Trump FMCSA Nominee Derek Barrs Awaits Senate Vote
Spear: 'We Urge the Senate to Confirm Him to This Position at the Earliest Possible Opportunity'
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WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the is among the nominees expected to be considered by the Senate soon.
Derek Barrs, nominated for the top post at FMCSA, is awaiting Senate confirmation after receiving bipartisan support during a committee review of his qualifications. Barrs’ nomination has been before the chamber since July.
This month, Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) explained he had pressed the chamber to consider other high-profile nominees for roles at the Department of Transportation. That led to the confirmation of Sean McMaster as administrator of the Federal Highway Administration on Sept. 18.
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The Senate majority leader blamed Democrats for what he described as delaying the nomination process.
“Many of the president’s nominees are getting Democrat support when they come out of the relevant committee of jurisdiction,” Thune said Sept. 18. “Democrats are even voting to confirm them. But despite this, Democrats have still slowed down the process literally to a halt. It’s delay for delay’s sake.” Democrats have argued their aim is to provide an in-depth examination of the president’s nominees.
Barrs is a former Florida Highway Patrol chief with more than three decades in public safety. During a hearing before the Commerce Committee earlier this year, he pointed to the administration’s agenda specific to supply chain connectivity improvements. He also detailed his would-be role atop the trucking regulatory agency.
“I understand that FMCSA’s actions impact an entire industry, and I am committed to ensuring that agency decisions are informed, balanced and transparent,” Barrs said.
“If confirmed,” he added, “I will continue to strengthen relationships between government and stakeholders, working together on our shared goal of improving roadway safety as well as addressing critical safety issues.”
President endorsed Barrs’ qualifications and called on the Senate to act on his nomination.
“We urge the Senate to confirm him to this position at the earliest possible opportunity,” Spear said.
The nomination of David Fink to become administrator at the Federal Railroad Administration also is awaiting a Senate vote.
Shortly after his Sept. 18 confirmation, McMaster said, “I am honored to serve under President Trump and Secretary [Sean] Duffy as we work to revitalize America’s roads and bridges.”
The Senate also confirmed Jonathan Morrison as administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Paul Roberti as administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
Morrison and Roberti
“Sean, Jonathan and Paul are strong leaders who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the department,” Duffy said Sept. 18. “Their work will help us rebuild America’s infrastructure, protect families on the road and unleash American energy. America is building again, and the expertise of our new administrators will allow us to execute President Trump’s bold transportation agenda.”
Specific to McMaster, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Executive Director Jim Tymon observed, “Sean’s previous roles have equipped him with extensive experience as well as a solid understanding of FHWA’s crucial partnership with state departments of transportation.”
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