Hearings to examine how shutdowns threaten air safety, travel, and the economy.

Senate Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation

2025-11-19

Source: Congress.gov

Summary

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation conducted a nomination hearing on several new federal appointments, including Stephen Carmel for Maritime Administration, Laura DiBella for Federal Maritime Commissioner, and Admiral Kevin Lundy for Coast Guard Commandant. The hearing emphasized the importance of strengthening maritime security, modernizing aging Coast Guard assets, and ensuring independent oversight of critical operations such as search and rescue and port safety. Key issues included the need for new icebreakers to counter Arctic threats, concerns over the potential closure of Coast Guard search and rescue stations, and the Coast Guard's role in combating illicit drug trafficking and protecting the Great Lakes. Witnesses described urgent deficiencies in Coast Guard readiness, including outdated equipment, staffing shortages, and challenges in supply chain and housing. The committee also scrutinized the Coast Guard's authority in environmental reviews and drug interdiction, with Admiral Lundy affirming his commitment to mission readiness, public safety, and transparency in operations. The hearing concluded with a focus on collaborative oversight and the need for sustained investment in maritime infrastructure and personnel.

Participants

Transcript

Prior to today's nomination hearing, the committee will vote on six nominees. Stephen Carmel to be Administrator of the Maritime Administration. Laura DiBella to be Federal Maritime Commissioner. Ethan Klein to be Associate Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Trent Morse to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. Timothy Petty to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, and Michelle Schultz to a second term as a member of the Surface Transportation Board. These capable nominees bring a range of experiences across government and the private sector. They embody the spirit of public duty that supports the essential, often overlooked functions on which Americans depend every day. We know that recent partisan delays have placed a real strain on basic governmental services. At this moment, it is critical that we swiftly install leaders who will protect the public interest by overseeing federal agencies' core responsibilities. In the interest of filling these essential roles, I urge my colleagues to help advance the qualified nominees before us today. I now turn to Ranking Member Cantwell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Stephen Carmel is nominated to be administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration. I believe he has a clear vision to rebuild the U.S. shipbuilding ecosystem, which is very important to our economy and to our national security. So I am pleased to support his nomination and glad that he supports the Jones Act and is committed to addressing sexual misconduct at the Merchant Marine Academy. Laura DiBella is nominated to be the Federal Maritime Commissioner. Made clear she supports the Jones Act as well. I support and appreciate her clear comments maintaining the independence of the Federal Maritime Commission and will support her nomination. Dr. Timothy Petty is nominated to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans Atmosphere. Dr. Petty has significant water geoscience policy experience, which I believe

is important in assisting NOAA. Dr. Petty also supports a NOAA Organic Act, a Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, and other priorities. Lastly, Michelle Schultz is nominated to serve another term as the Independent Surface Transportation Board. And as the Surface Transportation Board prepares to consider whether to approve the largest railroad merger in US history between Union Pacific and Northern Southern, we must leave no room for doubt about the importance of an independent Commissioner without political pressure. So I appreciate her commitment to review merger decisions based only on the record before the board. So I was pleased to see her recognizing the importance of the board acting impartially so. I will not be supporting the other nominees. Dr. Ethan Klein nominated to be Assistant Director for the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Frankly, there were answers that I found were insufficient on several issues important about guardrails, whether it was AI or aviation safety. And I do not support Mr. Morris's nomination today. We were hoping to see more financial paperwork disclosed, which we did not see. So I can't support this nomination at this moment. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. I now recognize Senator Wicker for a motion. Mr. Chairman, in full support of the shipbuilding ecosystem, I move that PN 14110, nomination of Stephen Carmel to be administrator of the Maritime Administration, be favorably reported. I will say I'm not remotely surprised that the great state of Mississippi supports shipbuilding. And is there a second to this motion? Second. The clerk will call the roll. Mr. Thune. Aye by proxy.

U

Unknown (SPEAKER_14)

Mr. Wicker? Aye. Mrs. Fisher? Aye.

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