop the foreign and domestic commerce and the manufacturing and fishery industries of the United States, we work with a broad spectrum of commercial interests in a wide variety of contexts. We also have important 

responsibilities in connection with the census, environmental stewardship, and economic development, and work closely with the States and local governments on 

these and a host of other issues. 

10. What is the proper relationship between your position, if confirmed, and the 

stakeholders identified in question number nine? 

The Deputy Secretary is a public servant with the special responsibility of ensuring that the Department’s programs are carried out and managed in a manner that 

provides the greatest benefits to the American public. This responsibility requires 

a relationship with the various stakeholders that always keeps the public interest 

as the primary guidepost. 

11. The Chief Financial Officers Act requires all government departments and 

agencies to develop sound financial management practices. 

(a) What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to ensure that your 

agency has proper management and accounting controls? 

If I am confirmed as Deputy Secretary, it will be my ultimate responsibility on 

behalf of Secretary Evans to ensure that the Department’s program managers have 

instituted robust management and accounting controls and to hold each manager 

accountable for his or her performance. 

(b) What experience do you have in managing a large organization? 

Prior to arriving at the Commerce Department in 2001, I was a partner in Vinson 

& Elkins LLP, a large, multinational law firm with over 700 lawyers and annual 

revenues exceeding $300 million. I chaired and participated in numerous management-related committees; carried out various individual assignments related to strategic analysis and planning; and supervised various lawyers and other personnel in 

the provision of legal services to clients. 

As General Counsel of the Commerce Department since 2001, I have administered a budget of approximately $30 million and managed over 250 lawyers and 12 office 

heads covering the diverse legal disciplines involved in Commerce programs. I have 

also regularly participated in personnel, budgetary, and other management decisions involving the entire Department, working closely with the Secretary, Deputy 

Secretary, and Chief Financial Officer in that regard. 

12. The Government Performance and Results Act requires all government departments and agencies to identify measurable performance goals and to report to 

Congress on their success in achieving these goals. 

(a) What benefits, if any, do you see in identifying performance goals and reporting on your progress in achieving those goals? 

Identifying performance goals and reporting on the progress in achieving them ensures that public resources are devoted to appropriate, meaningful ends, with accountability for the outcome. At a time when the potential demand for budget resources often exceeds what is available, it is critical that we measure the performVerDate Nov 24 2008 06:44 Aug 31, 2016 Jkt 075679 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6621 S:\GPO\DOCS\21346.TXT JACKIE
16 

ance of agencies to ensure that they are accomplishing their goals and that continued funding of their programs represents the best use of scarce Federal funds. 

(b) What steps could Congress consider taking when an agency fails to achieve 

its performance goals? Should these steps include the elimination, privatization, 

downsizing or consolidation of departments and/or programs? 

The steps should respond to the reasons why the agency has failed to achieve its 

goals. If experience shows that a particular program is no longer worthwhile or its 

purpose simply cannot be achieved in a cost-effective manner, then elimination or 

restructuring of the programs may well be warranted. In other cases, Departmental 

managers working in cooperation with auditors from the Office of the Inspector General may be able to devise less radical measures to raise the performance of a 

worthwhile program to an acceptable level. 

(c) What performance goals do you believe should be applicable to your personal 

performance, if confirmed? 

The Deputy Secretary’s performance should be measured by the success of the Department in managing its resources in a way that provides the best opportunity for 

the Department to carry out its mission. 

13. Please describe your philosophy of supervisor/employee relationships. Generally, what supervisory model do you follow? Have any employee complaints been 

brought against you? 

I believe in leading by example, and by encouraging employees to seek satisfaction 

in their jobs through learning and accepting responsibility for serving others well. 

I am unaware of any employee complaint ever having been brought against me. 

14. Describe your working relationship, if any, with the Congress. Does your professional experience include working with committees of Congress? If yes, please describe. 

Having spent four years on the staff of the Senate Finance Committee, I have an 

especially deep respect for the responsibilities of Members of Congress. I expect to 

have a professional working relationship with Congress that is expressed through 

regular, two way communication, backed by mutual desire to assist both the Members and the Department to fulfill their respective duties. During my tenure as General Counsel, I have made every effort to be responsive to requests from Members 

of Congress and their staff. 

15. Please explain what you believe to be the proper relationship between yourself, if confirmed, and the Inspector General of your department/agency. 

The Inspector General performs an invaluable service in helping to protect the 

American public’s interests and investments in the Department of Commerce. He 

possesses an autonomous set of ‘‘eyes and ears’’ within Commerce, and I intend to 

listen carefully to his advice about what Commerce needs to do to detect and to prevent fraud, waste and abuse. As Deputy Secretary, if confirmed, I would also listen 

closely to his recommendations about what we need to do to promote economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the operations of the Department. 

16. In the areas under the department/agency’s jurisdiction, what legislative action(s) should Congress consider as priorities? Please state your personal views. 

In addition to providing appropriations for the Department by the end of the Fiscal Year, I would urge Congress to reauthorize the Economic Development Administration and to renew the Export Administration Act, and to approve new fee legislation for the Patent and Trademark Office. 

17. Within your area of control, will you pledge to develop and implement a system that allocates discretionary spending in an open manner through a set affair 

and objective established criteria? If yes, please state what steps you intend to take 

and a time frame for their implementation. If not, please explain why. 

Yes. It is my impression that virtually all policy officials within the Department 

already allocate discretionary funding guided by fair and objective, established criteria, such as are published in notices of funding availability for grants. Over the 

past year the Department has worked to improve the grants award process with 

measurable success, and I will continue to support such efforts, including expansion 

of the eGrant program that permits applicants to submit much of their paperwork 

online. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you, Mr. Kassinger. 

Ms. Hersman? 

17 

STATEMENT OF DEBORAH A. P. HERSMAN, NOMINATED TO BE 

A MEMBER, NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD 

Ms. HERSMAN. Mr. Chairman, Senator Breaux, the rest of the 

Members of the Committee, I’d like to begin by thanking you for 

your support of my nomination. It’s a special privilege for me to be 

sitting on this side of the table—and, if I might add, a little bit 

scary—after serving the Committee for 5 years. 

It’s an honor to have the support of Senator Daschle and to have 

been nominated by President Bush. I’ll do my best to ensure that 

the National Transportation Safety Board continues making transportation safer by learning lessons from every accident that they 

investigate. 

The NTSB has enjoyed bipartisan support because of their independence, the quality and dedication of their staff, and the important contributions that they have made to the transportation system in this country and around the world. NTSB recommendations 

resulted in escape lighting in aircraft cabins, improved school-bus 

construction, child safety seats in automobiles, railroad passengercar safety improvements, and fire-resistant materials in aircraft 

cabins. The tireless work of the investigators in often difficult conditions has resulted in recommendations that have ultimately 

saved thousands of lives. I look forward to advancing transportation safety if I am confirmed. 

I’d like to say a few words of thanks to my family and friends. 

Without their support, I would not be here before you today. Thank 

you for allowing me to introduce them earlier, Senator McCain. 

I thought I might mention that my dad is a retired Air Force 

general. He was a test pilot and a fighter pilot, and my love for 

transportation surely began with him, as I soloed in a single-engine 

Piper before I had a driver’s license. 

My husband, Neil, is the very best thing in my life. He’s my high 

school sweetheart, and he’s a great dad. Often, he has to do the 

evening routine with the boys alone, since I’m not home for dinner 

most nights. He has always been supportive of me, and my love for 

him grows every day. 

And now for my work family. I’ve enjoyed every day of my 12 

years as a Congressional staffer. I spent 7 years working in the 

House for Congressman Bob Wise, of West Virginia, before coming 

to the Senate. 

Working for this Committee has truly been an honor. Senator 

McCain and Senator Hollings have shared the title of Chairman 

over the last few years; and, through their leadership, I believe 

that this Committee is one of the best and most respected in the 

Congress, with the finest staff, I might add. 

[Laughter.] 

Ms. HERSMAN. I have been—— 

The CHAIRMAN. Which is the reason for it all. 

[Laughter.] 

Ms. HERSMAN. But, seriously, I have been so fortunate to be in 

the presence of titans on a regular basis. Among your ranks are 

war heroes, Presidential candidates, great negotiators, astronauts, 

Governors, women breaking through glass ceilings, and even a few 

comedians and cowboys. 

[Laughter.] 

18 

Ms. HERSMAN. My time here has been an absolute education. My 

experience has altered my understanding of governance and politics; but, more than anything, it has shaped my concept of political 

courage and leadership. 

I’d like to say a few words of thanks to Senator Hollings for the 

opportunity to serve as a staffer on this Committee. He always 

challenged me to think through issues to ensure that all sides were 

understood, and to make decisions that are fair and right, regardless of the consequences. While his tenure in the Senate is coming 

to an end, it’s up to all of us that have worked for him to remember 

his lessons, to share his vision, and, when the time comes, to have 

the courage that is his trademark. 

I also want to thank the rest of the Committee Members and 

their staffs for the kindness and respect you’re showed me over the 

years. In particular, Senator Inouye and Senator Breaux and their 

personal offices have treated me as one of their own. Senator 

Inouye, I would say, ‘‘mahalo.’’ And to Senator Breaux, ‘‘laissez les 

bon temps rouler.’’ 

[Laughter.] 

Ms. HERSMAN. My friends and colleagues attending this hearing, 

both in front of the table and behind me, have been such a large 

part of my life for the last 12 years. My time here will no doubt 

be the highlight of my career. I’m deeply grateful to each of you 

for your professionalism and your dedication to doing the right 

thing, but, more importantly, for your friendship. I will always 

proudly consider myself a member of the Senate Commerce Committee family. 

Thank you. 

[The prepared statement and biographical information of Ms. 

Hersman follow:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF DEBORAH A.P. HERSMAN, MEMBER DESIGNATE, 

NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD

Mr. Chairman, Senator Hollings, I would like to begin by thanking you and the 

members of this Committee for your support of my nomination. It is a special privilege for me to be sitting on this side of the table after serving the Committee for 

five years. It is an honor to have the support of Senator Daschle and to have been 

nominated by President Bush. I will do my best to ensure that the National Transportation Safety Board continues making the transportation system safer by learning lessons from every accident they investigate. 

The NTSB has enjoyed bipartisan support because of their independence, the 

quality and dedication of their staff, and the important contributions they have 

made to the transportation system in this country and around the world. NTSB recommendations have resulted in floor level safety escape lighting in aircraft cabins, 

improved school bus construction, child safety seats in automobiles, railroad passenger car safety improvements, and fire resistant materials in aircraft cabins. The 

tireless work of the investigators in difficult conditions has resulted in recommendations that have ultimately saved thousands of lives. 

Transportation continues to be a keystone to the success and the growth of our 

Nation. The Department of Transportation projects tremendous growth in all areas 

of transportation The growth in enplanements is projected to grow an average of 

3.6 percent annually during the next 12 years, with the number of large carrier domestic enplanements reaching 738.4 million in 2015. The general aviation active 

fleet is expected to grow by 35,000 aircraft in the next 15 years. Domestic tonnage 

of freight carried by all U.S. freight systems will increase by 67 percent while international trade will nearly double. Highway traffic will see increased users as the 

population grows and heavier trucks will travel greater distances; railroad mileage 

will double in the same time period and ocean-going vessel tonnage will increase 

by 30 percent. 

19 

The exponential growth of traffic on all modes is important to our Nation’s economy, but safety must continue to be paramount to effective utilization of the transportation system. The demands on capacity facing our transportation system means 

a greater demand on the resources of the Board as accidents become more complex 

and technical in nature. For over 35 years, the work of the Board has made the Nation’s transportation system safer, but the impact of important improvements in 

transportation safety also benefits the Nation’s economic health and the quality of 

life of all of our citizens. 

I am very excited about the new opportunities ahead of me. The chance to continue my public service in the field of transportation is a gift. My work writing 

transportation legislation has been incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to continuing to advance transportation safety through the complimentary work of the 

Board. 

I would like to say a few words of thanks to my family and friends, without their 

support I would not be here before you today. My father, Walt Hersman, and his 

wife, Inge, are here today. Dad is a retired Air Force General, he was a test pilot 

and fighter pilot, and his career afforded me the rare opportunity to grow up around 

the globe. My love for transportation surely began with him, as I soloed in a twin 

engine Piper at the age of 16, before I even had a driver’s license. My sister, Val, 

is my best friend, and she and her husband, Carey, are the two people in this world 

that I can always count on. My husband’s family is here today as well. I couldn’t 

have been more blessed than to marry into the Plummer family, they are incredible 

people. My husband Niel, is surely the very best thing in my life. He is my high 

school sweetheart and every day I thank my lucky stars that we found each other. 

We have two boys, Taylor and Wilson, and he is a great dad, especially since I am 

not home for dinner many nights. He has always been supportive of me and my love 

and respect for him grow every day. 

Now, for my work family, I have enjoyed every day of my 12 years as a Congressional staffer. I spent 7 great years working for Bob Wise of West Virginia, he is 

a fine man and one of the most dedicated public officials I have had the privilege 

of working with. I learned much from him and my formative political years were 

spent studying his example. 

Working for this Committee has truly been an honor. I believe that this is one 

of the best and most respected Committees in Congress, and with the finest staff. 

I have been fortunate to be in the presence of titans on a regular basis. Whether 

it is has been high profile national policy issues or parliamentary process, my time 

here has been an absolute education. My experience has altered my understanding 

of governance and politics, but more than anything, it has shaped my concept of political courage and leadership. 

Senator Hollings, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to work for you 

on the Committee. You have always challenged me to think through issues to ensure that all sides are understood, and to make decisions that are fair and right, 

regardless of the consequences. While your tenure in the Senate is coming to an 

end, it is up all of us that have worked for you, to remember your lessons, share 

your vision, and, when the time comes, have the courage that is your trademark. 

I also want to thank the rest of the Committee members and their staffs for all 

of the kindness and respect you have shown me over the years. In particular, Senator Inouye and Senator Breaux and their personal offices have treated me as one 

of their own—‘‘mahalo’’ and ‘‘laissez les bon temps rouler’’ respectively. Laysay le 

bon ton roulay 

My friends and colleagues in front of me and behind me have been such a large 

part of my life for the last 12 years. My time here will no doubt be the highlight 

of my career. I’m deeply grateful to each of you for your professionalism and your 

dedication to doing the right thing, but most importantly, for your friendship and 

for allowing me to be a part of your lives. I will always proudly consider myself a 

member of the Senate Commerce Committee family. 

Thank you. 

A. BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

1. Name: (include any former names or nick names used.) Deborah Anne Plummer 

Hersman (Debbie). 

2. Position to which nominated: National Transportation Safety Board. 

3. Date of nomination: March 2, 2004. 

20 

4. Address: (List current place of residence and office addresses.) 

Residence: Information not released to the public. 

Office: 516 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510. 

5. Date and place of birth: 05/07/1970; Edwards Air Force Base, California. 

6. Marital status: (include maiden name of wife or husband’s name.) 

Married to Philip Niel Plummer. 

7. Names and ages of children: (Include stepchildren and children from previous 

marriages.) 

Taylor Niel Plummer, 31⁄2, and Wilson Stephen Plummer, 11⁄2

8. Education: 

Secondary: Graduated in 1988 from Chantilly High School, Chantilly, Virginia; 

Graduated from Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, B.A. in Political Science 1992 and 

B.A. in International Studies 1992;Graduated from George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, M.S. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution 1999. 

9. Employment record: (List all jobs held since college, including the title or description of job, name of employer, location of work, and dates, of employment.) 

D.C. Staff Director (1995 to 1999), Legislative Aide/Office Manager (July 1993– 

1995), Legislative Correspondent (Dec. 1992 to July 1993}, Scheduler (Aug. to 

Dec. 1992); Congressman Bob Wise (D–WV}, U.S. House of Representatives, 

2167 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515. 

Senior Democratic Professional Staff, U.S. Senate, Committee on Commerce, 

Science and Transportation, 516 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, 

DC 20510, 1999 to present. 

10. Government experience:(List any advisory, consultative, honorary or other 

part-time, service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other than 

those listed above.) 

Area Plans Review Task Force, Fairfax County, Virginia 2002 {appointed to a citizen panel to review local planning and zoning applications and changes to the county comprehensive plan) 

11. Business relationships: (List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee, 

partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business enterprise, educational or other institution.) None. 

12. Memberships: (List all memberships and offices held in professional, fraternal, 

scholarly, civic, business, charitable and other organizations.) 

College: Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, various positions; National Residence Hall 

Honorary; Omnicron Delta Theta, National Leadership Honorary; Phi Alpha 

Delta (pre-law fraternity), Vice President. 

Current: President, Southpointe Homeowners Association, Lorton, Virginia. 

13. Political affiliations and activities: 

(a) List all offices with a political party which you have held or any public office 

for which you have been a candidate. 

None 

(b) List all memberships and offices held in and services rendered to all political 

parties or election committees during the last 10 years. 

Supported the election of Robert E. Wise to become Governor of West Virginia by hosting a fundraiser. 

(c) Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign organization, 

political party, political action committee, or similar entity of $500 or more for 

the past 10 years. 

None. 

14. Honors and awards:{List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary society memberships, military medals. and any other special recognitions for 

outstanding service or achievements.) None. 

15. Published writings: (List the titles, publishers, and dates of books, articles, reports, or other published materials which you have written.) None. 

16. Speeches: Provide the Committee with two copies of any formal speeches you 

have delivered during the last 5 years which you have copies of on topics relevant 

to the position for which you have been nominated. 

None available. In the last 5 years, I have participated on panels or given speeches to various transportation groups. Such presentations have focused on a wide 

21 

range of topics, from transportation safety to passenger and freight transportation 

policy. It has been my practice not to speak from a formal, typed text. 

17. Selection: 

(a) Do you know why you were selected for the position to which you have been 

nominated by the President? 

I believe I was chosen because of my experience in the areas of transportation policy and safety. For over 10 years, I have been involved in the regulation and oversight of the Nation’s transportation industries. In particular, I have been involved 

in drafting transportation safety legislation for surface modes, including the following laws: the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 (P.L. 106–159) that 

created a new truck safety administration within the Department of Transportation, 

the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 (P.L. 107–355), and the Transportation Equity Act of the 21st Century (P.L. 105–178) 

(b) What in your background or employment experience do you believe affirmatively qualifies you for this particular appointment? 

Again, in addition to my experience in the areas of transportation safety and policy, I believe that my experience as a Congressional staffer affirmatively qualifies 

me for this appointment because I have worked with the staff and members of 

NTSB and the Department of Transportation for a number of years. I also understand how the work that the NTSB performs impacts the legislative process as well 

as the regulatory process and in turn how that improves the safety of our transportation system. Finally, as a public servant, I understand the importance of involving 

stakeholders in the process, having complete and factual information, and communicating with the public. 

B. FUTURE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIPS

1. Will you sever all connections with your present employers, business firms, 

business associations, or business organizations if you are confirmed by the Senate? 

Yes. 

2. Do you have any plans, commitments, or agreements to pursue outside employment, with or without compensation, during your service with the government? If 

so, please explain. No. 

3. Do you have any plans, commitments, or agreements after completing government service to resume employment, affiliation, or practice with your previous employer, business firm, association, or organization? No. 

4. Has anybody made a commitment to employ your services in any capacity after 

you leave government service? No. 

5. If confirmed, do you expect to serve out your full term or until the next Presidential election, whichever is applicable? Yes. 

C. POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation agreements, and 

other continuing dealings with business associates, clients, or customers. None. 

2. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other relationships which 

could involve potential conflicts of interest in the position to which you have been 

nominated. 

My husband is employed by Lockheed Martin. If Lockheed Martin is a party to 

an accident investigation, I have agreed to recuse myself. (See attached letter to 

William C. Love, Designated Agency Ethics Official, NTSB.) 

3. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial transaction which you 

have had during the last 10 years, whether for yourself, on behalf of a client, or 

acting as an agent; that could in any way constitute or result in a possible conflict 

of interest in the position to which you have been nominated. None. 

4. Describe any activity during the past 10 years in which you have engaged for 

the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or modification 

of any legislation or affecting the administration and execution of law or public policy. 

I have been actively involved in the legislative process over the last 10 years as 

a condition of my employment with the Senate Commerce Committee from 1999 to 

present, and as a staffer for Rep. Robert E. Wise from 1992–1999. 

5. Explain how you will resolve any potential conflict of interest, including any 

that may be disclosed by your responses to the above items. (Please provide a copy 

of any trust or other agreements.) 

See attached letter to William C. Love, Designated Agency Ethics Official, NTSB. 

6. Do you agree to. have written opinions provided to the Committee by the designated agency ethics officer of the agency to which you are nominated and by the 

22 

Office of Government Ethics concerning potential conflicts of interest or any legal 

impediments to your serving in this position? Yes. 

D. LEGAL MATTERS

1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics by, or been the 

subject of a complaint to any court, administrative agency, professional association, 

disciplinary committee, or other professional group? If so, please explain. No. 

2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by any Federal, 

State, or other law enforcement authority for violation of any Federal, State, county, 

or municipal law, regulation, or ordinance, other than for a minor traffic offense? 

If so, please explain. No. 

3. Have you or any business of which you are or were an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency proceeding or civil litigation? If so, 

please explain. No. 

4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo contendere) of 

any criminal violation other than a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain. No. 

5. Please advise the Committee of any additional information, favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in connection with your nomination. 

To the best of my knowledge, there is no further information that should be disclosed in connection with my nomination. 

E. RELATIONSHIP WITH COMMITTEE

1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with deadlines for information set by congressional committees? 

Yes, to the best of my abilities. 

2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can to protect 

congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal for: their testimony and 

disclosures? 

Yes, to the best of my abilities. 

3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with firsthand knowledge of matters 

of interest to the Committee? 

Yes, to the best of my abilities. 

4. Please explain how if confirmed, you will review regulations issued by your department/agency, and work closely with Congress, to ensure that such regulations 

comply—with the spirit of the laws passed by Congress. 

The NTSB does not regulate transportation equipment, personnel, or operations, 

and the rules it issues are primarily procedural. If any concerns are raised by the 

Congress regarding NTSB’s compliance with the spirit of laws passed by Congress, 

I will, if confirmed, work with my colleagues at the Board to address those concerns. 

5. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly constituted committee of 

the Congress on such occasions as you may be reasonably requested to do so? Yes. 

F. GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS AND VIEWS

1. How does your previous professional experiences and education qualify you for 

the position for which you have been nominated? 

For over ten years, I have worked in the field of transportation legislation. My 

jobs, and in particular, my current position, have provided me a unique opportunity 

to focus on transportation safety matters. I have worked with all parties expressing 

an interest in safety legislation, including industry, labor, safety advocates, Department of Transportation officials, safety experts, and the members and staff of the 

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). This exposure to the substance of the 

issues as well as an understanding of the responsibilities and the effectiveness of 

the NTSB have provided an excellent foundation to build on should 1 be confirmed 

to the position for which I have been nominated. 

2. Why do you wish to serve in the position for which you have been nominated? 

I wish to continue my chosen career in public service and work in the field of 

transportation safety. 

3. What goals have you established for your first two years in this position, if confirmed? 

My goals for my first two years in this position, if confirmed, are: (1) to serve the 

agency and taxpayers well by being accessible and providing accurate and timely 

information to the public, and (2) to identify any areas that may produce safety benefits but have been neglected due to lack of resources, interest, or time and work 

to address those safety areas. 

4. What skills do you believe you may be lacking which may be necessary to successfully carry out this position? What steps can be taken to obtain those skills? 

23 

Most of my experience has been focused in the field of surface transportation safety. Although I have been involved in aviation matters, I would like to acquire a 

greater understanding of the aviation safety issues facing the NTSB. If confirmed, 

I will work with the staff at the NTSB, the Congress, and outside experts to become 

more familiar with the relevant aviation issues. 

5. Please discuss your philosophical views on the role of government. Include a 

discussion of when you believe the government should involve itself in the private 

sector, when society’s problems should be left to the private sector, and what standards should be used to determine when a government program is no longer necessary. 

The government fills a critical role in our society by setting standards. With respect to transportation safety and the private sector, the government’s role is to establish a safety net for the public. Without Federal involvement there would likely 

be wide swings in the levels of safety from one company to another that may not 

be discovered until an accident occurs. Through the legislative process, recommendations by the NTSB, public education, and other efforts, the transportation system 

becomes safer every year. Regarding the standards that should be used to determine 

when a government program is no longer necessary, I believe that common sense 

and feedback from the public, including the affected parties and Congress, would 

serve as good indications of the relevance of any federal initiative. 

6. Describe the current mission, major programs, and major operational objectives 

of the department/agency to which you have been nominated. 

I understand the mission and major operational objectives of the NTSB to be the 

following: (1) to investigate and identify the probable cause(s) of transportation accidents, (2) to make recommendations to improve the safety of the transportation system, and (3) to serve as the ‘‘court of appeals’’ for any airman, mechanic, or mariner 

when certificate action is taken by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the 

Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, when certain civil penalties are assessed by the FAA. 

7. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the department/agency and why? 

I believe the top three challenges facing the NTSB are: (1) timely completion of 

accident investigations due to resource constraints, (2) maintaining a quality workforce as the experienced, qualified individuals retire; and (3) having an impact on 

the safety culture of the transportation industry despite having no substantive regulatory authority. 

8. In reference to question number six, what factors in your opinion have kept 

the department/agency from achieving its missions over the past several years? 

In my opinion the NTSB has generally achieved its goals. However per my response in question seven, the timely completion of accident investigation reports is 

critical. If more than two years have elapsed between the accident and the report, 

the delay may serve as a distraction from the quality of the work and the implementation of any pertinent safety recommendations pending the outcome of the formal 

findings. 

9. Who are the stakeholders in the work of this department/agency? 

The public, the transportation industry and its employees, federal and state agencies, standard setting organizations, and the Congress. 

10. What is the proper relationship between the position to which you have been 

nominated, and the stakeholders identified in question number nine? 

An open, honest, but yet an unbiased relationship is appropriate between the 

stakeholders and the position to which I have been nominated. 

11. The Chief Financial Officers Act requires all government departments and 

agencies to develop sound financial management practices. 

(a) What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to ensure that your 

department/agency has proper management and accounting controls? 

It is my understanding that the Chairman is the chief executive and administrative officer of the NTSB. To the extent that I will have responsibility for financial 

management practices, I will seek to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and accountability of the NTSB’s financial system(s). 

(b) What experience do you have in managing a large organization? 

I do not have experience managing an organization the size of the NTSB. However I managed the budget and staff of Representative Wise’s office for four years. 

To the best of my knowledge, during that time, all accounts were handled in a timely manner and all year-end office and mail budgets were closed within their established allotments. Systems of accountability were established for employees and 

evaluations of staff were completed twice a year. 

24 

12. The Government Performance and Results Act requires all government departments and agencies to identify measurable performance goals and to report to 

Congress on their success in achieving these goals. 

(a) What benefits, if any, do you see in identifying performance goals and reporting on progress in achieving those goals? 

It allows the reporting organization to conduct a self-assessment. It also allows 

the Congress and other interested organizations to evaluate the appropriateness of 

the performance goals that have been set and the success in achieving these goals. 

(b) What steps should Congress consider taking when a department/agency fails 

to achieve its performance goals? Should these steps include the elimination, privatization, downsizing, or consolidation of departments and/or programs? 

The steps that Congress should take with respect to the failure to achieve the performance goals should be commensurate with the scope and the causes of such failure. 

(c) What performance goals do you believe should be applicable to your personal 

performance, if confirmed? 

If confirmed, my personal performance should be measured by my integrity, capability, and contribution to the safety mission of the NTSB. 

13. Please describe your philosophy of supervisor/employee relationships. Generally, what supervisory model do you follow? Have any employee complaints been 

brought against you? 

My philosophy of supervisor/employee relationships is to hire talented people, let 

them know what is expected and make myself available and accessible. If problems 

arise, I try to identify them immediately and communicate expectations. I know of 

no employee complaints brought against me. 

14. Describe your working relationship, if any, with the Congress. Does your professional experience include working with committees of Congress? If yes, please explain. 

I believe my relationship with the Congress is good. I have spent my professional 

career working in a bipartisan manner with the Members and staff of the House 

and Senate on transportation safety matters. 

15. Please explain what you believe to be the proper relationship between yourself; if confirmed, and the Inspector General of your department/agency. 

I understand that the NTSB does not have its own IG, but often interacts with 

the Department of Transportation Inspector General’s office. I expect my relationship, if confirmed, with the DOT IG and his staff to be honest and open. 

16. In the areas under the department/agency’s jurisdiction to which you have 

been nominated, what legislative action(s) should Congress consider as priorities? 

Please state your personal views. 

The NTSB has established a most wanted list of their top safety recommendations. I would recommend that the Congress continue to consider those recommendations as priorities for legislative oversight. 

17. Within your area of control, will you pledge to develop and implement a system that allocates discretionary spending in an open manner through a set of fair 

and objective established criteria? If yes, please explain what steps you intend to 

take and a time frame for their implementation. If not, please explain why. 

Yes. Although I am familiar with the general expenditures of the NTSB, it is my 

understanding that most of the spending is for staff salaries and travel costs. I am 

not familiar with the specific financial obligations of the NTSB, but will work to 

comply with the intent of the Committee’s question. 

ATTACHMENT

DEBORAH A. HERSMAN

March 12, 2004 

WILLIAM C. LOVE, 

Designated Agency Ethics Official, 

National Transportation Safety Board, 

Washington, DC. 

Dear Mr. Love: 

The purpose of this letter is to describe the steps that I will take to avoid any 

actual or apparent conflict of interest in the event that I am confirmed for the position of Member of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). 

As required by 18 U.S.C. § 208(a), I will not participate personally and substantially in any particular matter that has a direct and predictable effect on my finanVerDate Nov 24 2008 06:44 Aug 31, 2016 Jkt 075679 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6621 S:\GPO\DOCS\21346.TXT JACKIE
25 

cial interests or those of any other person whose interests ore imputed to me, unless 

I first obtain a written waiver, pursuant to section 18 U.S.C. § 208(b)(1),or qualify 

for a regulatory exemption, pursuant to section 18 U.S.C. § 208(b)(2). I understand 

that the interests of my spouse; minor children; any general partner of mine; any 

organization in which I serve as officer, director, trustee, general partner or employee; and any person or organization with which I am negotiating or hove an arrangement concerning prospective employment are imputed to me. 

My spouse is an employee of Lockheed Martin (Lockheed). He works as a systems 

engineer for the Lockheed web technology group that provides system development 

and operational maintenance support by which Lockheed satisfies the worldwide imagery requirements of. its governmental and nongovernmental customers. He does 

not work with commercial or civil aeronautics. Through his employment, my spouse 

has a financial interest in Lockheed, which includes Lockheed stock in his 401(k) 

retirement investment account. My spouse’s financial interest in Lockheed, for conflict of interest purposes, is imputed to me. 

While Lockheed is known as a manufacturer of aeronautical equipment and systems, the equipment and systems ore largely employed in aircraft and aviation 

equipment operated in military, not commercial, civil aviation applications. However, divisions or offices of Lockheed, in which my spouse is not employed, work 

with and provide systems and equipment that may be employed in civil/public transportation. Although not a complete categorization or itemization of its products and 

services, Lockheed, for example, works with: (1) air traffic control and management 

systems; (2) air traffic management and air terminal management systems; (3) air 

traffic radar systems; and (4) weather sensor programs for the Federal Aviation Administration and a range of foreign and local facilities. Lockheed also provides, 

through its aircraft and logistic centers, aircraft maintenance, modification and upgrades for military aircraft and limited work with commercial aircraft. With regard 

to other modes of transportation, the Lockheed rail systems division is developing 

positive train control systems’ technology intended for use in passenger and freight 

trains while another Lockheed division provides marine vessel traffic management 

systems. 

Accordingly, so long as my spouse retains ownership of stock in Lockheed, as required by 18 U.S.C. § 208(a), I will not participate personally and substantially in 

a particular matter that will have a direct and predictable effect on Lockheed unless 

I first obtain a written waiver. pursuant to section 18 U.S.C. § 208(b)(1), or qualify 

for a regulatory exemption, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 208(b)(2). In the event my 

spouse divests his stock in Lockheed but continues to be an employee of Lockheed, 

pursuant to C.F.R. § 2635.502, I will not participate in any particular matter before 

the Board involving specific parties in which Lockheed is or represents a party, unless I am authorized to participate. 

Sincerely, 

DEBORAH A. HERSMAN. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you very much, Ms. Hersman. I share 

your admiration and appreciation for Senator Hollings, who has 

really done a magnificent job, and I know the people of South Carolina, as well as around the nation, are very grateful for his service. 

We’ll miss him very much. 

Commissioner Moore? And would you pull the microphone close 

to you so that the stenographer—— 

STATEMENT OF HON. THOMAS H. MOORE, 

NOMINATED TO BE A COMMISSIONER, 

U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION 

Mr. MOORE. I would like to offer, for the record, Mr. Chairman, 

a copy of a letter of support from the Chairman of our agency, Hal 

Stratton. Chairman Stratton, would be here in support of my confirmation, but he’s in China, on agency business. But I have a copy 

of a letter here that he has made available. 

The CHAIRMAN. We’ll put that in the record. 

Mr. MOORE. Thank you very much. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you. 

Mr. MOORE. Thank you very much. 

26 

[The letter referred to follows:] 

U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION

Washington, DC, March 26, 2004 

Hon. JOHN MCCAIN, 

Chairman, 

Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, 

United States Senate, 

Washington, DC. 

Dear Mr. Chairman: 

On Tuesday, March 30, 2004, the Committee is scheduled to consider Commissioner Thomas Moore for renomination to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Regretfully, I am in China on Commission business that day and 

will not be able to join my colleague on Capitol Hill for his hearing. However, I 

would like to take this opportunity to write in support of Commissioner Moore and 

to commend to you his record of accomplishment at the CPSC. 

I have worked with Commissioner Moore for nearly two years since my appointment as Chairman of the Commission. He served as Acting Chairman during the 

interim between the previous Chair and myself, and it was under his leadership 

that the CSPC continued to maintain its vital product safety and compliance functions. 

With over eight years of experience in protecting America’s consumers, Commissioner Moore’s steady hand has been invaluable at the CPSC. He has a passion for 

his work and an unyielding commitment to our mission. His years of experience in 

dealing with consumer safety issues bring a critical perspective and seasoned judgment to the agency’s deliberations. While we do not agree on every issue that comes 

before us, I always value Commissioner Moore’s advice and counsel. 

Thomas Moore is a professional dedicated to the highest standards of public service. I urge the Committee to look positively on Commissioner Moore’s record of 

achievement at the CPSC. Thank you for your consideration. 

Sincerely, 

HAL STRATTON, 

Chairman. 

Mr. MOORE. And I also have a full written statement that I’d like 

to offer for the record. 

The CHAIRMAN. All the written statements will be made part of 

the record, without objection. 

Mr. MOORE. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 

In terms of a summation of my statement, Mr. Chairman, Ranking Members, and my dear friend, Senator Breaux, as you know, 

I’m Thomas H. Moore—— 

The CHAIRMAN. Would you pull the microphone a little closer, 

Mr. Moore? It’s hard for the reporter—— 

Mr. MOORE. All right. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you. Thank you, sir. 

Mr. MOORE. I’m more than honored to be here before you today 

as the President’s nominee for reappointment as a Member of the 

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, CPSC. I bring with 

me, I believe, unique qualifications for this position. I have served 

as an incumbent Commissioner at CPSC for over 8 years. And during that time, I have worked diligently on behalf of the American 

consumer. I have first-hand knowledge of the agency’s mission, its 

resources, and its excellent staff. By the way, our Executive Director, Ms. Patsy Semple, is in the audience today. 

As a lawyer, former Senate Counsel, and former Acting Chairman of the Commission, I understand both the breadth of statutory 

authority of the Commission, as well as the practical and monetary 

constraints on its work. In addition, during my tenure as Acting 

27 

Chairman, I was the agency’s chief spokesperson, and I was directly responsible for its administrative operations. 

The Commission is charged by Congress with the critical responsibility of protecting the public against unreasonable risk of injury 

and death associated with consumer products. Our work has resulted in an almost 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries related to hazardous consumer products since 1974. Protecting life is, indeed, a crucial responsibility, and one that I believe certainly requires accountability, and strong and balanced 

leadership at the Commissioner level. 

Protecting the most vulnerable segments of our society is a special interest of mine. Children, the elderly, the infirm, low-income 

families, minorities, and those for whom English is not their native 

language are often especially vulnerable to hazardous consumer 

products. I think it is a reasonable conclusion that if we concentrate on lowering the risk of injury and deaths due to consumer 

products in these vulnerable groups, overall reduction would be 

proportionately reflected. Balancing the concerns of product safety 

in vulnerable populations against product safety concerns in the 

population as a whole will always be one of my most challenging 

tasks at the Commission. 

I also strongly feel that the role of the Commission is essential 

to the U.S. marketplace in an increasingly competitive international marketplace. The Commission should have a leadership 

role in developing international consumer product safety standards 

and enforcement compatibility so we can enhance international 

trade and export opportunities without lowering U.S. safety standards. 

In closing, I believe that consumers must take some responsibility for their own safety. I think that consumers should be wellinformed about the products they purchase, and they should take 

reasonable care in using them. However, it is clear to me that 

CPSC’s role is to stand guard and to protect. We cannot assure 

that all consumer products are designed safely, but when we become aware that there are unreasonable hazards, we must act, and 

take all appropriate steps to eliminate them. 

I also think that reasoned Commission action reflects a pragmatic approach to resolving safety problems, and recognizes that 

regulation is only one of many options that can be employed to address safety issues. We will work actively to achieve safety goals. 

And I expect, as is often the case, industry will respond reasonably. 

But if safety is not the goal of a certain industry or manufacturer, 

the Commission must stand ready to protect the consumer expeditiously and without compromise. 

Mr. Chairman, during my time at the Commission, the CPSC 

has played an important role in protecting the safety of the American public. I believe that I have demonstrated a consistent and responsible approach to consumer product safety issues. I believe I 

have served the public well, and I want to continue the work that 

we have begun. So I ask you to confirm my nomination for another 

term as Commissioner on the Consumer Product Safety Commission. 

Thank you, and I would be pleased to respond to any questions 

you may have, at this time or later. 

28 

[The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr. 

Moore follow:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF HON. THOMAS H. MOORE, NOMINEE FOR COMMISSIONER, 

U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION

Mr. Chairman, Ranking member and members of the Committee, my name is 

Thomas H. Moore and I am honored to be before you today as the President’s nominee for re-appointment as a member of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). I bring with me unique qualifications for this position. I have served 

as an incumbent Commissioner at CPSC for over 8 years and during that time I 

have worked diligently on behalf of the American consumer. I have first hand 

knowledge of the agency’s mission, its resources and its excellent staff. As a lawyer, 

former Senate Counsel, and former Acting Chairman of the Commission, I understand both the breadth of the statutory authority of the Commission as well as the 

practical and monetary constraints on its work. In addition, during my tenure as 

Acting Chairman I was the agency’s chief spokesperson and I was directly responsible for its administrative operations. 

The Commission is charged by Congress with the critical responsibility of protecting the public against unreasonable risk of injury and death associated with consumer products. This is a crucial responsibility because, often, without CPSC’s intervention, the consequences of exposure to the hazards associated with dangerous 

products may literally be of a life and death nature for individual consumers unknowingly in possession of unsafe consumer products. This is also a very critical 

time for the Commission. Shrinking budgetary resources and staff, plus increasingly 

more technologically complex consumer product safety issues, place a very sharp 

focus on those in leadership positions at the Commission. These are times that certainly require accountability, and strong and balanced leadership at the Commissioner level. 

The Mission 

CPSC’s mission is to protect children and families against unreasonable risk of 

injury and death from about 15,000 types of consumer products. Our work has contributed significantly to the almost 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries related to hazardous consumer products since the agency’s inception. However, 

despite significant reductions over the years, there remains on average about 24,400 

deaths and 33.4 million injuries each year related to consumer products under 

CPSC’s jurisdiction. These numbers represent almost 9 deaths and 12,000 injuries 

per 100,000 people each year. Moreover, the deaths, injuries, and property damage 

associated with consumer products cost the Nation over $700 billion annually. 

Some suggest that the modern, sophisticated marketplace of today can effectively 

regulate itself for product safety and that the government’s role should be limited 

and secondary to market considerations. Well, that is not my philosophy on the government’s responsibility and role with respect to consumer product safety. Very simply put, competition and voluntary actions of today’s businessmen do not always suffice to safeguard the public interest. Unfortunately, competition does not and will 

not inevitably take the form of a rivalry to produce the safest product—the cheapest 

and most profitable, yes, but not the safest. In today’s complex marketplace it is 

going to be exceedingly difficult for any amount of libertarian sophistry to overwhelm the obvious facts of modern life. The role of the CPSC in today’s consumer 

product marketplace is compelling, substantial and relevant and should not, at any 

time, be secondary to the responses of the free enterprise system. CPSC should be 

an aggressive and proactive guardian of consumer safety against unreasonable risk 

of injury or death from consumer products. 

Today, our reliance on consumer products in our lives is tremendous and growing. 

We rely on manufactured mechanized and electrical devices to assist us in too many 

of life’s activities to mention—at play, at work, in education, in travel, and particularly inside and outside of the home: in food preparation, in cleaning and making 

repairs around the home, in child-care, in trimming trees and grass, and on and on 

and on. To further complicate matters, more and more of these products are manufactured abroad. Manufacturers have an obligation to build a margin of safety into 

all of their products and consumers have a responsibility to be informed about products and to take reasonable care in using them. Nevertheless, government should 

never waiver in its role and its commitment to ensure that consumers are not unnecessarily exposed to unsafe, hazardous consumer products. 

29 

Enforcement: An Important Tool 

Aside from using its rulemaking authority, CPSC can act forcefully and quickly 

to remove dangerous products from the marketplace through two main enforcement 

activities. The first is in vigorously enforcing its current regulations; and the second 

is in utilizing its Section 15 authority to achieve recalls or corrective action plans 

when it is believed that a product meets the level of a substantial product hazard. 

I point out to you that in 2003 alone, the Commission obtained about 280 recalls 

involving nearly 40 million product units. We also completed 5 civil penalty cases 

that resulted in over $2 million in fines for failure to report hazardous defects and 

other violations associated with our various statutes and regulations. 

Working with a manufacturer, distributor or retailer to recall defective products 

is a primary mechanism in CPSC’s continuous undertaking to address product safety hazards. However, announcing the recall is just one step in an overall process 

of eliminating the hazards presented by unsafe products in consumer’s homes. Ensuring the removal of those unsafe products from potential consumer use is also essential. Given the limitations presented by CPSC’s resources, it is tremendously important that the Commission maximize the effectiveness of this particular aspect of 

the recall process. 

For years, there have been questions and discussions about just how effective the 

Commission has been in facilitating the removal of unsafe products from consumer 

use: Is the unsafe product message being effectively communicated to the public; are 

enough products being effectively removed; and are there additional things that the 

Commission can do? I think that there are certainly enough legitimate questions 

surrounding the best method for determining what constitutes an effective recall in 

any particular case to merit careful review. 

In July 2001, the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) petitioned the CPSC to 

require manufacturers (or distributors, retailers, or importers) of products intended 

for children to provide a product registration card along with every product sold. In 

March 2003, after being briefed on the issue by CPSC staff and hearing presentations from representatives of consumer groups and industry, a majority of the 

Commission voted to deny the petition. While I am disappointed that we did not 

begin the formal process that I believed was necessary to give this issue the prominence it deserves, I do believe in the sincerity of my fellow Commissioners in wanting to address certain issues raised by that petition. To that end, in 2003, a multidisciplinary team of CPSC staff began exploring the issue of recall effectiveness. The 

team developed a multi-stage plan to determine how best to address the way we 

do recalls which included reviewing relevant research in this area and scheduling 

a series of three meetings to obtain information on this issue from outside stakeholders and experts. Later this year, CPSC staff will make some recommendations 

related to the findings of their exploration and I look forward to the Commission 

possibly taking positive steps to address the long-standing issue of effectively getting consumers to react to recall notifications. 

Another issue in the enforcement area lies within the civil penalty arena. I have 

supported, and continue to support, the raising or the elimination of the monetary 

cap on civil penalties. While the cap does rise periodically, the reality is that a $1.65 

million fine means nothing to many of the corporations we regulate. It is one thing 

to limit the amount one consumer can recover against a company (and not a position 

I necessarily support either), but it is quite another to so severely limit the government’s ability to penalize a company on behalf of all consumers, thereby limiting 

the deterrent effect of civil penalties. 

Therefore, I commend this Senate committee and staff for its efforts in this area. 

Senate bill S. 1261 which passed in the Senate on September 30, 2003, has a provision that raises the civil penalty cap from $1.65 million to $20 million. With such 

an increased potential liability, perhaps some large companies would be less likely 

to try to stall our agency by putting off reporting hazardous products. This civil penalty cap is much more commensurate with the level of accountability that some 

manufacturers should face for the harm that their hazardous products can cause. 

Reporting of a hazardous product to the Commission, in many instances, is the 

very first step in a process that could result in the elimination of the risk of a consumer suffering an injury or death associated with that hazardous product. Companies should have every incentive to report, including the possibility of paying a very 

high price for their failure to do so. 

Some Success Stories 

The Commission’s successes while I have been a Commissioner are a major source 

of satisfaction for me. During my time at the Commission, I have been very pleased 

to be involved in many positive Commission initiatives. 

30 

By all current measures, CPSC provides both tremendous service and tremendous 

value to the American people. Each year through reductions in deaths, injuries, and 

other costs associated with unsafe products, such as health care costs and property 

damage, CPSC saves the Nation many times the agency’s annual budget. As I indicated, our agency is the major factor in the overall 30 percent decline in the rate 

of deaths and injuries related to consumer products since 1974. During that time, 

through our standards work, compliance efforts, industry partnerships, and consumer information programs, there has been a 42 percent reduction in residential 

fire deaths, a 69 percent reduction in consumer product-related electrocutions, a 36 

percent reduction in consumer product-related carbon monoxide deaths, an 87 percent reduction in poisoning deaths of children younger than 5 years of age, an 84 

percent reduction in baby walker injuries and a 90 percent reduction in crib-related 

deaths. We expect the annual number of deaths and injuries prevented by just these 

examples to reduce societal costs by over $15 billion. 

Currently, the Commission collects information about product-related injuries 

treated in hospital emergency rooms through our National Electronic Injury Surveillance System or ‘‘NEISS.’’ This unique system provides statistically valid national 

estimates of product-related injuries from a probability sample of about 100 hospital 

emergency rooms. These estimates provide the data support for many of the Commission’s activities allowing the Commission to spot hazard patterns, set priorities, 

and give direction to product safety work. These estimates are also valuable to industry, which can use the data to spot hazard patterns to help give direction to their 

own product safety efforts. 

In 2003, NEISS supplied about 350,000 product-related cases from its sample of 

hospital emergency rooms. Several foreign governments have modeled their national 

injury data collection systems after the Commission’s system. Additionally, in 2000, 

NEISS was expanded to provide data on all trauma-related injuries. This expanded 

data provides other Federal agencies, researchers, and the public with more comprehensive information on injuries from all sources, not just consumer products. 

The Commission has also established a reporting system to capture information 

on clothing-related burn injuries to children. In July 2003, to address any possible 

issues related to sleepwear burn injuries, the Commission, in cooperation with the 

American Burn Association, the Shriners Hospitals for Children, and the National 

Association of State Fire Marshals, developed a new National Burn Center Reporting system for collecting and sharing information on clothing-related burn injuries 

to children under the age of 15. There are over 100 burn centers nationwide that 

treat children and as of March 2004, we had collected over 130 reports. I am very 

pleased that, to this date, there are no reports of children suffering burn injuries 

as a result of their complying sleepwear being ignited by a small open flame. 

Some Conclusions 

Protecting the most vulnerable segments of our society is a special interest of 

mine. Children, the elderly, the infirm, low-income families, minorities, and those 

for whom English is not their native language are often especially vulnerable to hazardous consumer products. I think it is a reasonable conclusion that if we concentrate on lowering the risk of injury and deaths due to consumer products in 

these vulnerable groups, overall reductions would be proportionally reflected. Balancing the concerns of product safety in vulnerable populations, against product 

safety concerns in the population as a whole, will always be one of my more challenging tasks at the Commission. 

I also strongly feel that the role of the Commission is essential to the U.S. marketplace in an increasingly competitive international marketplace. The Consumer 

Product Safety Commission and the marketplace must work together to develop 

international consumer product safety standards and enforcement compatibility so 

we can enhance international trade and export opportunities without lowering U.S. 

safety standards. 

Just as the Commission played an essential role in the development of uniformity 

in domestic product safety standards and has thereby minimized conflicting state 

and local regulations, that role should now be expanded to working with industry 

and governments internationally to harmonize safety standards. Such an effort 

could result in the reduction of non-tariff trade barriers that varying international 

safety standards can create. 

Over the years, I have also given considerable advocacy to the idea of a product 

safety research effort at the Commission. Most other Federal health and safety 

agencies have research budgets that are a vital part of their programs. Clearly, Congress envisioned research as part of the Commission’s safety efforts when it adopted 

the Consumer Product Safety Act and established the Commission. The very first 

Commission Annual Report in 1973 indicated that research was an important comVerDate Nov 24 2008 06:44 Aug 31, 2016 Jkt 075679 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6621 S:\GPO\DOCS\21346.TXT JACKIE
31 

ponent of the agency’s work. The language in Section 5 (b)(1) of the Consumer Product Safety Act explicitly addresses conducting research. Yet, for too many years, we 

have had to defer any research program for lack of funding. Our staff tells me that 

a good research project for the Commission would be to evaluate the application of 

sensor technologies to address consumer product safety hazards. A number of new 

sensor technology applications have been introduced into the consumer marketplace 

in the past few years, but applications that specifically address consumer product 

safety needs have not been explored in depth within the manufacturing or safety 

assurance communities. 

In the area of ongoing issues of particular interest to me, I place All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and flammability issues. From 1997 to 2001, ATV-related injuries rose 

over 100 percent, from an estimated 52,800 to 110,100. Subgroups that had been 

associated with greater risk for injury in 1997 continued to be at greater risk in 

2001. These groups include drivers under the age of 16, drivers with less than one 

year of driving experience, drivers who drive fewer hours and recreational drivers. 

I am particularly concerned about injuries and deaths occurring as a result of adultsized ATVs being operated by drivers under the age of 16. 

In August 2002, CFA and 8 other groups petitioned the Commission to ban adultsized four wheel ATVs which may be used by and/or sold for children under age 16. 

In 2003, the Commission held a field hearing on the ATV issue in West Virginia, 

a state where there is a high level of ATV usage. Additionally, there were two other 

field meetings held in New Mexico and Alaska. The Commission staff is currently 

evaluating the CFA petition and all comments received and will submit a briefing 

package on the petition to the Commission later this year. 

The Commission staff is also developing new draft flammability performance 

standards for upholstered furniture and mattresses for consideration by the Commission. By reducing ignition propensity and limiting fire growth, these standards 

would address the risk of fire from open flame ignition for mattresses and small 

open flame ignition, as well as, cigarette ignition of upholstered furniture. The Commission staff plans to provide draft standards under which manufacturers and importers would have the flexibility to use any designs or constructions of products 

and materials that yield complying performance. I anticipate that, later this year, 

staff will provide to the Commission its recommendations of possible proposed rules 

and alternatives on these flammability issues. 

Addressing flammability issues have been very long and often very frustrating 

processes for the Commission. There are many stakeholders who have many different views on how these issues should most effectively be addressed. I am very 

optimistic that most recent efforts by all interested parties will allow for the type 

of progress we need to address these very serious flammability issues. 

Conclusion 

In closing, I believe that consumers must take some responsibility for their own 

safety. I think that consumers should be well informed about the products they purchase and they should take reasonable care in using them. However, it is clear to 

me that CPSC’s role is to stand guard and to protect. We cannot assure that all 

consumer products are designed safely but when we become aware that there are 

unreasonable hazards we must act and take all appropriate steps to eliminate them. 

I also think that reasoned Commission action reflects a pragmatic approach to resolving safety problems and recognizes that regulation is only one of many options 

that can be employed to address safety issues. We will work actively to achieve safety goals, and I expect, as is often the case, industry will respond reasonably. But, 

if safety is not the goal of a certain industry or manufacturer, the Commission must 

stand ready to protect the consumer expeditiously and without compromise. 

Mr. Chairman, during my time at the Commission, the CPSC has played an important role in protecting the safety of the American public. I believe that I have 

demonstrated a consistent and responsible approach to consumer product safety 

issues. I believe I have served the public well and I want to continue the work that 

we have begun. So I ask you to confirm my nomination for another term as a Commissioner on the Consumer Product Safety Commission. 

Thank you and I would be pleased to respond to any questions you may have at 

this time. 

A. BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

1. Name: (Include any former names or nick names used.) Thomas Hill Moore. 

2. Position to which nominated: Commissioner, U.S. Consumer Product Safety 

Commission. 

32 

3. Date of nomination: March 11, 2004. 

4. Address: (List current place of residence and office addresses.) 

Residence: Information not released to the public. 

Office: 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814. 

5. Date and place of birth: February 2, 1937; Washington, Georgia. 

6. Marital status: (Include maiden name of wife or husband’s name.) 

Married to—Adrienne Hartley Moore; Maiden name—Adrienne T. Hartley. 

7. Names and ages of children: (Include stepchildren and children from previous 

marriages.) 

Phyllis Moore Wiley—age 36; Thomas Carlton Moore—age 34. 

8. Education: (List secondary and higher education institutions, dates attended, 

degree received and date degree granted.) 

Holland Law Center, University of Florida, 8/71 to 3/74, Juris Doctor, 3/74 

Jacksonville University, 9/65 to 4/71, B.S. Degree, 4/71 

Matthew W. Gilbert High School, High School Diploma, 6/56 

9. Employment record: (List all jobs held since college, including the title or description of job, name of employer, location of work, and dates of employment.) 

Commissioner, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Bethesda, Maryland, 5/95 to present. 

Legislative Counsel, United States Senate, Office of Senator John B. Breaux, 

Washington, D.C., 10/88 to 4/95. 

Government Relations Consultant, self-employment, Reston, VA, 5/86 to 10/88. 

Executive Vice President, National Medical Association, Washington, D.C., 3/85 

to 4/86. 

Director, Legislative Affairs, Allen, Rovin & Associates, Washington, D.C., 3/83 

to 3/85. 

Staff Attorney, National Consumer Law Center, Washington, D.C., 6/81 to 3/83. 

Legislative Assistant, U.S. Senate, Office of Senator Richard Stone, 6/77 to 

1/81. 

Assistant Dean, University of Florida College of Law, 3/74 to 5/77. 

Postal Carrier, United States Post Office, Jacksonville, Florida, 4/60 to 6/71. 

10. Government experience: (List any advisory, consultative, honorary or other 

part-time service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other than 

those listed above.) None. 

11. Business relationships: (List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee, 

partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business enterprise, educational or other institution.) 

None, other than those listed above. 

12. Memberships: (List all memberships and offices held m professional, fraternal, 

scholarly, civic, business, charitable and other organizations.) 

American Association of Retired People—member. 

13. Political affiliations and activities: 

(a) List all offices with a political party which you have held or any public office 

for which you have been a candidate. None. 

(b) List all memberships and offices held in and services rendered to all political 

parties or election committees during the last 10 years. None. 

(c) Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign organization, political party, political action committee, or similar entity of $500 or more for the past 

10 years. None. 

14. Honors and awards: (List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary society memberships, military medals and any other special recognitions for 

outstanding service or achievements.) 

Book Award, Evidence Course—Law College. 

Voted Most Outstanding Student Trial Lawyer, Practice Court—Law College. 

Selected to Board of Masters, Student High Court of Appeals, University of 

Florida Student Government Association. 

Earl Warren Legal Training Program Grant. 

Independent Life Insurance Company Scholarship. 

33 

15. Published writings: (List the titles, publishers, and dates of books, articles, reports, or other published materials which you have written.) None. 

16. Speeches: Provide the Committee with two copies of any formal speeches you 

have delivered during the last 5 years which you have copies of on topics relevant 

to the position for which you have been nominated. 

(See attached speeches). 

17. Selection: 

(a) Do you know why you were chosen for this nomination by the President? 

I am a sitting Commissioner on the CPSC with over 8 years of experience on the 

job. During that time I have worked diligently on behalf of the American consumer. 

(b) What do you believe in your background or employment experience affirmatively qualifies you for this particular appointment? 

My work on the Commerce Committee with Senator Breaux where I handled consumer affairs, among other issues, and my over 8 years of experience at the Commission make me uniquely qualified for this appointment. I was Acting Chairman 

for nine months while we were waiting for our current chairman to be confirmed. 

I have knowledge of the substantive issues before the Commission and have had administrative experience at the operational level of the agency. 

B. FUTURE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIPS

1. Will you sever all connections with your present employers, business firms, 

business associations or business organizations if you are confirmed by the Senate? 

N/A Reappointment. 

2. Do you have any plans, commitments or agreements to pursue outside employment, with or without compensation, during your service with the government? If 

so, explain. No. 

3. Do you have any plans, commitments or agreements after completing government service to resume employment, affiliation or practice with your previous employer, business firm, association or organization?. No. 

4. Has anybody made a commitment to employ your services in any capacity after 

you leave government service? No. 

5. If confirmed, do you expect to serve out your full term or until the next Presidential election, whichever is applicable? Yes. 

C. POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation agreements, and 

other continuing dealings with business associates, clients or customers. 

None as to myself. My wife wil1 begin receiving a pension next year from AT&T. 

2. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other relationships which 

could involve potential conflicts of interest in the position to which you have been 

nominated. None. 

3. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial transaction which you 

have had during the last 10 years, whether for yourself, on behalf of a client, or 

acting as an agent, that could in any way constitute or result in a possible conflict 

of interest in the position to which you have been nominated? None. 

4. Describe any activity during the past 10 years in which you have engaged for 

the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat or modification 

of any legislation or affecting the administration and execution of law or public policy. None. 

5. Explain how you will resolve any potential conflict of interest, including any 

that may be disclosed by your responses to the above items. (Please provide a copy 

of any trust or other agreements.) 

I will recuse myself from any matter before the Commission that may present a 

potential conflict of interest and have included a copy of my Ethics Agreement dated 

March 19, 2004. 

6. Do you agree to have written opinions provided to the Committee by the designated agency ethics officer of the agency to which you are nominated and by the 

Office of Government Ethics concerning potential conflicts of interest or any legal 

impediments to your serving in this position? Yes. 

D. LEGAL MATTERS

1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics by, or been the 

subject of a compliant to any court, administrative agency, professional association, 

disciplinary committee, or other professional group? If so, provide details. No. 

2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged or held by any Federal, 

State, or other law enforcement authority for violation of any Federal, State, county, 

34 

or municipal law, regulation or ordinance, other than a minor traffic offense? If so, 

please explain. No. 

3. Have you or any business of which you are or were an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency proceeding or civil litigation? If so, 

please explain. No. 

4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo contendere) of 

any criminal violation other than a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain. No. 

5. Please advise the Committee of any additional information, favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be considered in connection with your nomination. 

None. 

E. RELATIONSHIP WITH COMMITTEE

1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with deadlines for information set by congressional committees? Yes. 

2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can to protect 

congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal for their testimony and 

disclosures? Yes. 

3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested witnesses, to include technical experts and career employees, with firsthand knowledge of matters 

of interest to the Committee? Yes. 

4. Please explain how if confirmed, you will review regulations issued by your department/agency and work closely with Congress, to ensure that such regulations 

comply with the spirit of the laws passed by Congress. 

Before the Commission votes on any new regulation our legal staff does an analysis of the proposal to ensure that it meets our statutory requirements. That memo 

is separate from the substantive package and is an important component of Commission review. If confirmed I will continue to encourage that those memos reflect 

the unbiased opinion of our staff and that all views are reflected. Also substantive 

briefing packages are made available on our website at the same time they are distributed to the Commissioners, so that the public and affected industries, as well 

as Members of Congress, have opportunities to point out any objections they may 

have to a proposal. Additionally, the Commission has a proposal out for public comment to begin a systematic review of our older regulations to ensure consistency 

among them with respect to accomplishing program goals. 

5. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly constituted committee of 

the Congress on such occasions as you may be reasonably requested to do so? Yes. 

F. GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS AND VIEWS

1. How do your previous professional experiences and education qualify you for 

the position for which you have been nominated? 

Prior to coming to the agency I handled consumer issues for Senator John Breaux 

on the Commerce Committee. It was there that I became interested in the mission 

of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. I have had the privilege of working at the Commission for over 8 years. During that time I have been involved in 

every decision made by the agency at the Commissioner level. I know the agency 

mission, its resources and its excellent staff. As a lawyer, I understand the breadth 

of the statutory authority of the Commission as well as the practical and monetary 

constraints on its work. During my tenure as Acting Chairman I was the agency 

spokesperson and was responsible for administrative operations, in addition to my 

other responsibilities. 

2. Why do you wish to serve in the position for which you have been nominated? 

I wish to serve another term as Commissioner because the Commission now faces 

a critical time of shrinking resources with increasingly more technologically complex 

product safety issues. I think that my presence on the Commission will improve the 

safety and well being of the American public in their homes and communities. I provide a strong persuasive presence which gives a needed balance to the Commission’s 

work. My experience of 8 years in the position will also provide some stability to 

the Commission during a time of change and help the Commission resolve longstanding, very complex consumer product safety issues which are nearing critical 

decision-making stages. 

3. What goals have you established for your first two years in this position, if confirmed? 

My goals are to continue the work that I have begun at the Commission. My focus 

has been on fire issues and the hazards that befall our most vulnerable citizens: 

children, the elderly, and less affluent consumers. Now that the agency has a greater measure of cooperation with industry on the issue, it is important to put out a 

35 

proposed rule on upholstered furniture flammability as soon as that is possible and 

I will work with the other Commissioners and our staff to accomplish that. 

4. What skills do you believe you may be lacking which may be necessary to successfully carry out this position? What steps can be taken to obtain those skills? 

Based upon my experience in government service both on Capitol Hill and at the 

Commission, I believe that I have developed and demonstrated the necessary skills 

to continue to successfully carry out the position of Commissioner. 

5. Please discuss your philosophical views on the role of government. Include a 

discussion of when you believe the government should involve itself in the private 

sector, when society’s problems should be left to the private sector, and what standards should be used to determine when a government program is no longer necessary. 

The statutes our agency administers give us fairly specific guidance on when the 

agency should get involved in the private sector. Our mission is to protect consumers from hazardous products circulating in interstate commerce. These products 

often come from other countries and can find their way into any State in the Union. 

This is a perfect example of a mission that has to be handled at the Federal level. 

The Federal government is uniquely qualified to police the world of interstate commerce, recall hazardous products that are in national distribution, stop products 

from entering our country that could pose a danger to its citizens and set safety 

standards of national applicability. Manufacturers would find it difficult, if not impossible, to make products if every state had different product safety standards. The 

States are uniquely qualified to deal with in-state businesses reselling defective 

products in the secondary market, such as thrift stores and flea markets. 

A government program should be judged by whether its mission is still valid and 

if it is setting, measuring and meeting goals to accomplish that mission. I think the 

Government Results and Performance Act has helped focus government program 

planning and resource allocation in ways that enhance everyone’s ability to determine whether programs are achieving their missions. 

6. Describe the current mission, major programs, and major operational objectives 

of the department/agency to which you have been nominated. 

The mission of the Commission is to protect the American public from unreasonable risks of injury and death from about 15,000 types of consumer products under 

its jurisdiction, to assist consumers in evaluating the comparative safety of consumer products, to develop uniform safety standards for consumer products, and to 

promote research and investigation into the causes and prevention of product-related deaths and injuries. Its safety initiatives are handled through three major programmatic activities: hazard identification and reduction activities, compliance and 

enforcement activities, and public information and education activities. The major 

operational objective of the Commission is to maintain effective product safety programs in light of shrinking staff and programmatic resources. As is apparent in 

most Federal government operations, maintaining and upgrading the Commission’s 

information technology capabilities and databases are essential elements to the 

Commission’s success as the Commission becomes increasingly more dependent on 

these systems for its data driven activities. 

7. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the department/agency and why? 

In a world that requires more of our Federal budget to be spent on security issues, 

limited resources, will continue to be a challenge for most agencies, and particularly 

small ones, such as CPSC. We have roughly 470 people to protect the entire nation 

from potential hazards associated with 15,000 types of products. We have lost some 

of the support we used to get from the U.S. Bureau of Customs & Border Protection 

in stopping products at the docks because the national security role of Customs has 

increased in recent years. For the last few years we have had to postpone a number 

of improvements to our IT systems and our testing and research laboratory because 

there just is not enough money in our budget to fund them. However, our staff 

works extremely hard and they find every resource they can to adjust to these difficult budgetary times. 

When national security issues face our citizens, and when there is so much information of all kinds coming at consumers on a daily basis, it is a continuing challenge to focus their attention on product safety issues. One of the issues we are 

studying in our current recall effectiveness review, is what we can do differently to 

make sure consumers are informed about, and take action with regard to, hazardous 

products before one of their loved ones becomes a casualty. 

The agency is seeing an increase in issues related to the chemical composition of 

products on the market, particularly those used by children. Recently we have had 

to examine phthalates (a plastic softener), chromated copper arsenate (CCA) used 

in pressure treating wood in playground equipment, the chemical formulation of TefVerDate Nov 24 2008 06:44 Aug 31, 2016 Jkt 075679 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6621 S:\GPO\DOCS\21346.TXT JACKIE
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lon, and flame-retardant chemicals that could be used to make upholstered furniture 

more flame resistant. These issues are very complex, often requiring peer review of 

staff results and consultations with other Federal agencies. These issues take time 

and resources. We have had to hire more toxicologists and other scientists to meet 

these increased demands. These issues are extremely important and I am glad the 

agency has been able to address them but they do increase the strain on our already 

tight budget. Our challenge is to only tackle the issues that pose the greatest dangers to our community and sometimes that is hard to know at the outset, particularly when many of these issues come to us by way of citizen petition. 

8. In reference to question number six, what factors in your opinion have kept 

the department/agency from achieving its missions over the past several years? 

I think that, given its budgetary limitations, the Commission, has done a good job 

in achieving its mission. However, I also believe that the Commission has the capability to do more to protect the public. I find resources to be the major factor in limiting the Commission’s capabilities. As products are made in more technologically 

complex ways, both our engineers and the product manufacturers are challenged to 

isolate the precise cause of a product’s safety-related malfunction. We are finding 

more and more multiple failure modes in products. This requires us to do more testing, to collect more product samples, and to hire more outside experts to help us 

determine all the possible components that play a role in product defects. With a 

shrinking budget, we become less capable of swift product safety assessments and 

become more dependent on outside analysis and conclusions. 

I have also given considerable advocacy to the idea of a product safety research 

effort at the Commission. Most other Federal health and safety agencies have research budgets that are a vital part of their programs. Clearly, Congress envisioned 

research as part of the Commission’s safety efforts when it adopted the Consumer 

Product Safety Act and established the Commission. The very first Commission Annual Report in 1973 indicated that research was an important component of the 

agency’s work. The language in Section 5(b)(1) of the Consumer Product Safety Act 

explicitly addresses conducting research. Yet, for too many years, we have had to 

defer any research program for lack of funding. 

9. Who are the stakeholders in the work of this department/agency? 

Our primary stakeholders are American consumers. We also consider industry 

(manufacturers, importers and retailers) to be stakeholders. Both have organized 

subsets, such as national/regional consumer groups and industry trade associations. 

To some extent the governments of the countries that we trade with are stakeholders in that they have an interest in their countries’ products meeting American 

standards and in trying to harmonize their standards with ours, whenever possible. 

10. What is the proper relationship between the position to which you have been 

nominated, and the stakeholders identified in question number nine? 

The proper relationship between a Commissioner and the stakeholders is one that 

contemplates substantive and appropriate communications between the parties related to consumer product safety issues. The Commission is responsible for communicating safety-related information to the public. In each of its major program activities the exchange of information is critical. A Commissioner is responsible for implementing policies, both individually, and collectively as a part of the Commission, 

that allow for the free flow of product safety information between relevant stakeholders and the Commission. 

11. The Chief Financial Officers Act requires all government departments and 

agencies to develop sound financial management practices. 

(a) What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed to ensure that your 

department/agency has proper management and accounting controls? 

In general, the Chairman of the agency has direct, day-to-day operational oversight and control of our management and accounting controls. During my senior 

staff briefings, the senior staff of the agency will inform me of any steps they are 

taking in response to problems they have identified and I seek periodic updates on 

those issues until they have been satisfactorily resolved. When I was Acting Chairman, all reports made to Congress and the Executive Branch and all internal Inspector General and Program and Evaluation studies were sent to my office for review of proposed remedial actions. I believe my responsibility, as Commissioner, is 

to keep abreast of issues that are brought to my attention and to follow up with 

staff to make sure any problems have been resolved and to take any steps with regard to the budget that may be necessary to fund those resolutions. 

(b) What experience do you have in managing a large organization? 

I was the Acting Chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for 

nine months and I have been a Commissioner (one of three) there for over 8 years. 

37 

12. The Government Performance and Results Act requires all government departments and agencies to identify measurable performance goals and to report to 

Congress on their success in achieving these goals. 

(a) What benefits, if any, do you see in identifying performance goals and reporting on progress in achieving those goals? 

Performance goals provide focus for the agency. They allow the agency to align 

its activities and regulations with its missions, design its budgets to reflect the strategic missions and use real measurements of results to ascertain successes and identify areas for improvement. Progress toward goals justifies appropriations and authorizations for the agency. 

(b) What steps should Congress consider taking when a department/agency fails 

to achieve its performance goals? Should these steps include the elimination, privatization, downsizing, or consolidation of departments and/or programs? 

First there should be a determination of why the department/agency failed to 

achieve its performance goals and then a determination of what the appropriate and 

prudent course of action should be. Any one of the aforementioned steps might be 

prudent but Congress and the department/agency both should be mindful that any 

action taken must reflect what is in the public’s interest, particularly when dealing 

with health and safety agencies where results may take years to become measurable. 

(c) What performance goals do you believe should be applicable to your personal 

performance, if confirmed? 

All of the performance goals are applicable to a Commissioner’s personal performance. As the responsible parties for the agency’s policies, budget, and operational 

objectives, the Commissioners are responsible for the performance of the agency. 

The success or failure of the agency flows from the Commissioner’s decision making. 

The agency’s measure is also the Commissioner’s personal measure of his job performance. 

13. Please describe your philosophy of supervisor/employee relationships. Generally, what supervisory model do you follow? Have any employee complaints been 

brought against you? 

I believe in hiring good people and letting them do their jobs. I am not a micromanager. I think that if you do a good job in the recruiting process in identifying 

what qualities you want in an employee and screen your applicants for those qualities that you should have few on-the-job problems. I also think that if people are 

not doing their jobs they need to be given an opportunity to improve, but if they 

do not improve, they need to move on. As resources get scarcer, it is imperative that 

people are doing the best job they can do and that their ’Skills match the agency’s 

needs. 

No employee complaints have been brought against me. 

14. Describe your working relationship, if any, with the Congress. Does your professional experience include working with committees of Congress? If yes, please explain. 

As Legislative Assistant in the office of Senator Richard Stone and Legislative 

Counsel in the office of Senator John Breaux, I have had extensive working experience with Congress, Congressional Committees, and Congressional staffers. As a 

Commissioner, over the last 8 years, I have testified before both House and Senate 

authorizing committees on reauthorization of the Commission and on other issues 

under the jurisdiction of those committees. I have also testified before House and 

Senate appropriators on the annual budget request at the annual budget hearings 

for the Commission. Moreover, in the role of Acting Chairman at the Commission 

from November, 2001 to August, 2002, I had direct oversight over the office responsible for the Commission’s communications with Congress on many, many issues 

under the Commission’s jurisdiction. I feel that an open line of communication between Congress and the office of a Commissioner is essential to good congressional 

relations and I welcome inquiries and other communications from all members of 

Congress. 

15. Please explain what you believe to be the proper relationship between yourself, if confirmed, and the Inspector General of your department/agency. 

The CPSC’s Inspector General reports directly to the Chairman of the agency and 

his reports are usually confidential. When I was Acting Chairman the Inspector 

General kept my office informed of on-going activities and sent me all reports, including audits and investigatory reports. I, in turn, kept the other Commissioner informed of the reports and the nature of the on-going investigations. I think all Commissioners should have access to program audits as these are necessary to fulfilling 

our role to make sure the agency is meeting its mission. 

38 

16. In the areas under the department/agency’s jurisdiction to which you have 

been nominated, what legislative action(s) should Congress consider as priorities? 

Please state your personal views. 

The Commission was last authorized in 1990. The authorization of the Commission should be a priority given that it has been 14 years since the last authorization. 

Many Members feel that an agency that is not authorized should not be appropriated. The Commission should not continue to be in that vulnerable position. 

I have supported, and continue to support, the raising or the elimination of the 

monetary cap on civil penalties. Perhaps some companies would be less likely to try 

to stall our agency by putting off reporting hazardous products if we had penalties 

that were more commensurate with the harm they can cause. 

17. Within your area of control, will you pledge to develop and implement a system that allocates discretionary spending in an open manner through a set of fair 

and objective established criteria? If yes, please explain what steps you intend to 

take and a time frame for their implementation. If not, please explain why. 

The agency currently has almost no discretionary funds to spend. Our work is 

largely accomplished through the work of our scientists, statisticians, engineers, investigators and other highly skilled employees, which means that the bulk of our 

budget goes for salaries, rent, telephone and other administrative support services. 

Because of overall budget constraints, unfunded mandates and annual increases in 

salaries, to name a few reasons, we have in recent years only been able to obtain 

budget increases that cover most, if not all, of the increase in our fixed costs. While 

we do have grant-making authority, we rarely have money to make grants. About 

all we can fund are tiny contracts (usually $500 per State) that we disburse through 

our State and Local Partners Program to state agencies who help us conduct investigations and inspections. This is a wonderful example of a federal-state partnership 

program that gives us greater reach than we could possibly have with just our small 

staff. Our State and local partners fill in the gaps in states where we do not have 

a CPSC staff person stationed. Most of our travel funds are dedicated to travel by 

our field investigators, participation by our staff in voluntary standards development and travel in support of litigation. 

We request annual input from our stakeholders so they can comment on what 

they think the agency’s agenda and priorities should be for the corning year. They 

also have an opportunity to review and comment on our annual budget, Five-Year 

Strategic Plans and our annual Performance Plans which outline the agency’s strategic goals and indicate resources we intend to spend in each area. For each budget 

submission, the Commissioners review on-going projects and proposed changes to 

those projects, and 1 will continue to review those budgets every year to make sure 

that we are getting the most out of our limited resources. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you very much. 

Mr. Anderson? 

STATEMENT OF HON. A. PAUL ANDERSON, NOMINATED TO BE 

A COMMISSIONER, FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION 

Mr. ANDERSON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for scheduling this hearing today. Having been nominated by President 

Bush to the Federal Maritime Commission, it is, indeed, an honor 

and a privilege to appear before you and the distinguished Members of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. 

I would like to convey my sincere gratitude to Senators Nelson 

and Graham for their support for this nomination, and also to Congressman Mica for his kind words. 

I would also like to thank you for the opportunity to introduce 

my father, who is here today, and also my mother, and publicly 

convey to them that their spirit, love, and character have guided 

me, and I am forever grateful. 

I would also like to thank my friends that are here today for 

their support and encouragement. 

As the independent regulatory agency responsible for overseeing 

ocean-borne transportation in the U.S. foreign commerce, the Federal Maritime Commission works to ensure a fair and competitive 

39 

environment in which carriers, shippers, and other stakeholders 

can operate with a minimum of government intervention, while 

being protected from unfair foreign shipping practices. 

As this Committee knows firsthand, the ocean transportation industry has changed dramatically since September 11. The security 

and safety of our Nation’s transportation infrastructure is of critical importance to the free flow of trade. While the Commission is 

not in the front line of ensuring our security, it is committed to 

helping front-line organizations ensure the safe and efficient movement of cargo to and from the United States. With respect to transportation security, I will fully support the efforts of the Commission and other agencies to coordinate and integrate our resources 

to ensure maximum protection of our maritime assets. 

The maritime industry is well on its way to being one of our 

country’s few trillion dollar economic sectors. The Federal Maritime 

Commission plays a vital role in this marketplace, and will continue to ensure that the interests of the United States operate on 

a level playing field with our competitors. During my career, I have 

worked in several regulated industries, including 9 years in the 

maritime sector. In this capacity, many of the functions I performed were subject to maritime laws and regulations administered 

by the Federal Maritime Commission. My professional experience 

working with maritime trade associations, such as American Waterways Operators and the former American Institute of Merchant 

Shipping, promoting the industry and playing a leadership role in 

guiding the industry toward responsible public policy positions, will 

allow me to make significant contributions to the Commission. 

If confirmed by the Senate, I will work to fairly and objectively 

fulfill the Federal Maritime Commission’s statutory responsibilities, while making every effort to listen to Commission stakeholders, in order to reach balanced and well-informed decisions in 

this sector that plays a vital role in our country’s economic development and security. 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the opportunity to appear before 

you today, and I will be happy to answer any questions. 

[The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr. Anderson follow:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF HON. A. PAUL ANDERSON, NOMINATED TO BE A

COMMISSIONER, FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

Mr. Chairman, 

Thank you for scheduling this hearing today. Having been nominated by President Bush to the Federal Maritime Commission, it is an honor and a privilege to 

appear before you and the distinguished members of the Commerce, Science, and 

Transportation Committee. I would like to convey my sincere gratitude to Senator 

Nelson and Congressmen Shaw and Mica for their introduction to the Committee. 

During my life I have been truly blessed to have supportive family and friends. 

I would like to recognize my father Perry Anderson, a distinguished veteran and retired Marine officer who is here today from California, and publicly convey to him 

and my mother that their spirit, love and character have guided me and I am forever grateful. I would also like to thank my friends who are here for their encouragement and friendship. 

As the independent regulatory agency responsible for overseeing ocean borne 

transportation in U.S. foreign commerce, the Federal Maritime Commission works 

to ensure a fair and competitive environment in which carriers, shippers, and other 

stakeholders can operate with a minimum of government intervention, while being 

protected from unfair foreign shipping practices. 

40 

Working within its statutory framework, the Commission has developed a regulatory system that allows for necessary oversight with minimal disruption to the efficient flow of U.S. foreign commerce. 

As this Committee knows first-hand, the ocean transportation industry has 

changed dramatically since September 11, 2001. The security and safety of our Nation’s transportation infrastructure is of critical importance to the free flow of trade. 

While the Commission is not on the front-line of ensuring our security, it is committed to helping front-line organizations ensure the safe and efficient movement 

of cargo to and from the United States. 

In this regard, the Commission’s oversight of ocean common carriers, ocean transportation intermediaries (‘‘OTIs’’), and marine terminal operators, is a vital link in 

the effort to protect our Nation’s seaports. 

With respect to transportation security, I will fully support the efforts of the Commission and other agencies to coordinate and integrate our resources to ensure maximum protection of our maritime assets. 

The maritime industry has seen dramatic changes in the past decade, with the 

evolution of technology, global trade and intense competition. Congress addressed 

many of these issues in 1998, when it passed the Ocean Shipping Reform Act 

(OSRA). The Act amended the way the Commission deals with service contracts, 

agreements, ocean transportation intermediary licensing, tariffs, and other issues. 

Based on the Commission’s 2001 report on the impact of OSRA, it appears that the 

Act is working well to encourage a more market-driven liner shipping industry. 

The maritime industry is well on its way to being one of our country’s few trillion 

dollar economic sectors. The Federal Maritime Commission plays a vital role in this 

marketplace and will continue to ensure that the interests of the United States operate on a level playing field with our competitors. 

During my career I have worked in several regulated industries, including nine 

years in the maritime sector. In this capacity, many of the functions I performed 

were subject to maritime laws and regulations administered by the Federal Maritime Commission. My professional experience working with maritime trade associations such as American Waterways Operators (AWO) and the former American Institute of Merchant Shipping (AIMS), promoting the industry and playing a leadership role in guiding the industry toward responsible public policy positions, will 

allow me to make significant contributions to the Commission. 

If confirmed by the Senate, I will work to fairly and objectively fulfill the Federal 

Maritime Commission’s statutory responsibilities, while making every effort to listen to Commission stakeholders in order to reach balanced and well-informed decisions in this sector that plays a vital role in our country’s economic development 

and security. 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman and distinguished Senators on the Committee and your 

staff, for your time and consideration. I will be happy to answer any questions that 

you may have for me at this time. 

A. BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

1. Name: (Include any former names or nicknames used.) Alan Paul Anderson. 

2. Position to which nominated: Federal Maritime Commission. 

3. Date of nomination: Apri1 10, 2003. 

4. Address: (List current place of residence and office addresses.) 

Residence: Information not released to the public. 

Office: 2108 NE 18 Avenue, Wilton Manors, FL 33305. 

5. Date and place of birth: Sept. 16, 1959, Beaufort, South Carolina. 

6. Marital status: (Include maiden name of wife or husband’s name.) 

Single. 

7. Names and ages of children: (Include stepchildren and children from previous 

marriages.) 

Chase Frederick Kulp, Age 16. 

8. Education: (List secondary and higher education institutions, dates attended, 

degree received, and date degree granted.) 

Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government, 1997, Program for 

Senior Managers in Government. 

Bachelor of Science, University of Florida, 1982—attended 1979–82. 

Menlo College, Menlo Park, CA—attended 1978. 

San Clemente High School, graduated 1977, attended 1973–77. 

41 

9. Employment record: (List all jobs held since college, including the title or description of job, name of employer, location of work, and dates of employment.) 

1994–2003 Vice President Government Relations 

JM Family Enterprises, Inc. 

Deerfield Beach, Florida 

1990–1994 Director, Public Affairs 

Hvide Marine, Inc. 

Port Everglades, Florida 

1989–92 Assistant to the President 

Hvide Marine, Inc. 

Port Everglades, Florida 

1987–1989 Manager, Marketing 

Hvide Marine, Inc. 

Port Everglades, Florida 

9/96–11/96 Field Director 

Bob Martinez for Governor 

Tallahassee, Florida 

5/86–9/86 Campaign Aide 

Tom Gallagher for Governor 

Miami, Florida 

1983–1984 Special Assistant 

United States Senator Paula Hawkins 

Washington, DC 

6/94–11/94 Press Secretary 

U.S. Congressman Connie Mack Campaign 

Fort Myers, Florida 

11/84–5/86 Special Assistant 

U.S. Senator Paula Hawkins 

Winter Park, Florida 

12/82–5/83 Account Executive 

Snyder Varnadore Public Relations Worldwide, Inc. 

Sarasota, Florida 

7/82–11/82 Campaign Aide 

Van B. Poole for United States Senate Campaign 

Fort Lauderdale, Florida 

10. Government experience: (List any advisory, consultative, honorary or other 

part-time service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other than 

those listed above.) 

Broward County Consumer Affairs Board, 1990–1994. 

United States Senator Connie Mack Academy Advisory Board, 1989–2000. 

Broward Community College Board of Trustees, 1999–2003. 

Broward County Port Director Search Committee 2003. 

11. Business relationships: (List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee, 

partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business enterprise, educational or other institution.) 

Vice President, JM Family Enterprises, Inc. 

Southeast Toyota Distributors LLC. 

World Omni Financial Corporation, Inc. 

JM&A, Inc. 

Fidelity Insurance, Inc. 

Member, Board of Directors, Giant Holdings, Inc. 

Hvide Marine, Inc. 

Board of Trustees, Broward Community College. 

42 

12. Memberships: (List all memberships and offices held in professional, fraternal, 

scholarly, civic, business, charitable and other organizations.) 

Broward Community College Board of Trustees, 1999 to present, Chair, Board 

of Trustees 1999–2000, Vice Chair, 2000–2001. 

Broward Alliance, member, Board of Directors, 1997 to present, Chair, Board 

of Directors, 2002–2003, Vice Chair, 2001–2002, Secretary, 2000–2001, Treasurer, 1999, 2000. 

Broward Education Foundation, 2002 to present. 

Orange Bowl Committee, member, 2000 to present. 

Tower Club, member, 1994–2003. 

Broward Navy Days, member, Board of Directors, 1991–2003. 

Museum of Discovery & Science, member, Board of Directors, 1996–2003. 

Junior Achievement of South Florida, member, Board of Directors, 1998–2003. 

Coral Ridge Country Club, 2000 to present. 

U.S. Senator Connie Mack’s Academy Advisory Board 1989–2000. 

Public Affairs Council, member, Board of Directors, 1998–2003. 

Florida Chamber of Commerce, member, Board of Governors, 1998 to present. 

Florida Tax Watch, member, Board of Directors, 2000–2003. 

Floridian’s for School Choice, member, Board of Directors, 1999–2003. 

S.W.I.M. Fort Lauderdale, member, Board of Directors, 2000–2003. 

Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, member, Board of Trustees, 1995– 

2000. 

American Waterways Operators, Chair, Public Affairs Committee, 1992–1994, 

Port Everglades Association, member, 1987–1994. 

13. Political affiliations and activities: 

(a) List all offices with a political party which you have held or any public office 

for which you have been a candidate. 

(b) List all memberships and offices held in and services rendered to all political 

parties or election committees during the last 10 years. 

I have never run for public office. I have been affiliated with political committees. 

I was an Alternate Delegate to the 1996 Republican National Convention representing Broward County, Florida. I served on the Jeb Bush for Governor Finance 

Committee on his 1994,1998 and 2002 election campaigns. I served on U.S. Senator 

Connie Mack’s Finance Committee in 1988 and 1994. Additionally, I served on Tom 

Gallagher for Insurance Commissioner Finance Committee in 2000 and Tom Gallagher for Chief Financial Officer in Florida in 2002. In my capacity as Vice President 

of Government Relations for JM Family Enterprises I have participated in the RNC 

Eagle’s and Team 100 program, the National Republican Congressional Committee, 

the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the Democratic Senatorial 

Campaign Committee, the Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee, the Republican Governor’s Association, the Southern Legislative Conference, the National 

Conference of State Legislators and the American Legislative Exchange Council. I 

served as Treasurer of the JM Family Associates Political Action Committee from 

1994–2002. 

(c) Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign organization, political party, political action committee, or similar entity of $500 or more for the past 

10 years. 

Tom Gallagher for Senate Campaign—$1,000 

Tom Gallagher for Chief Financial Officer Campaign—$500 

Jeb Bush for Governor 1994—$500, 1998—$1,000, 2002—$1,000 

George Bush for President 2000—$2,000 

14. Honors and awards: (List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary society memberships, military medals and any other special recognitions for 

outstanding service or achievements.) 

U.S. Coast Guard Distinguished Civilian Service Award, 2000. 

Freedom Award, Broward Navy Days, 1998. 

Public Affairs Council First Fellow, Public Affairs Institute, 2002. 

15. Published writings: (List the titles, publishers, and dates of books, articles, reports, or other published materials which you have written.) None. 

43 

16. Speeches: Provide the Committee with two copies of any formal speeches you 

have delivered during the last 5 years which you have copies of on topics relevant 

to the position for which you have been nominated. None. 

17. Selection: 

(a) Do you know why you were selected for the position to which you have been 

nominated by the President? 

Professional curriculum fit the required experience for the Federal Maritime Commission. 

(b) What in your background or employment experience do you believe affirmatively qualifies you for this particular appointment? 

Previous maritime experience with a U.S. diversified maritime company and participation in the industry at the national level and management and leadership experience. 

B. FUTURE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIPS

1. Will you sever all connections with your present employers, business firms, 

business associations, or business organizations if you are confirmed by the Senate? 

Yes. 

2. Do you have any plans, commitments, or agreements to pursue outside employment, with or without compensation, during your service with the government? If 

so, explain. No. 

3. Do you have any plans, commitments, or agreements after completing government service to resume employment, affiliation, or practice with your previous employer, business firm, association, or organization? No. 

4. Has anybody made a commitment to employ your services in any capacity after 

you leave government service? No. 

5. If confirmed, do you expect to serve out your full term or until the next Presidential election, whichever is applicable? Yes. 

C. POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation agreements, and 

other continuing dealings with business associates, clients, or customers. None. 

2. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other relationships which 

could involve potential conflicts of interest in the position to which you have been 

nominated. 

I am not aware of any. 

3. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial transaction which you 

have had during the last 10 years, whether for yourself, on behalf of a client, or 

acting as an agent, that could in any way constitute or result in a possible conflict 

of interest in the position to which you have been nominated? 

I am not aware of any. 

4. Describe any activity during the past 10 years in which you have engaged for 

the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or modification 

of any legislation or affecting the administration and execution of law or public policy. 

In my position as Vice President of Government Relations for JM Family Enterprises during the last nine years my responsibility was to advocate on behalf of the 

company at the local, state, and Federal governments positions consistent with the 

goals of the corporation. JM Family Enterprises, Inc. is a $7.8 billion diversified 

automotive company headquartered in Deerfield Beach, FL and ranked by Forbes 

as the 13th largest privately held company in the United States. In January 2002, 

it was ranked No.14 by a survey in Fortune magazine of the 100 Best Companies 

to Work For in the United States. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC, is the Nation’s largest franchised distributor of Toyota vehicles. Other JM Family core companies include: World Omni Financial Corp., offering a complete range of automotive financial products and services and JM&A Group, providing warranty and 

insurance products and services to automobile dealerships throughout the country. 

In addition, JM Lexus is the largest volume retail dealership of Lexus cars and 

sport utility vehicles in the country. 

5. Explain how you will resolve any potential conflict of interest, including any 

that may be disclosed by your responses to the above items. (Please provide a copy 

of any trust or other agreements.) 

While I am not aware of any conflicts, if one were to arise I would seek advice 

of agency counsel and if advised would recuse myself or take the appropriate actions 

to resolve the conflict. 

44 

6. Do you agree to have written opinions provided to the Committee by the designated agency ethics officer of the agency to which you are nominated and by the 

Office of Government Ethics concerning potential conflicts of interest or any legal 

impediments to your serving in this position? Yes. 

D. LEGAL MATTERS

1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics by, or been the 

subject of a complaint to any court, administrative agency, professional association, 

disciplinary committee, or other professional group? If so, please explain. No. 

2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by any Federal, 

State, or other law enforcement authority for violation of any Federal, State, county, 

or municipal law, regulation, or ordinance, other than for a minor traffic offense? 

If so, please explain. No. 

3. Have you or any business of which you are or were an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency proceeding or civil litigation? If so, 

please explain. 

Not that I am aware of. 

4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo contendere) of 

any criminal violation other than a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain. None. 

5. Please advise the Committee of any additional information, favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in connection with your nomination. 

None. 

E. RELATIONSHIP WITH COMMITTEE

l. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with deadlines for information set by congressional committees? Yes. 

2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can to protect 

congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal for their testimony and 

disclosures? Yes. 

3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with firsthand knowledge of matters 

of interest to the Committee? Yes. 

4. Please explain how if confirmed, you will review regulations issued by your department/agency, and work closely with Congress, to ensure that such regulations 

comply with the spirit of the laws passed by Congress. 

I will faithfully follow the guidelines and protocols for reviewing regulations with 

Congress and ensuring that any regulation complies with the spirit of the laws 

passed by Congress. 

5. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly constituted committee of 

the Congress on such occasions as you may be reasonably requested to do so? Yes. 

F. GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS AND VIEWS

1. How does your previous professional experiences and education qualify you for 

the position for which you have been nominated? 

I believe the combination of my education and professional career has qualified 

me to serve on the Federal Maritime Commission. My nine years in the maritime 

industry where I worked for a diversified maritime transportation company with 

tanker, offshore supply vessel, tug and barge and tugboat operations combined with 

my involvement with major maritime trade associations have given me the necessary experience to serve in the capacity as Commissioner. Additionally, my subsequent experience with a diversified automobile company and as a community leader 

serving as the elected leader of several large professional and educational organizations has continued to build upon my experience in management and leadership of 

organizations. 

2. Why do you wish to serve in the position for which you have been nominated? 

I am honored to be considered to serve on the Federal Maritime Commission, in 

the public sector and working in an industry that is critical to the economic well 

being of our country. 

3. What goals have you established for your first two years in this position, if confirmed? 

I will faithfully execute the responsibilities of a Commissioner and the goals set 

forth by the Agency and the policies enacted by Congress for the Commission. 

4. What skills do you believe you may be lacking which may be necessary to successfully carry out this position? What steps can be taken to obtain those skills? 

I believe my career has prepared me to perform the duties of this position. 

5. Please discuss your philosophical views on the role of government. Include a 

discussion of when you believe the government should involve itself in the private 

45 

sector, when society’s problems should be left to the private sector, and what standards should be used to determine when a government program is no longer necessary. 

I believe the role of government is to ensure the safety of its citizens, to provide 

the protection of their rights, support a national infrastructure, protect the environment and support a system of free enterprise. The government should enact laws 

that give clear guidelines with which the private sector has to operate and allow 

for fair market competition. Our laws traditionally have the intent of allowing for 

the market place to grow freely and allow for continuous development of free and 

uninhibited trade. Any program that is not supporting the mission of the program 

or the intent should be reviewed to determine if is effective. If the dynamics of society have changed or it has become outdated then it should have its mission 

changed, consolidated into a department or program that may have a similar function or de-authorized. 

6. Describe the current mission, major programs, and major operational objectives 

of the department/agency to which you have been nominated. 

The core mission is administering the 1984 Shipping Act and the Ocean Shipping 

Reform Act of 1998 which includes the protection of U.S. Commerce from discriminatory or unfair trade practices by foreign owned or controlled carriers, licensing 

OTI’s, ensuring financial responsibility of cruise lines to compensate passengers in 

the event of injury or non-performance and a forum for dispute resolution between 

parties in the maritime industry. 

7. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the department/agency and why? 

Continued reluctance by the governments of our major trading partners to maintain a level playing field in their shipping laws and policies, changing dynamics of 

world trade patterns and the understanding of the mission of the Commission by 

the audiences it serves. 

8. In reference to question number six, what factors in your opinion have kept 

the department/agency from achieving its missions over the past several years? 

I am not sure that I am in a position to say that the Commission did not achieve 

its mission. 

9. Who are the stakeholders in the work of this department/agency? 

Domestic and international carriers, ocean transportation intermediaries (OTI’s), 

the United States Senate and House of Representatives, the Executive Branch and 

all parties that might be regulated or influenced by the functions of the Commission. 

10. What is the proper relationship between the position to which you have been 

nominated, and the stakeholders identified in question number nine? 

I believe it is important to work to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the 

industry, laws and policies of the Commission and be a fair, impartial and interactive Commissioner in dealing with all matters related to the Commission and its 

Stakeholders. 

11. The Chief Financial Officers Act requires all government departments and 

agencies to develop sound financial management practices. 

(a) What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to ensure that your 

department/agency has proper management and accounting controls? 

It is my understanding that the Chairman of the Commission is responsible for 

oversight and management of the finances of the Commission. However, I would be 

diligent in reviewing the annual operating budget and, if asked, provide insight and 

give input to the development of same. I have had extensive experience with developing and managing budgets and will use my professional experience, if called upon, 

to assist in this area. 

(b) What experience do you have in managing a large organization? 

I have been the Chairman of the Board and held other officer positions of two 

large organizations and have managed a multi-million dollar annual department 

budget for the past nine years. 

12. The Government Performance and Results Act requires all government departments and agencies to identify measurable performance goals and to report to 

Congress on their success in achieving these goals. 

(a) What benefits, if any, do you see in identifying performance goals and reporting on progress in achieving those goals? 

Measuring the performance of any organization is an important management tool 

and I am a strong believer in utilizing benchmarks and performance results. 

46 

(b) What steps should Congress consider taking when a department/agency fails 

to achieve its performance goals? Should these steps include the elimination, privatization, downsizing, or consolidation of departments and/or programs? 

I believe that the Agency should be reviewed by the appropriate committee(s) and 

a determination should be made based on the dynamics that caused the agency not 

to perform. 

(c) What performance goals do you believe should be applicable to your personal 

performance, if confirmed? 

I believe performance standards for individual Commissioners are related to the 

overall performance of the organization. Meeting the goals of the organization 

should be directly correlated to the overall performance of the Commission. 

13. Please describe your philosophy of supervisor/employee relationships. Generally, what supervisory model do you follow? Have any employee complaints been 

brought against you? 

I believe in a relationship that allows for personal growth of employees by providing leadership, delegating responsibility, setting performance standards and allowing the employee to thrive in an esprit de corps atmosphere. I have never had 

any employee complaints against me. 

14. Describe your working relationship, if any, with the Congress. Does your professional experience include working with committees of Congress? If yes, please explain. 

I have had many work related and personal relationship with Congress including 

my employ in Congress. I have maintained many relationships with current and 

former Members of Congress. I have worked with Committees on several issues over 

the last 20 years in my professional capacity as Director of Public Affairs for Hvide 

Marine, Inc. and Vice President of Government Relations for JM Family Enterprises, Inc. and its subsidiary companies. 

15. Please explain what you believe to be the proper relationship between yourself, if confirmed, and the Inspector General of your department/agency. 

I believe that there is a proper balance between the actual operation of an agency 

and the oversight of an agency including the role of an Inspector General. I would 

work with any requests from an Inspector General and treat them with respect in 

their effort to carry out their responsibilities. 

16. In the areas under the department/agency’s jurisdiction to which you have 

been nominated, what legislative action(s) should Congress consider as priorities? 

Please state your personal views. 

The Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 1998 addressed many, if not most, of the current issues related to the FMC and its responsibilities. The maritime industry has 

been, like most industries, impacted by the rapid change in technology and the dynamics of world events. The recent changes by Congress have been effective in addressing these changes. This was summarized in a Notice of Inquiry on the impact 

of OSRA and the resulting published report in September 2001. 

17. Within your area of control, will you pledge to develop and implement a system that allocates discretionary spending in an open manner through a set of fair 

and objective established criteria? If yes, please explain what steps you intend to 

take and a time frame for their implementation. If not, please explain why. 

From the information that I have been provided and easy access to public information that the public has to public agencies and government, I think the process 

for discretionary spending is very transparent and available to both the internal 

(Congress) and external (the public) audiences of the agency. Having stated this, I 

will work within the structure of the Commission to act in a manner that is ethically and fiscally prudent with respect to discretionary spending. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you very much. 

Governor Brennan? 

STATEMENT OF HON. JOSEPH E. BRENNAN, NOMINATED TO 

BE A COMMISSIONER, FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION 

Governor Brennan: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. It’s a 

pleasure to appear before you as a nominee for the Federal Maritime Commission. I have served on this Commission since 1999, 

and I welcome the opportunity to continue in a second term. Today, 

I have some very brief comments. 

The Commission is an independent agency that regulates common carriers in the foreign water-borne commerce of the United 

47 

States. The industry regulated by the Commission is important, 

clearly, to this economy. Some $500 billion worth of goods are 

moved annually in containers going in and out of this country. 

The Commission has numerous functions. For example, the Commission has the authority to take counteraction when the laws or 

policies of a foreign government unfairly and adversely U.S. shipping. Recently, the Commission has evaluated certain maritime 

practices in China, such as access to inland points. Last December, 

the Bush Administration signed a new bilateral maritime agreement with China, and this agreement may end these unfair practices in China. Although the Commission is an independent agency, 

I believe it should give strong consideration when dealing with restrictive maritime practice of other nations to the views of the Executive Branch which guides U.S. foreign policy. 

The Commission also investigates possible statutory violations, 

such as mis-descriptions of cargo in operation without a bond, license, or tariff. It ensures that passenger vessel operators have 

adequate funds to compensate passengers in the event of nonperformance or injury. Furthermore, the Commission protects 

against carrier agreements that might take undue advantage of the 

antitrust exemption given to ocean carriers. 

There are also, before the Commission, several exemption petitions filed by non-vessel operating common carriers. The petitions 

ask for an exemption from tariff publication or the ability to enter 

into confidential contracts, just as vessel operating carriers do. I 

believe the Commission recognizes the important role that NVOs 

play in the industry, and the significance of the changes sought by 

these exemption petitions. The Commission is thoroughly reviewing 

the petitions and some 500 comments in the record, and is examining all of its options under the law. 

In closing, I would like to note that while the two nominees 

today for the Federal Maritime Commission are a Democrat, and 

my friend, Paul Anderson, a Republican, the Commission acts as 

a truly nonpartisan body, especially when compared to the time I 

spent in the state legislature and in the Congress. In fact, being 

on the Commission is most like the 4 years I spent as attorney general of Maine, where you just, sort of, call them down the middle. 

I want to thank you very much for considering my nomination. 

I’d be delighted to try to respond to any questions. 

[The prepared statement and biographical information of Governor Brennan follow:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF HON. JOSEPH E. BRENNAN, COMMISSIONER, 

FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION

Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, it is a pleasure to appear before 

you as a nominee for the Federal Maritime Commission. I have served on the Commission since 1999 and would welcome the opportunity to continue for a second 

term. Today I have some brief comments on the overall role of the Commission. 

The Federal Maritime Commission is an independent agency that regulates common carriers in the foreign waterborne commerce of the U.S. This industry regulated by the Commission is important to the United States economy. Some $500 billion worth of goods move annually in containers shipped to and from U.S. ports. 

The Commission has numerous functions. For example, the Commission has the 

authority to take counteraction when the laws of a foreign government unfairly and 

adversely affect U.S. shipping. Recently the Commission has evaluated certain maritime practices in China, such as access to inland points. Last December the adminVerDate Nov 24 2008 06:44 Aug 31, 2016 Jkt 075679 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6621 S:\GPO\DOCS\21346.TXT JACKIE
48 

istration signed a new bilateral maritime agreement with China, and this agreement may end the alleged unfair practices in China. Although the Commission is 

an independent agency, I believe it should give strong consideration, when dealing 

with restrictive maritime practice of other nations, to the views of the executive 

branch, which guides U.S. foreign policy. 

The Commission also investigates possible statutory violations, such as 

misdescriptions of cargo and operation without a bond, license, or tariff. It ensures 

that passenger-vessel operators have adequate funds to compensate passengers in 

the event of nonperformance or injury. Furthermore, the Commission protects 

against carrier agreements that might take undue advantage of the antitrust exemption given to ocean carriers. 

There are also before the Commission several exemption petitions filed by nonvessel-operating common carriers. The petitions ask for an exemption from tariff 

publication or the ability to enter into confidential contracts, just as vessel-operating 

carriers do. I believe the Commission recognizes the important role that NVOs play 

in the industry and the significance of the changes sought by these exemption petitions. The Commission is thoroughly reviewing the petitions and the some 500 comments in the record and is examining all of its options under the law. 

In closing, I would like to note that, while the two nominees today for the Federal 

Maritime Commission are a Democrat and a Republican, the Commission acts as 

a truly non-partisan body, especially when compared to the time I spent in the state 

legislature and in the Congress. In fact, being on the Commission is most like the 

four years I served as attorney general in Maine, where you just call them down 

the middle. Thank you for considering my nomination. I would be happy to answer 

any questions. 

A. BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

1. Name: (Include any former names or nicknames used.) Joseph Edward Brennan 

(Joe). 

2. Position to which nominated: Commissioner of the Federal Maritime Commission. 

3. Date of nomination: March 12, 2004. 

4. Address: (List current place of residence and office addresses.) 

Residence: Information not released to the public. 

Office: Federal Maritime Commission, 800 North Capitol Street, N.W., Suite 

1032, Washington, DC 20573. 

5. Date and place of birth: 11/2/34; Portland, Maine. 

6. Marital status: (Include maiden name of wife or husband’s name.) 

Married to Constance LaPointe Brennan. 

7. Names and ages of children: (Include stepchildren and children from previous 

marriages.) 

Joseph E. Brennan, Age 34; Tara E. Brennan, Age 32. 

8. Education:(List secondary and higher education institutions, dates attended, 

degree received, and date degree granted.) 

Cheverus High School, Diploma, 1948–1952 

Boston College, B.S., 1952–53, 1955–1958 

University of Maine School of Law, J.D., 1960–63 

9. Employment record:(List all jobs held since college, including the title or description of job, name of employer, location of work, and dates of employment.) 

United States Army, 1953–55 

Teacher, Oxford High School, Oxford, Maine, 1959 

Sales representative, P. Lorrilard Co. Portland, Maine, 1959–60 

Operator of beach concession, self-employed, 1961–62 

Library aide, Univ. of Maine School of Law library, 1960–63 

Solo legal practice, Portland, Maine, 1963–73 

State representative, Maine House of Representatives, 1965–71 

County attorney, Cumberland County, Maine, 1971–73 

State senator, Maine State Senate, 1973–74 

State attorney general, State of Maine, 1974–78 

Governor of Maine, 1979–86 

49 

Member of Congress, U.S. House of Representatives, 1987–91 

Of counsel attorney, Verner Liipfert, Washington, D.C., 1991–94 

Commissioner, Federal Maritime Commission, 1999 to present 

10. Government experience: (List any advisory, consultative, honorary or other 

part-time service or positions with federal, state, or local governments, other than 

those listed above.) 

State representative, Maine House of Representatives, 1965–71 

County attorney, Cumberland County, Maine, 1971–73 

State senator, Maine State Senate, 1973–74 

State attorney general, State of Maine, 1974–78 

Governor of Maine, 1979–86 

Member of Congress, U.S. House of Representatives, 1987–91 

11. Business relationships:{List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee, 

partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business enterprise, educational or other institution.) None. 

12. Memberships:{List all memberships and offices held in professional, fraternal, 

scholarly, civic, business, charitable and other organizations.) 

Maine Bar Association American Legion Amvets 

Irish-American Society 

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Parish 

13. Political affiliations and activities: 

(a) List all offices with a political party which you have held or any public office 

for which you have been a candidate. 

I have held no office in a political party. I have been a candidate and elected to 

all offices listed for Question 10. I have also been a candidate for the U.S. Senate. 

{b) List all memberships and offices held in and services rendered to all political 

parties or election committees during the last 10 years. 

I have been a member of the Democratic Party and have supported candidates 

of my . party for 40 years, but I have held no office in the Party. 

(c) Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign organization, political party, political action committee, or similar entity of$500 or more for the past 

10 years. 

None of $500 or more. 

14. Honors and awards: (List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary society memberships, military medals and any other special recognitions for 

outstanding service or achievements.) 

I have received honorary degrees or awards from the following institutions: 

Bowdoin College 

University of Maine 

St. Joseph’s College 

University of New England 

Thomas College 

Boston College Alumni Award 

Military medal—National Defense Medal and Good Conduct. U.S. Army, 1953– 

55 

15. Published writings: (List the titles, publishers, and dates of books, articles, reports, or other published materials which you have written.) 

During a number of campaigns for public office, various op-ed pieces of mine were 

published, none dealing with the Federal Maritime Commission. 

16. Speeches: Provide the Committee with two copies of any formal speeches you 

have delivered during the last 5 years which you have copies of on topics relevant 

to the position for which you have been nominated. 

I have attached two copies of the three speeches that I have given on the topic 

of the Federal Maritime Commission: 

(1) Remarks before the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association 

of America, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, March 14, 2000. 

50 

(2) Remarks before conference of Lloyd’s List Events on Mediterranean Sea 

Transport and Logistics, Marseille, France, November 12, 2002. 

(3) Remarks in briefings of International Management and Development Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark, April 24, 2003, and Oslo, Norway, April 25, 2003. 

17. Selection: 

(a) Do you know why you were selected for the position to which you have been 

nominated by the President? 

I was interested in continuing to serve on the Commission, and I believe that the 

President was advised that I could serve effectively. 

(b) What in your background or employment experience do you believe affirmatively qualifies you for this particular appointment? 

I have served as a commissioner of the Federal Maritime Commission since November 17, 1999. Before that time, I served four years in the U.S. House of Representatives on the Committee for Merchant Marine and Fisheries, which had certain oversight responsibilities over the maritime industry. I have also have substantial public policy experience as a district attorney, attorney general, and governor 

of Maine. 

B. FUTURE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIPS

1. Will you sever all connections with your present employers, business firms, 

business associations, or business organizations if you are confirmed by the Senate? 

Yes. 

2. Do you have any plans, commitments, or agreements to pursue outside employment, with or without compensation, during your service with the government? If 

so, please explain. No. 

3. Do you have any plans, commitments, or agreements after completing government service to resume employment, affiliation, or practice with your previous employer, business firm, association, or organization? No. 

4. Has anybody made a commitment to employ your services in any capacity after 

you leave government service? No. 

5. If confirmed, do you expect to serve out your full term or until the next Presidential election, whichever is applicable? 

I intend to serve the full term. 

C. POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation agreements, and 

other continuing dealings with business associates, clients, or customers. None. 

2. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other relationships which 

could involve potential conflicts of interest in the position to which you have been 

nominated. None. 

3. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial transaction which you 

have had during the last 10 years, whether for yourself, on behalf of a client, or 

acting as an agent, that could in any way constitute or result in a possible conflict 

of interest in the position to which you have been nominated. None. 

4. Describe any activity during the past 10 years in which you have engaged for 

the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or modification 

of any legislation or affecting the administration and execution of law or public policy. 

From 1991–94, I was with the law firm of Verner Liipfert Bernhard McPherson 

Hand of Washington, D.C. During that period, I occasionally met with members of 

Congress on issues such as a space station, possible asbestos legislation, and consumer issues. To the best of my knowledge, none of these meetings dealt with the 

responsibilities of the Federal Maritime Commission. 

5. Explain how you will resolve any potential conflict of interest, including any 

that may be disclosed by your responses to the above items. (Please provide a copy 

of any trust or other agreements.) 

There are none. 

6. Do you agree to have written opinions provided to the Committee by the designated agency ethics officer of the agency to which you are nominated and by the 

Office of Government Ethics concerning potential conflicts of interest or any legal 

impediments to your serving in this position? Yes. 

51 

D. LEGAL MATTERS

1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics by, or been the 

subject of a complaint to any court, administrative agency, professional association, 

disciplinary committee, or other professional group? If so, please explain. No. 

2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by any Federal, 

State, or other law enforcement authority for violation of any Federal, State, county, 

or municipal law, regulation, or ordinance, other than for a minor traffic offense? 

If so, please explain. 

I have never been convicted of a crime. I have never been charged with a crime. 

Approximately 50 years ago, as a teenager, I was detained by the police. There 

were no charges filed, no court action, and no conviction record. This may have 

taken place before my 18th birthday. 

3. Have you or any business of which you are or were an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency proceeding or civil litigation? If so, 

please explain. 

Yes. (1) Spickler v. Brennan. Alleged that I illegally attached real estate. Dismissed upon summary judgment motion; found to be without merit. (2) Brennan v. 

Brennan. Divorce proceedings; resolved amicably. Sept. 22, 1976. Both of above suits 

were brought in Cumberland County Superior Court, Portland, Maine. 

4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo contendere) of 

any criminal violation other than a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain. No. 

5. Please advise the Committee of any additional information, favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in connection with your nomination. 

I am not aware of any unfavorable information. I believe that my background as 

listed in answer to Questions A.9 and A.17 may speak to favorable information. 

E. RELATIONSHIP WITH COMMITTEE

1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with deadlines for information set by congressional committees? 

Yes, to the best of my ability. 

2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can to protect 

congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal for their testimony and 

disclosures? 

Yes, to the best of my ability. 

3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with firsthand knowledge of matters 

of interest to the Committee? Yes. 

4. Please explain how if confirmed, you will review regulations issued by your department/agency, and work closely with Congress, to ensure that such regulations 

comply with the spirit of the laws passed by Congress. 

I will work with the agency’s executive director and all staff to assess the effectiveness of the agency’s regulations in terms of both the letter and the spirit of the 

law. I will also encourage the agency’s continued efforts to inform Congress of the 

agency’s regulatory functions by means of reports and congressional testimony. 

5. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly constituted committee of 

the Congress on such occasions as you may be reasonably requested to do so? Yes. 

F. GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS AND VIEWS

1. How does your previous professional experiences and education qualify you for 

the position for which you have been nominated? 

I served four years in the U.S. House of Representatives as a member of the Subcommittee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. I also have substantial experience in 

public policy as a state legislator, state attorney general, governor, and member of 

Congress. 

2. Why do you wish to serve in the position for which you have been nominated? 

I have had a long and very active interest in public policy. I believe that I can 

use my experience in Congress and other high government positions, as well as my 

experience in the practice of law, to make a positive contribution to carrying out the 

mission of the Federal Maritime Commission. 

3. What goals have you established for your first two years in this position, if confirmed? 

My basic goal would be to carry out the mandate of the Commission as set out 

by Congress. In broad terms, this involves insuring a fair, efficient, and competitive 

system of oceanborne transportation in the foreign commerce of the United States. 

4. What skills do you believe you may be lacking which may be necessary to successfully carry out this position? What steps can be taken to obtain those skills? 

52 

I am not aware of any. 

5. Please discuss your philosophical views on the role of government. Include a 

discussion of when you believe the government should involve itself in the private 

sector, when society’s problems should be left to the private sector, and what standards should be used to determine when a government program is no longer necessary. 

I believe that government should not be involved in matters that freely acting individuals can best take care of themselves. I also recognize that government does 

have a responsibility to help those in need, such as the elderly, the disabled, and 

children. Government recognizes this responsibility today with Social Security, 

Medicare, and programs that help children of low-income families. 

I think government has a role in assuring a safe workplace for its citizens, and 

I believe it is meeting that responsibility. 

I think that government involvement can go too far. For example, in my home 

state of Maine, the state used to operate liquor stores. I believe that the private sector is capable of selling liquor under appropriate regulation that protects against 

sales to minors or visibly intoxicated people. 

I think that government can help business by guaranteeing loans to business. 

This has been done in Maine to help create economic development and jobs. 

Before we enact legislation or adopt a regulation, the question must first be 

asked, ‘‘Is this law or regulation necessary?’’ Then a second question should be, 

‘‘Will the burden imposed by the proposed law or regulation outweigh the good that 

might be done?’’ The test must be one of balance. This same standard—whether the 

burden imposed outweighs the good intended—should also be used to weigh whether 

or not an existing law or regulation should be repealed. 

In short, government should become involved in the private sector when the private sector is not itself protecting the public interest, public health, and public safety, and we must always be cognizant of the balance between the burden imposed 

and the good intended. 

6. Describe the current mission, major programs, and major operational objectives 

of the department/agency to which you have been nominated. 

The Commission insures reasonable commercial practices by shippers, common 

carriers, transportation intermediaries, and marine terminal operators in the foreign oceanborne commerce of the U.S. The FMC is working to prevent anticompetitive practices and certain other commercial conduct prohibited by the Shipping Act 

of 1984 and other statutes administered by the agency. Because the law gives ocean 

common carriers a limited immunity from the antitrust laws, the Commission must 

monitor conference agreements and discussion agreements entered into by ocean 

common carriers. If an ocean carrier agreement is likely, by a reduction in competition, to produce an unreasonable reduction in transportation service or an unreasonable increase in transportation cost, the Commission may seek to prevent the agreement from taking effect. The Commission also licenses ocean transportation intermediaries and requires that certain passenger vessel operators prove adequate financial ability to pay judgments for personal injury or death of passengers or to 

repay fares in the event of nonperformance. 

7. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the department/agency and why? 

I believe the main challenges for the Commission are the petitions filed by ocean 

transportation intermediaries seeking exemptions from various provisions of the 

Shipping Act of 1984, the rulemaking on changing the level of financial security for 

the passenger vessel security program, and the rulemaking that would change the 

agency’s rules as to the filing of carrier agreements. These are all key areas of the 

Commission’s work. 

8. In reference to question number six, what factors in your opinion have kept 

the department/agency from achieving its missions over the past several years? 

I believe the Commission has been able to achieve its mission in recent years. The 

Commission has, for example, carefully scrutinized possible unfair shipping practices in the People’s Republic of China, as well as laws and regulations relating to 

Japanese ports. Both matters are the subject of pending rulemakings at the agency. 

The Commission continues to review information reports filed by Japanese and 

U.S.-flag carriers on the effects of Japanese port practices and changes to Japanese 

laws and regulations. The Commission has also been effective in monitoring U.S. 

ocean shipping to uncover any unreasonable or otherwise prohibited practices under 

the Shipping Act of 1984. In the past Fiscal Year, the Commission collected approximately $3 million in fines and penalties. 

9. Who are the stakeholders in the work of this department/agency? 

53 

The main stakeholders are vessel-operating carriers, non-vessel-operating common 

carriers, freight forwarders, shippers, marine terminal operators, and U.S. consumers generally. 

10. What is the proper relationship between the position to which you have been 

nominated, and the stakeholders identified in question number nine? 

The Federal Maritime Commission has a quasi-judicial role with regard to complaints before the Commission and a quasi-legislative function regarding the promulgation of regulations. Commissioners make decisions based on Federal law, and 

those decisions affect the daily operations of industry participants. 

11. The Chief Financial Officers Act requires all government departments and 

agencies to develop sound financial management practices. 

(a) What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to ensure that your 

department/agency has proper management and accounting controls? 

I would not have a direct role in this area, because the Chairman of the Federal 

Maritime Commission is responsible for the financial management of the agency. I 

would support his or her efforts to use the financial resources of the agency most 

efficiently. 

(b) What experience do you have in managing a large organization? 

1 have managed organizations of considerable size and complexity as the county 

attorney for Cumberland County in Maine (1971–73), attorney general of Maine 

(1974–78), and governor of Maine (1979–86). 

12. The Government Performance and Results Act requires all government departments and agencies to identify measurable performance goals and to report to 

Congress on their success in achieving these goals. 

(a) What benefits, if any, do you see in identifying performance goals and reporting on progress in achieving those goals? 

While the Commission’s functions are determined by statute, the identification of 

performance goals, as well as reports to Congress on the success in achieving those 

goals, can help the agency and Congress to assess the agency’s overall performance. 

Such goals and reporting may lead to a more efficient regulatory process, increased 

compliance with the law, fair and efficient enforcement, better use of technology, 

and more efficient management of the agency. 

(b) What steps should Congress consider taking when a department/agency fails 

to achieve its performance goals? Should these steps include the elimination, privatization, downsizing, or consolidation of departments and/or programs? 

The latter steps are available to Congress as possible remedies for failed performance by a department or agency. Elimination, downsizing, etc. may be warranted 

in some circumstances, while in others a lack of funding or personnel may be the 

cause of failed agency performance. I believe that Congress should take action that 

addresses the problem at issue, dealing with each case individually. 

(c) What performance goals do you believe should be applicable to your personal 

performance, if confirmed? 

I believe that, broadly speaking, my performance goals are to administer relevant 

Federal laws and regulations impartially and, where appropriate, to improve the 

fair and efficient administration of the law and public policy. 

13. Please describe your philosophy of supervisor/employee relationships. Generally, what supervisory model do you follow? Have any employee complaints been 

brought against you? 

I believe that it is essential to hire and to promote the best people one can find. 

I think it is critical to listen to staff and to support them, but also to remember 

that it is ultimately my responsibility as a commissioner to carry out my independent judgment. I believe it is important to publicly recognize quality work by 

staff and likewise to address promptly any work that is not of the quality that the 

people of the United States have a right to expect from their public servants. To 

the best of my knowledge, no employee complaint has been brought against me during my some 30 years in high-level, supervisory positions. 

14. Describe your working relationship, if any, with the Congress. Does your professional experience include working with committees of Congress? If yes, please explain. 

I served four years in the U.S. Congress, where I was privileged to work with numerous members, many of whom still serve in Congress. 

15. Please explain what you believe to be the proper relationship between yourself, if confirmed, and the Inspector General of your department/agency. 

As a commissioner, I am available to assist the Office of the Inspector General 

in its monitoring of the efficiency, effectiveness, and any abuse in the programs of 

the Commission. Fair consideration must be given to any recommendations presented by the IG for the management and operations of the agency. 

54 

16. In the areas under the department/agency’s jurisdiction to which you have 

been nominated, what legislative action(s) should Congress consider as priorities? 

Please state your personal views. 

The level of financial security for nonperformance by a passenger vessel is a regulatory matter, but the amount of casualty coverage is set by statute. Congress may 

wish to consider increasing the level of coverage for casualty (death or injury during 

a cruise) or allowing the Commission to establish an adequate level by rule. The 

statute currently sets casualty coverage for cruise lines at $20,000 (46 U.S.C. App. 

817d). This level of coverage may be inadequate to compensate passengers who suffer death or injury on a cruise. 

17. Within your area of control, will you pledge to develop and implement a system that allocates discretionary spending in an open manner through a set of fair 

and objective established criteria? If yes, please explain what steps you intend to 

take and a time frame for their implementation. If not, please explain why. 

I believe that such matters are outside of my area of control. The chairman of 

the Federal Maritime Commission is charged with the fair and objective allocation 

of discretionary spending, and I can assist him or her in that function as needed. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you, Governor. 

Mr. McGregor? 

STATEMENT OF JACK E. MCGREGOR, NOMINATED TO BE A 

MEMBER OF THE ADVISORY BOARD, SAINT LAWRENCE 

SEAWAY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 

Mr. MCGREGOR. Chairman McCain, Senator Hollings, and Members of the Committee, it’s an honor to be here before you. Thank 

you for the opportunity to meet with you as you consider my nomination by President Bush to the Advisory Board of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. 

My background includes four different corporate leadership positions, nine years of public service, extensive experience with regulatory and administrative processes, familiarity with some transportation issues, and active strategic planning participation on several boards of substantial institutions and companies, all over a 

professional career encompassing 41 years. 

If confirmed, my goals will be to work with fellow board members, the Seaway Development Corporation’s administrator, and 

Members of Congress to help ensure the long-term safety, security, 

reliability, competitiveness, and enhancement of trade development 

of the Saint Lawrence Seaway. 

The seaway is nearly 50 years old, and has experienced diminishing traffic in recent years. It is my hope that, with fellow board 

members and the agency’s leadership, we can help develop a roadmap for the waterway’s next 50 years. 

I’ll be pleased to respond to any questions you and your colleagues may have, Mr. Chairman. 

[The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr. 

McGregor follow:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF JACK E. MCGREGOR, NOMINEE FOR ADVISORY BOARD, 

SAINT LAWRENCE SEAWAY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Chairman McCain, Senator Hollings, and members of the Committee, it is an 

honor to be here before you. Thank you for the opportunity to meet with you as you 

consider my nomination by President Bush to the Advisory Board of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. 

My background includes four different corporate leadership positions, nine years 

of public service, extensive experience with regulatory and administrative processes, 

a familiarity with some transportation issues, and active strategic-planning particiVerDate Nov 24 2008 06:44 Aug 31, 2016 Jkt 075679 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6621 S:\GPO\DOCS\21346.TXT JACKIE
55 

pation on several Boards of substantial institutions and companies, all over a professional career encompassing 41 years. 

If confirmed, my goals will be to work with fellow Board members, the Seaway 

Development Corporation’s Administrator, and members of Congress to help ensure 

the long-term safety, security, reliability, competitiveness, and enhancement of 

trade development of the Saint Lawrence Seaway. 

The Seaway is nearly 50 years old, and has experienced diminishing traffic in recent years. It is my hope that with fellow Board members and the agency’s leadership, we can help develop a roadmap for the waterway’s next 50 years. 

I will be pleased to answer any questions you and your colleagues may have, Mr. 

Chairman. 

A. BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

1. Name: (Include any former names or nicknames used.) Jack Edwin McGregor. 

2. Position to which nominated: Advisory Board Member, St. Lawrence Seaway 

Development Corporation. 

3. Date of nomination: November 25, 2003. 

4. Address: (List current place of residence and office addresses.) 

Residence: Information not released to the public. 

Office: 1115 Broad Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604 

5. Date and place of birth: September 22, 1934; Kittanning; PA. 

6. Marital status: Married, Mary-Jane Foster. 

7. Names and ages of children: (Include maiden name of wife or husband’s name.) 

Nancy D. McGregor, 45; Douglas H. McGregor, 44; Elisabeth M. Ives, 43; 

Heather M. Worthington, 41. 

Stepchildren: DeVer F. Warner, 19; Margaret R. Warner, 17. 

8. Education: (List secondary and higher education institutions, dates attended, 

degree received, and date degree granted.) 

Wilkinsburg High School, 1949–52, Academic, June 1952 

Yale University, 1952–56, B.S., June 1956 

University of Pittsburgh School of Law, 1959–62, LL.B., June 1962 

9. Employment Record: (List all jobs held since college, including the title or description of job, name of employer, location of work, and dates of employment.) 

1956–59—Second and then First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps.; Quantico VA, 

Camp LeJeune NC, U.S. Navy 6th Fleet (Atlantic and Mediterranean), Arlington VA 

1959–61—Captain, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve 

1959–62—Pitt Law Library Staff Assistant (part-time while in law school) 

1960—Rockwell Manufacturing Co., Pittsburgh, PA—summer research intern 

1961—Alcoa, Pittsburgh, PA—summer research intern 

1962–70—State Senator, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, PA 

1962–68—Associate, law firm of Reed Smith, Pittsburgh, PA 

1966–70—President, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh, PA 

1970–71—Associate, Reed Smith, Washington, D.C. 

1971—Assistant Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of State 

1972—General Counsel, U.S. Pay Board, U.S.. Office of Economic Stabilization 

1972–74—General Counsel and then Vice President and General Counsel, Potomac Electric Power Company, Washington, D.C. 

1974–79—Vice President and General Counsel and then Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Carey Energy Corp. and New England Petroleum Corp., New York, NY 

1979–85—President, Hampton-Douglas Corp., International Water Resources, 

Ltd., and Caribbean Basin Corp., all in Bedford, NY and New York, NY 

1985–95—Executive Vice President, then President and Chief Operating Officer, 

then President and C.E.O. of Aquarion Company (formerly The Hydraulic Company), Bridgeport, CT 

1995 to present—Of Counsel, law firm of Cohen and Wolf, P.C., Bridgeport, 

Connecticut 

56 

10. Government experience: (List any advisory, consultative, honorary or other 

part-time service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other than 

those listed above.) 

Borough of Forest Hills, PA, Election Board Member, 1960–62 

Pennsylvania Arts Commission, 1966–70 

Director, N.Y.C. Off-Track Betting Corp., 1978–81 

Member, State of Connecticut’s Team Bridgeport, 1995–96 

see Paragraph 9 above, 1956–59 and 1962–72 

11. Business relationships: (List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee, 

partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business enterprise, educational or other institution.) 

Governor, National Hockey League 

President and Director, Pittsburgh Penguins Hockey Club 

Trustee, Barnum Museum 

Trustee, Greater Bridgeport YMCA 

Trustee, Mystic Aquarium 

Director, N.Y.C. Off-Track Betting Corp. 

President and Director, National Association of Water Companies 

Trustee, Seven Springs, Inc. 

Trustee, Point Park College 

Trustee, Fairfield University 

Trustee, University of Bridgeport 

Trustee, Yale-New Haven Hospital 

Trustee, Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf 

General Counsel and later Vice President, Potomac Electric Power Company 

General Counsel and later Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Carey Energy Corp. and New England Petroleum Corp. 

President, Hampton-Douglas Corp. 

President, International Water Resources, Ltd. 

President, Caribbean Basin Corp. 

Chairman and Director, Bridgeport Regional Business Council 

Director, The Bank Mart 

Director, People’s Bank 

Director, Bay State Gas Company 

Director, Physicians Health Services, Inc. 

President and COO, later CEO, Bridgeport Hydraulic Company 

Executive Vice President, later Chief Operating Officer, then President and 

CEO, Director, The Hydraulic Company, later Aquarion Company 

Director, Aquarion Water Company; Director, CDG Technology, Inc. 

Director, Connecticut Committee of Regional Planning Association; Director, Atlantic League of Professional Baseball Clubs, Inc. 

Managing Member, Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, LLC 

Managing Member, Bridgeport Waterfront Investors, LLC 

Managing Member, Freeborn Investors LLC 

Managing Member, Westchester Baseball LLC 

12. Memberships: (List all memberships and offices held in professional, fraternal, 

scholarly, civic, business, charitable and other organizations.) 

Connecticut Bar Association 

District of Columbia Bar Association 

Greater Bridgeport Bar Association 

Allegheny County Bar Association 

Pennsylvania Bar Association 

American Bar Association; Delta Kappa Epsilon 

Aspetuck Fish and Game Club 

57 

Skull and Bones; Mory’s Association 

Congregational Church of Easton 

St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church of Fairfield 

Edgewood Presbyterian Church 

Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church 

Greenfield Hill Congregational Church 

Bedford Presbyterian Church 

Marine Corps League 

Order of the Coif 

Country Club of Fairfield 

Chevy Chase Club 

Brooklawn Country Club 

Connecticut Golf Club 

Bedford Golf and Tennis Club 

Columbia Country Club 

Edgewood Country Club 

Racquet & Tennis Club 

Yale Club of NYC 

Yale Club of Western Pennsylvania 

Edgewood Community Club 

F Street Club 

13. Political affiliations and activities: 

(a) Offices held—Pennsylvania State Senator, 1962–70; Member, Forest Hills 

Election Board, 1960–62 

(b) Memberships and offices held in political parties or election committees in last 

10 years—Member, Republican Party; Vice Chairman, Congressman Christopher 

Shays Finance Committee; Member, Re-Elect Governor Rowland Finance Committee; Co-Chairman, Governor-Elect Rowland Transition Committee; Member, ReElect Lt. Governor Rell Finance Committee; Member, Torres Finance Committee; 

Member, Connecticut Republicans Finance Committee 

(c) Political contributions aggregating $500 or more from 1994 to date: 

Americans for Common Sense Gov’t PAC (Shays) $5,000 

Aquarion PAC (Aquarion Water Co.) $2,740 

Big Tent PAC (Specter) $500 

BridgePac (Bridgeport GOP) $3,000 

Committee for Responsible Gov’t PAC (Whitman) $1,000 

NAWC PAC (Nat’l Ass’n of Water Cos.) $1,400 

Amicone for Mayor $2,500 (Jt.Ckg.); $2,500 

Bernhard for State Rep. $500 

Blumenthal for A.G. $500 (Jt.Ckg.); $250 

Boyle for Probate Court $500 

Burnham for Senate $900 

Bush-Cheney Recount Fund $1,000 

Bush for President $3,000 

Caruso for Probate Court $1,100 

CT Republican Federal Campaign Committee $2,600 

CT Republicans $20,150 

Curwen for State Rep. $500 

Dole for President $1,000 

Easton Republicans $525 

Friends of Giuliani $1,000 

Ganim for Mayor $1,000 (Jt.Ckg.); $2,400 

Guman for Mayor $500 (Jt.Ckg.); $250 

Hammers for State Senate $500 

Harkins for State Rep. $525 

58 

Hastert for Congress $500 

Hatch for President $1,000 

Hatch for Senate $2,500 

Jeffords for Senate $2,000 

Johnson for Congress $500 

Kemp for Vice President $500 

Larson for Congress $600 (Jt.Ckg.); $100 

Lazio for Senate $750 

Lieberman for President $1,000 

Maloney for Congress $750 (Jt.Ckg.); $400 

Martensen for City Council $1,000 

McKinney for State Senate $1,250 

Metsopoulus for 1st Selectman $1,050 

Mulrow for Comptroller $2,000 (Jt.Ckg.); $1,500 

National Republican Senatorial Committee $6,350 

Newton for State Rep. $250 (Jt.Ckg.); $250 

Nielsen for Congress $4,250 

Norton for Congress $1,000 

O’Connor for Congress $500 

Pataki for Governor $1,000 (Jt.Ckg.); $1,000 

Penn for State Senate $750 (Jt.Ckg.); $1,700 

Rell for Lt. Governor $450 (Jt.Ckg.); $2,825 

Republican Governors Association $1,000 

Republican National Committee $2,430 

Republican Senatorial Inner Circle $1,500 

Restiano for Mayor $2,000 (Jt.Ckg.); $500 

Rowland for Governor $1,000 (Jt.Ckg.); $7,350 

Scarpetti for State Senate $500 

Schiavone for Mayor $500 

Shays for Congress $1,500 (Jt.Ckg.); $7,300 

Simmons for Congress $900 

Spano for County Exec.$750 (Jt.Ckg.) 

Specter for Senate $2,000 

Stone for State Rep. $525 

Torres for Mayor $2,250 

14. Honors and awards: (List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary society memberships, military medals and any other special recognitions for 

outstanding service or achievements.) 

Honorary Doctor of Laws, Quinnipiac University 

Entrepreneur of the Year, Greater Bridgeport Junior Chamber of Commerce 

Good Scout Award, Eastern Fairfield County, Boy Scouts of America 

University of Pittsburgh Medallion of Distinction 

Member, President Reagan’s Business Task Force to Grenada 

Businessman of the Year, Allegheny County; 

Order of the Coif 

Outstanding State Legislator (Rutgers Univ.). Scholarships included Regular 

NROTC and Yale Club of Pittsburgh, to Yale, and full scholarship from University of Pittsburgh School of Law 

15. Published Writings: (List the titles, publishers, and dates of books, articles, 

reports, or other published materials which you have written.) 

Note—Broadcast Licensee’s Past Conduct as a Determinant of the Public Interest, 23 University of Pittsburgh Law Review 157–171 

Book Note—Andrew Johnson, President on Trial, 23 University of Pittsburgh 

Law Review 256–57 

59 

Recent Decision: Taxation—Bond Premium Amortization Deduction, 22 University of Pittsburgh Law Review 639–43 

Article—Problems of U.S. Participation in the European Common Market, CoAuthor, U.S. Participation and the Constitution, 23 University of Pittsburgh 

Law Review 637–58. 

During the course of forty-one professional years, I have written occasional letters 

to the editor of local newspapers responding to assorted issues. 

16. Speeches: Provide the Committee with two copies of any formal speeches you 

have delivered during the last 5 years which you have copies of on topics relevant 

to the position for which you have been nominated. 

None on topics relevant to the position for which I have been nominated. 

17. Selection: 

(a) Do you know why you were selected for the position to which you have been 

nominated by the President? 

My understanding is that I was selected for this position because of my prior experience of nine years of public service, my familiarity with transportation issues 

relating to petroleum products, my extensive experiences with regulatory and administrative processes, and my participation on 27 different Boards of substantial 

institutions and companies over a professional career encompassing 41 years. 

(b) What in your background or employment experience do you believe affirmatively qualifies you for this particular appointment? 

In my 8 years service as a Pennsylvania State Senator and chairman of the Senate’s Federal Relations Committee, I was actively involved in Great Lake States 

Compact initiatives. In my 4 years with the National Hockey League, I interfaced 

with several Canadian industry and government leaders. In my 3 years in the electric utility industry and 10 years in the drinking water industry, I was actively engaged in many administrative and regulatory proceedings. In my one year with the 

Federal Government, I was actively engaged in administrative rule making proceedings. In my 5 years in the oil industry and then 7 years of active involvement 

in oil-related projects, I was regularly exposed to maritime transportation matters. 

My participation on 27 different Boards as a director or trustee of substantial institutions and companies over a professional career encompassing 41 years also affirmatively qualifies me for this position. My exposure to and experience with environmentally sensitive economic projects in 3 different northeastern states adds a timely 

dimension to my qualifications. Finally, my experience in supervising military and 

law enforcement personnel is another added dimension of my relevant experiences. 

B. FUTURE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIPS

1. Will you sever all connections with your present employers, business firms, 

business associations, or business organizations if you are confirmed by the Senate? 

It has been my understanding that I need not sever my of Counsel relationship 

with my law firm nor my Managing Member relationships with my two investment/ 

development firms should I be confirmed for this Advisory Board position. Should 

the Senate be of a different view, I would have to reconsider my availability for this 

position. 

2. Do you have any plans, commitments, or agreements to pursue outside employment, with or without compensation, during your service with the government? If 

so, explain. 

I have no commitments or agreements to pursue outside employment during my 

service with the government, but I hope to do so, as set forth in B(1) above. 

3. Do you have any plans, commitments, or agreements after completing government service to resume employment, affiliation, or practice with your previous employers, business firms, associations, or organizations? 

After completing this particular government service, I hope to continue my professional relationships as noted in B(1) above but have no commitments nor agreements to do so. 

4. Has anybody made a commitment to employ your services in any capacity after 

you leave government service? No. 

5. If confirmed, do you expect to serve out your full term or until the next Presidential election, whichever is applicable? 

If confirmed, I expect to serve at the pleasure of the President. 

C. POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation agreements, and 

other continuing dealings with business associates, clients, or customers. 

60 

I have no financial arrangements nor deferred compensation agreements with 

business associates, clients or customers other than (a) 50 percent equity in the investment and development firm of Freeborn Investors, LLC; (b) 29 percent equity 

in the sports development firm of Westchester Baseball, LLC; (c) 20 percent of law 

firm fees received from clients generated by me; and (d) pensions from three previous employers, set forth in my financial disclosures in Section G(1) and (8) below. 

My spouse holds an identical percentage in (a) and (b). 

2. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other relationships which 

could involve potential conflicts of interest in the position to which you have been 

nominated. 

I have no investments, obligations, liabilities, or other relationships that could involve current or potential conflicts of interest. 

3. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial transaction which you 

have had during the last 10 years, whether for yourself, on behalf of a client, or 

acting as an agent, that could in any way constitute or result in a possible conflict 

of interest in the position to which you have been nominated. 

I have had no such business relationship, dealing, or financial transaction for myself, a client, or as agent, in the past 10 years. 

4. Describe any activity during the past 10 years in which you have engaged for 

the purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or modification 

of any legislation or affecting the administration and execution of law or public policy. 

In 1994–95, I served as Chairman of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, 

which attempts to influence public policy regarding regional economic development 

matters. Until 1995, I was active in the National Association of Water Companies 

(NAWC) and served as its President in 1994; NAWC attempts to influence the administration and execution of law and public policy relating to the investor-owned 

drinking water industry. I’ve engaged in no other lobbying activities in the past 10 

years. 

5. Explain how you will resolve any potential conflict of interest, including any 

that may be disclosed by your responses to the above items. (Please provide a copy 

of any trust or other agreements.) 

(Not Applicable) 

6. Do you agree to have written opinions provided to the Committee by the designated agency ethics officer of the agency to which you are nominated and by the 

Office of Government Ethics concerning potential conflicts of interest or any legal 

impediments to your serving in this position? Yes. 

D. LEGAL MATTERS

1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics by, or been the 

subject of a complaint to any court, administrative agency, professional association, 

disciplinary committee, or other professional group? If so, please explain. No. 

2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by any Federal, 

State, or other law enforcement authority for violation of any Federal, State, county, 

or municipal law, regulation, or ordinance, other than for a minor traffic offense? 

If so, please explain. No. 

3. Have you or any business of which you are or were an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency proceeding or civil litigation? If so, 

please explain. 

Yes. See below. 

{a) In my capacity as General Counsel of the U.S. Pay Board in 1971–72, I participated in the rule-making proceedings of that administrative agency. In my capacity 

as Vice President and General Counsel of Potomac Electric Power Company in 

1971–74, I was involved in several administrative proceedings with the Public Service Commissions in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, and in some 

civil litigation. In my capacity as Vice President and General Counsel, then Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, of Carey Energy Corp. and New 

England Petroleum Corp. in 1974–79, I was involved in some administrative proceedings with the New York Public Service Commission and several civil litigation 

matters, which included parties such as Libyan National Oil Company, National 

Iranian Oil Company, Con Edison of N.Y., and Long Island Lighting Company. 

{b) In my capacity of director at People’s Bank and The Bank Mart, I was one 

of a class of defendants in some nuisance litigation and, in the case of Bank Mart, 

was one of 15 former directors of a savings bank sued by the FDIC for alleged negligence. The bank failed 3 or so years after I left its Board to go on the People’s 

Bank Board. The complaint, brought in 1995, regarded Board approval of certain 

real estate development loans in the 1980s over a 7-year period, 3 of which I had 

61 

served on. the Board but not on its Loan Review Committee. FDIC, as Receiver for 

The Bank Mart v. Barbara A. Bodine as Executrix of the Estate of Richard P. 

Bodine, et al., U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut Docket No. 3:95 

CV563AHN, was settled in 1998. 

(c) While serving as Executive Vice President of The Hydraulic Company (THC), 

beginning in 1985, and President of its Bridgeport Hydraulic Company (BHC) water 

utility subsidiary, commencing 1986, the company initiated administrative proceedings before the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) to increase water service rates as follows: 

Effective Date of Rate Cases for BHC: 

9/16/86 

6/1/89 

1/1/91 

8/1/93 

Additionally, BHC’s Stamford Water Company (SWC) subsidiary initiated similar 

proceedings before the DPUC to increase water service rates as follows: 

Effective Date of Rate Cases for SWC: 

7/29/85 

12/30/86 

8/28/91 

Also, while serving as Executive Vice President of THC, and President of its BHC 

water utility subsidiary, the DPUC in December 1986 concluded an investigation of 

BHC’s meter testing and meter test reporting practices by entering into a settlement agreement with the Company. Under the settlement, BHC submitted a management control plan regarding the meter testing function and agreed to donate 

$15,000 to a local charity. 

In October 1987, while serving as Executive Vice President and a Director of THC 

and President of its BHC water company subsidiary, the DPUC ordered seven utilities including BHC and SWC to show cause why the rates should not be reduced 

to pass on to customers benefits to lower Federal taxes resulting from the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Under the terms of a negotiated settlement, BHC and SWC agreed 

to decrease their water rates by 1.02 percent and 6.3 percent, respectively. 

In 1988, while serving as the President and a Director of THC and Chairman and 

CEO of the company’s Timco lumber processing subsidiary, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services issued an administrative order for excessive 

carbon monoxide emissions from Timco’s co-generation facility. In January 1989 

Timco submitted to the DES a preliminary plan to bring the plant into compliance 

with applicable regulations. 

In 1989, YMC, Inc., a subsidiary of SRK, Inc., disclosed to the EPA certain facts 

concerning testing conducted and reported in 1986 and in 1987 in a manner that 

violated a laboratory contract with the EPA. After cooperating fully with the EPA’s 

investigation, YWC subsequently entered a guilty plea and was fined and agreed to 

pay the expenses of DOJ and to temporarily withdraw from the contract laboratory 

program until YWC was acquired by The Hydraulic Company, while I was serving 

as President and CEO and a Director of THC, which occurred on December 7, 1990. 

While serving as President and CEO and a Director of THC, on February 16, 1990 

the company’s Timco subsidiary received a notice of violation in testing requirements from the USEPA relating to its co generation facility’s air emissions. Timco 

renovated the facility to comply with DES emission standards. A settlement relating 

to Timco’s emissions was signed in 1991 by the USEPA, the DES and Timco, and 

Timco paid a $4,000 fine to settle the matter. 

1992 No legal proceedings 

1993 No legal proceedings 

1994 No legal proceedings 

1995 No legal proceedings 

Note: On October 1, 1995, I became Chairman of the Board of Aquarion Company, 

successor to THC, and under a management succession plan relinquished my responsibilities as President and CEO. I served as Chairman until October 1996, 

whereupon I continued to serve as a Director of Aquarion and its BHC water company subsidiary. Since 1999, I have served on the Board of Aquarion Water Company, its successor. 

62 

On October 1, 1996, while serving as a Director of BHC, its Ridgefield Water 

Company, which was subsequently merged into the company’s BHC subsidiary, entered into a consent agreement with the State of Connecticut DEP relating to certain water supply sources located in the town of Ridgefield. The consent agreement 

requires BHC to meet various milestones on certain dates in order to St. Lawrence 

Seaway Deve1opment Corporation Advisory Board bring the Ridgefield water supply 

system into compliance with DEP water diversion regulations. 

While serving as a Director of Aquarion on March 26, 1997, the company sold its 

IEA subsidiary to American Environmental Network. On February 26, 1997, an employee of IEA filed suit in New Jersey Superior Court, Docket No. L 130–997, alleging her employment had been terminated because of pregnancy. On April 27, 1997, 

Aquarion was named a defendant. There was no finding of liability against 

Aquarion, and due to AEN’s bankruptcy, the suit did not proceed. 

1998 No legal proceedings 

While serving as a Director of Aquarion Company, in a complaint filed in the Connecticut Superior Court in 1999 against the Company’s Main Street South subsidiary, plaintiffs alleged damages from a leaking underground storage tank located 

on property owned by the Company. The matter was resolved through a settlement 

agreement reached among the parties in 2003. 

While serving as a Director of Aquarion Water Company, in a complaint filed in 

the Connecticut Superior Court, Bridgeport, dated June 20, 2000, and revised on 

September 20, 2000, three plaintiffs commenced action against Aquarion alleging 

the Company overcharged for water service by permitting an oversized water meter 

to remain installed at a property site for 10 years. In October 1998, after being informed of the problem Aquarion installed a smaller meter. The matter was resolved 

through a settlement agreement in October 2002. 

While serving as a Director of Aquarion Water Company, on or about January 31, 

2002, the Company was served with a complaint by an employee that had been filed 

with the Connecticut Commission of Human Rights & Opportunities alleging discrimination on the basis of race and sex when she was suspended pending further 

investigation of job performance. Subsequently the employee was terminated. While 

Aquarion denied all of the material allegations, the matter was resolved through a 

confidential settlement agreement and all claims against the Company were dismissed. 

While serving as a Director of Aquarion Water Company, in 2003, a plaintiff filed 

a series of lawsuits arising from the condemnation of an easement by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and the subsequent installation of a 

fire hydrant on the easement area by Aquarion. The action against Aquarion, the 

DOT, and the City of Stamford was filed in a complaint dated January 31, 2003. 

In this case, the DOT took by eminent domain a 5-foot wide easement along the 

front yard of the plaintiff in a project implementing various improvements to the 

street. During the course of the project, Aquarion relocated an existing fire hydrant 

from the existing sidewalk on the front of the property into the newly acquired easement area on the street side of plaintiff’s picket fence. The hydrant was moved approximately 4 feet from its prior location. Underlying plaintiff’s claims against 

Aquarion is his contention that the placement of a fire hydrant on the easement 

area was unlawful and constituted a trespass. Aquarion denies all material allegations and the matter is still pending. 

(d) Additional civil litigation: Jack E. McGregor v, Carol D. McGregor; Bridgeport 

Superior Court Docket .No. FA–01–02818825, marital dissolution matter, final divorce decree entered March 6, 1992; William M. Robinson, Trustee v. Hein, Bridgeport Superior Court Docket No. CV–92–02998935—I was witness and primary beneficiary in this breach-of contract action, settled in February 2003; served papers on 

January 30, 2004 regarding a Petition before the Supreme Court of the State of New 

York, County of Westchester, for a Judgment to annul a Special ordinance adopted 

by Yonkers City Council in October 2003 permitting construction of a professional 

baseball park, because of some alleged flaws in the environmental review process. 

Index No. 04–1386—the suit names as defendants the Mayor, City Council, Yonkers 

Industrial Development Agency, other City officials, and Westchester Baseball, 

LLC—nominee is a Managing Member of the last named defendant. 

4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo contendere) of 

any criminal violation other than a minor traffic offense? No. 

5. Please advise the Committee of any additional information, favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in connection with your nomination. 

None. 

63 

E. RELATIONSHIP WITH COMMITTEE

1. Will you ensure that your board/commission complies with deadlines for information set by congressional committees? 

To the best of my ability. 

2. Will you ensure that your board/commission does whatever it can to protect 

congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal for their testimony and 

disclosures? 

To the best of my ability. 

3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with firsthand knowledge of matters 

of interest to the Committee? Yes. 

4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly constituted committee of 

the Congress on such occasions as you may be reasonably requested to do so? Yes. 

F. GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS AND VIEWS

1. How do your previous professional experiences and education qualify you for 

the position for which you have been nominated? 

In my 8 years service as a Pennsylvania State Senator and Chairman of the Senate’s Federal Relations Committee, I was actively involved in Great Lake States 

Compact initiatives. In my 4 years with the National Hockey League, I interfaced 

with several Canadian industry and government leaders. In my 3 years in the electric utility industry and 10 years in the drinking water industry, I was actively engaged in many administrative and regulatory proceedings. In my one year with the 

Federal Government, I was actively engaged in administrative rule making proceedings. In my 5 years in the oil industry and then 7 years in oil-related projects, 

I was regularly exposed to maritime transportation matters. My participation on 27 

different Boards as a director or trustee of substantial institutions and companies 

over a professional career encompassing 41 years also affirmatively qualifies me for 

this position. My exposure to and experience with environmentally sensitive economic projects in 3 different northeastern states adds a timely dimension to my 

qualifications. Finally, my experience in supervising military and law enforcement 

personnel is another added dimension of my relevant experiences. 

My bachelor of science undergraduate degree, my law degree, my military service, 

my 9 years of public service, and in depth, multi-faceted careers in the private sector provide me with the ability to work with the senior leadership of the SLSDC. 

The SLSDC, as a wholly-owned government corporation, operates much like a private sector company. I intend to use my experiences to help the agency meet its 

strategic, performance, and operational goals. 

2. Why do you wish to serve in the position for which you have been nominated? 

Because of the opportunity to serve my country and my interest in the subject 

matters the position encompasses. 

3. What goals have you established for your first two years in this position, if confirmed? 

My goals are to work with the SLSDC Administrator to ensure the long-term reliability and competitiveness of the St. Lawrence Seaway. The waterway is nearly 50 

years old and has experienced diminishing traffic results in recent years. I intend 

to work with my fellow Advisory Board members and the agency leadership to help 

develop a roadmap for the waterway’s next 50 years. 

4. What skills do you believe you may be lacking which may be necessary to successfully carry out this position? What steps can be taken to obtain those skills? 

I need to develop a better understanding of the complexities inherent in commercial navigation on the St. Lawrence Seaway System. I understand the waterway is 

unique and different from any other waterway in the United States. For example, 

the waterway is shared with Canada, only attracts a limited and specialized vessel 

fleet, does not move containers, and is not utilized by U.S. flag vessels. Through 

interaction with agency staff, my fellow Board members, and the key stakeholders 

in the Great Lakes Seaway System region, I will develop the knowledge. 

5. Please discuss your philosophical views on the role of government. Include a 

discussion of when you believe the government should involve itself in the private 

sector, when society’s problems should be left to the private sector, and what standards should be used to determine when a government program is no longer necessary. 

The principal role of government should be the preservation of individual and societal liberties, the enhancement of individual and societal security, the education 

of its citizens, a sound monetary policy, modest regulatory oversight of an otherwise 

free, market-driven economy, and reasonable regulation of land use, of the environment, of transportation, and of food and health minimum standards. Government 

64 

should not engage in ventures that can more effectively and efficiently be undertaken by the private sector. Standards that should be used to determine when a 

government program is no longer necessary include whether the program is appropriate for the targeted benefit, whether the private sector could manage and invest 

in the program more efficiently, whether public support for the program is adequate 

to justify its cost, and whether the public benefit at least equates to the public expenditures. 

6. Describe the current mission, major programs, and major operational objectives 

of the board/commission to which you have been nominated. 

The SLSDC, a wholly-owned government corporation and an operating administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation, is responsible for the operations 

and maintenance of the U.S. portion of the St Lawrence Seaway between Montreal 

and Lake Erie. This responsibility includes managing vessel traffic control in areas 

of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario as well as maintaining and operating 

the two U.S. Seaway locks located in Massena, New York. In addition, the SLSDC 

performs trade development functions designed to enhance Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System utilization. 

Maritime commerce on the Seaway System, which is a critical transportation link 

to and from the agricultural and industrial heartland of North America, annually 

generates more than 150,000 U.S. jobs, $4.3 billion in personal income, $3.4 billion 

in transportation-related business revenue, and $1.3 billion in federal, state, and 

local taxes. 

The SLSDC coordinates its activities with its Canadian counterpart, the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC), particularly with respect to navigational rules and regulations, overall day-to-day operations, traffic management, 

navigation aids, safety, environmental programs, operating dates, and trade development programs. The unique binational nature of the Seaway System requires 24- 

hour, year-round coordination between the two Seaway entities. SLSDC annual performance and strategic plans include goals and objectives for safety, reliability, 

trade development, and management accountability. 

7. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the board/commission 

and why? 

Three of the top challenges facing the SLSDC and its board are (1) working with 

the Congress to ensure sufficient operations and maintenance funding for the agency, including enhanced security precautions in the post 9/11 era; (2) working with 

the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Canadian Seaway entity on the completion of the on-going Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Study; and (3) working with 

industry to recapture grain, steel, and iron ore trade levels that have been eroding 

over the past decade. 

8. In reference to question number six, what factors in your opinion, have kept 

the board/commission from achieving its missions over the past several years? 

Although I’m not familiar with the present Board’s interaction with agency staff, 

members of Congress, and key stakeholders, the SLSDC’s Advisory Board members 

should be fully engaged with all three groups to help the agency attain more effective funding and new trade for the binational waterway. 

9. Who are the stakeholders in the work of this board/commission? 

The key stakeholders for the St. Lawrence Seaway include: (1) U.S. and Canadian 

commercial navigation interests, including ports, terminals, carriers, importers, exporters, and labor; (2) foreign customers, primarily in Europe, South America, and 

North Africa; (3) members of Congress and other state and local leaders in the 

eight-state Great Lakes region; and (4) those law enforcement and homeland security personnel in the region pertinent to GLSL Seaway security. 

10. What is the proper relationship between the position to which you have been 

nominated, and the stakeholders identified in question number nine? 

One of the key roles of the SLSDC Advisory Board is to assist the Administrator 

in working to establish new business contacts that could result in future commercial 

business for the waterway. The agency does not directly negotiate contracts, but 

does serve to facilitate trade between all stakeholders. In my role as a member of 

the Advisory Board, I intend to increase the agency’s contacts database. 

11. Please describe your philosophy of supervisor/employee relationships. Generally, what supervisory model do you follow? Have any employee complaints been 

brought against you? 

I have generally followed a supervisory model of initial mentoring, then fairly full 

delegation, coupled with an oversight style of devil’s advocacy. No employee complaints have been brought against me in my 41 years of professional life. 

12. Describe your working relationship, if any, with the Congress. Does your professional experience include working with committees of Congress? If yes, please explain. 

65 

I have not had a working relationship with Congress, although I have supervised 

the work of lobbyists who in turn had a working relationship with congressional 

committees. 

13. In the areas under the board/commission jurisdiction to which you have been 

nominated, what legislative action(s) should Congress consider as priorities? Please 

state your personal views. 

As mentioned in the answer to question number 7, the Congress should focus 

some attention on ensuring the long-term viability of the Seaway System. Over the 

past decade, the SLSDC has received minimal funding increases that barely offset 

its mandatory pay and benefit increases, leaving the agency with little to no funding 

for key capital maintenance projects. A careful review of possible need for security 

enhancement funding should also be undertaken. The waterway is nearing its 50th 

year of operation and should have a long-term capital plan that the Congress is 

committed to funding. In addition, the Congress, through its work with the U.S. 

Army Corps of Engineers, needs to carefully consider any navigational improvements recommended by the Corps in its on-going study. 

14. Please discuss your views on the appropriate relationship between a voting 

member of an independent board or commission and the wishes of a particular 

president. 

A voting member of an independent board should be sensitive to the wishes of 

a president, should be willing to rethink his own views should they be at odds with 

those of his appointing power, but should vote his conscience (and be prepared to 

relinquish his position) should he not be able to reconcile his vies with those of the 

President. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you very much. 

Ms. Hersman, there has been an allegation in the press that 

there’s now not enough aviation expertise on the NTSB. Have you 

heard about that? 

Ms. HERSMAN. Yes, sir, I have. 

The CHAIRMAN. And your response? 

Ms. HERSMAN. Well, I am concerned, because I’ve spent a lot of 

time on multiple modes of transportation, including aviation, since 

I’ve been here, worked on safety issues, such as the H–60 issue, security issues. After 9/11, I became much more involved in aviation. 

But since November 2001, the board has only launched from headquarters on one major aviation incident, and that was Charlotte. 

During that same time, they’ve launched on numerous surface 

transportation incidents—the tanker truck explosion in Baltimore, 

Staten Island Ferry, and the Baltimore Water Taxi. So I think it’s 

important to be well-rounded on all of these modes, and understand safety. 

The work of the investigation is really done by the professionals 

of the board. There’s 400 staff there, and I will rely on them, I’m 

sure, on all investigations, to give me excellent advice. I hope that 

I can bring an expertise to the board on surface transportation 

issues, particularly railroad issues, that they have not had for some 

time. And I will continue to do my best to get up to speed on all 

issues, as I have when I’ve worked for this Committee. 

Thank you. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you. 

Mr. Kassinger, what’s your view of climate change? 

Mr. KASSINGER. I share the President’s view that it’s—— 

The CHAIRMAN. Pardon me? 

Mr. KASSINGER. Senator, I share the President’s view that it’s a 

matter of serious concern, and it’s something that we ought to devote, as we are, substantial resources to understanding and addressing. The government currently spends upwards of $5 billion 

on a combination of research into climate-change causes and reVerDate Nov 24 2008 06:44 Aug 31, 2016 Jkt 075679 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6601 S:\GPO\DOCS\21346.TXT JACKIE
66 

lated scientific issues and technologies to address the contributors 

to climate change, including emissions of carbon dioxide and other 

contributors to the emissions into the atmosphere. 

I think that the Commerce Department, as you know, has led the 

Climate Change Research Group. That effort is about to be manifested in an incredibly detailed, comprehensive program that 

gained high praise from the National Science Foundation, and the 

National Research Council, recently. It would be the first time in 

history that the Government’s efforts in the climate change area 

will have been consolidated and focused not only on producing excellent science, but directing that science to matters that are important to decisionmakers in the Congress, as well as in the executive branch. 

As you also—just one other point, sir—I think that one of the 

most important programs we have in the Commerce Department— 

again, reflecting our concern about the importance of this issue— 

is the Global Observation System that Admiral Lautenbacher has 

conceived and is implementing through NOAA at the end of this 

coming month, in April. We’ll be leaders in Tokyo, at the World 

Conference that will launch this—on a global basis, this Climate 

Change Observation program that will develop a great deal of additional information that will help us address the issues. 

The CHAIRMAN. Do you know when the—what year the first report will be made to Congress? 

Mr. KASSINGER. From the Climate Change Research Program? 

The reports, in my recollection, will be rolling out, I think, the first 

one, as early as next year, but I’ll get back to you on that. 

The CHAIRMAN. Maybe we’re not talking about the same proposal, Mr. Kassinger. We have received no reports from the Administration, and the proposal that we read that was in the nice, 

glossy, pink binder—the first report is the year 2012. Well, it’s obvious the position of the Administration on this issue has been very 

disappointing. We’ve not seen any concrete action. So far, we’ve 

heard of a lot of research and a lot of study. 

The National Academy of Sciences overwhelmingly believes that, 

one, climate change is real and is a growing threat. And the view 

of—overwhelming view of the scientific community and the world 

on this is that this Administration is doing little to nothing about 

it. I hope that—I probably can’t change the position of the Commerce Department or the Administration, but we’re going to pay a 

very heavy price for the inattention to this issue on the part of the 

Administration. 

You just mentioned Admiral Lautenbacher. I believe it was before this Committee, he said, ‘‘Well, all you need to do is go to sleep 

for’’—30 years, it was? Yes, ‘‘go to sleep for 30 years,’’ anybody 

who’s interested in climate change. 

It’s hurting us in the near term because of the damage that’s 

being done to the Earth’s atmosphere and the Earth, and it’s hurting us internationally, because the view of Europeans and the 

world community concerning our lack of seriously addressing this 

issue. So I hope that maybe you’ll come up with a little better information and a little bit better strategy than what we’ve seen so 

far. I’ve been in this issue for a long, long time. You’re not doing 

enough. 

67 

Mr. McGregor and Mr. Brennan—excuse me—Mr. Anderson and 

Governor Brennan, what do you think of the Jones Act? 

Mr. ANDERSON. Mr. Chairman, I believe very strongly in the 

Jones Act. I spent 9 years with a company that was exclusively a 

Jones Act operating company, carrying liquid petroleum products, 

chemical products, tug and barge operations in the United States. 

I think it’s a very important part of our country’s efforts to maintain a domestic fleet and shipbuilding base. 

The CHAIRMAN. Do you think there should be exceptions to the 

Jones Act, Mr. Anderson? 

Mr. ANDERSON. With respect to what, Mr. Chairman? 

The CHAIRMAN. Any exceptions. 

Mr. ANDERSON. Well, there are some exceptions to the Jones Act. 

I’m familiar with a couple that I actually participated in. One was 

a Wrecked Vessel Act project which joined two wrecked vessels, 

and we needed an exemption to the Jones Act. Another one was for 

some vessels that—— 

The CHAIRMAN. How about for cruise ships? 

Mr. ANDERSON. I think it would depend on the circumstances, 

Mr. Chairman. 

The CHAIRMAN. Governor Brennan? 

Governor Brennan: I’d say, first, we deal strictly with the foreign 

water-borne commerce, so we don’t deal with the Jones Act, but I 

did deal with it, to a certain extent, when I served in the House. 

And, in many senses, the issue was treated as sort of the sacred 

cow. I didn’t see it changing a great deal. So that’s about where I 

am at it. 

The CHAIRMAN. What are the major challenges that you see, Governor Brennan, particularly in light of this threat of terrorism 

that’s associated with our ports and our maritime activity? 

Governor Brennan: I think it is a very serious threat, and the 

Commission has worked with naval intelligence, worked with the 

various subsets of Homeland Security, including the Coast Guard 

and Customs, but we don’t have a lot of troops on the ground. We 

have about five people actually on the ground making observations 

in five major ports. But we do have a lot of commercial data, a lot 

of information, and we see ourselves in a really important supportive role to try to help the agencies that actually do the policing. 

The CHAIRMAN. Mr. Anderson? 

Mr. ANDERSON. Yes, sir. Mr. Chairman, I believe that it is a very 

important for our country to have port security and maritime security. And as my colleague, Commissioner Brennan, mentioned, 

we—as an agency, don’t play a front-line role. We are a support 

agency. We have quite a bit of commercial information, where we 

licence and bond ocean transportation intermediaries. We have had 

meetings, as late as yesterday, with TSA, Customs, and some other 

security agencies to work out ways with which we can share the 

information that we have in an effort to support our security efforts 

of the country. 

The CHAIRMAN. Thank you. Congratulations to all of you, and we 

will move your nominations as quickly as possible so that you can 

get to work, or back to work. 

Thank you very much. This hearing is adjourned. 

[Whereupon, at 3:20 p.m., the hearing was adjourned.] 

(69) 

A P P E N D I X 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF HON. JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER IV, 

U.S. SENATOR FROM WEST VIRGINIA

Mr. Chairman, Senator Hollings and to my colleagues, as we hold many nomination hearings in this Committee, and we say many things about the nominees, usually in praise of them, but at times questioning them. This nomination is a personal 

one for many of us, as we have all watched Debbie work tirelessly on behalf of us 

and our constituents. 

Before I discuss all of the reasons that Debbie is absolutely the right person for 

this position, I want to proudly state she is a West Virginian. Both of her parents 

were raised in Roane County, West Virginia. In addition, she has many proud relatives in Spencer and Charleston, West Virginia. I know that the people of West 

Virginia share my pride in all of Debbie’s accomplishments. 

Before coming to the Senate Commerce Committee, Debbie worked for then Congressman Wise of West Virginia in many capacities, including chief of staff. Governor Wise called me to support her nomination, and we wholeheartedly agreed that 

there was no better person for the job. Debbie has spent a career working for the 

people of West Virginia, and I know the entire country will benefit from her presence on the National Transportation Safety Board. 

Each of us has had to call on the National Transportation Safety Board, or 

watched on CNN, the work that they do in sifting through a disaster site and in 

dealing with family members following an aviation tragedy. We rely on their independence to provide Congress and the transportation regulatory agencies recommendations to improve safety. It is a critical role that they play, and one divorced 

from politics and partisanship. The National Transportation Safety Board deals 

with situations where tragedies affect many people and that makes it all the more 

important that we select someone with both the technical knowledge to contribute 

to the board’s work and the human compassion needed in the context of these tragedies. Debbie melds these two important requirements in a particularly special manner. 

Each Board Member is an independent source of knowledge and information. 

While the Board votes on matters, and we hope that all agree on the safety recommendations, each is charged with independently making a decision based on the 

facts and analysis of its expert staff. A small agency, with some 429 employees, its 

expertise and knowledge is recognized around the world. 

Debbie, who has worked on this Committee for five years, has worked with all 

of us on transportation safety and regulatory issues, using her expertise and talents 

to push for improvements. Her primary focus has been surface transportation, but 

I know that she has spent a considerable amount of time on aviation safety issues, 

and helped with aviation security matters following 9/11. I know she worked on the 

highway bill while a House staff member, and that knowledge will help her in her 

new position. 

Her talents, wit, charm and expertise will be sorely missed. I wish you the best 

of luck in your new position, and while none of us hope to see you about a tragedy 

in our states, we know that whatever the situation, the NTSB will be in good hands 

with Debbie there. 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR. 

Mr. Chairman, Senator Hollings, Members of the Committee: 

I’m proud to be here this afternoon with my Florida colleagues in support for the 

nomination of Mr. Alan Paul Anderson for the Federal Maritime Commission. 

This is a special opportunity for me, for not only is Paul Anderson a constituent, 

but he’s a friend. Paul is a resident of Florida’s 22nd congressional district where 

he has lived and worked for many years. 

70 

Paul’s commitment to South Florida is evident in the number of organizations and 

affiliations he associates himself. Whether it’s as a trustee for Broward Community 

College, the Broward Alliance or the Broward Education Foundation, Paul serves 

his community and state well. 

Today, you consider his name for the Federal Maritime Commission. Up until his 

work with JM Family Enterprises Inc., where he served as vice president of government relations, Paul was employed for 8 years with Hvide Marine, Inc. based at 

Port Everglades, Florida. There Paul served as manager of marketing, assistant to 

the president and director of public affairs. 

Hvide Marine was a U.S. flag diversified marine transportation company with 

tanker, offshore supply vessel, tug and barge and tug boat operations in the U.S. 

and international markets. In his capacity, Paul represented Hvide to the national 

maritime trade associations assisting the industry in facing the many public policy 

challenges. 

With a distinguished background in business and the marine industry, I believe 

Paul Anderson will be a tremendous asset to the Federal Maritime Commission. 

I’m honored to be here today and speak on behalf of my friend, Paul Anderson. 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SAFETY ALLIANCE

Washington, DC, March 29, 2004 

Senator JOHN MCCAIN, 

Chairman, 

Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, 

Washington, DC. 

Dear Mr. Chairman: 

On behalf of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, I am writing to recommend 

the Committee approve the nomination of Deborah A. Hersman to serve as a member of the National Transportation Board. 

CVSA is an association of truck and bus safety enforcement officials and industry 

representatives in Canada, Mexico and the United States. We have worked with Ms. 

Hersman in her capacity as the Democratic Senior Professional Staff Member for 

the Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee on a number of important commercial vehicle safety legislative issues. 

We believe she is well qualified to fill the position for the NTSB member term 

expiring at the end of this year. In our experience working with her on the Motor 

Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999, Mexican border safety issues, and the 

process currently underway to reauthorize the Transportation Equity Act for the 

21st Century, we have found her to be knowledgeable on transportation matters and 

willing to listen to all sides of an issue. She works hard to seek consensus and bipartisan solutions that enhance public safety and prevent the recurrence of transportation related accidents. These qualifications will help to ensure a cooperative 

working relationship between the NTSB, the Administration, the Congress private 

industry and the publ1c. 

Again, in the interest of transportation safety we hope you and the Committee 

approve Ms. Hersman’s nomination to serve as a member of the National Transportation Safety Board. 

Sincere1y, 

STEPHEN F. CAMPBELL, 

Executive Director. 

Æ 

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