Do these two sentences mean the same thing?
The head of the panel -- Tillie Fowler , a former US representative from Florida -- told present and past commanders that cadets don 't trust them .
The head of the panel , former Rep. Tillie Fowler of Florida , told present and past commanders that cadets don 't trust them .

Choose your answer from:
(a). no;
(b). yes;...I think the answer is
(b).