Why It Matters

The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee is moving to fill critical vacancies at two agencies responsible for transportation safety and consumer protection, even as unresolved legal battles and staffing crises threaten their operations. A hearing on five nominees, including the current acting heads of both agencies, highlights how political turmoil over commissioner removals has left federal regulators understaffed and potentially hamstrung at a moment when rail safety concerns are mounting.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), meanwhile, is pushing rail safety recommendations with new urgency. The NTSB issued a final accident investigation report on June 11 reiterating calls to accelerate the phase-out of older DOT-111 tank cars and raising new concerns about retrofitted DOT-117R railcars carrying hazardous materials. The report followed the agency's investigation of a July 2024 CPKC derailment in Bordulac, North Dakota, where a 29-car train released methanol and anhydrous ammonia.

The Big Picture

The five nominees are:

Thomas B. Chapman of Maryland is seeking reappointment to the NTSB for a term expiring December 31, 2028. His nomination was referred to the committee on April 13, 2026.

Edward Eppler of Connecticut is nominated to be Chief Financial Officer of the Department of Transportation, filling a vacancy left by Victoria Marie Baecher Wassmer. His nomination was initially sent to the Senate on January 3, 2026 but was returned under Senate Rule XXXI the same day. It was re-nominated and placed on the Senate Executive Calendar on January 13, 2026.

Karen Jean Hedlund was originally sworn in as a Surface Transportation Board member on January 3, 2022, and her term expired December 31, 2025. She is renominated for a new STB term expiring December 31, 2030.

Brien Lorenze of Virginia is nominated as a CPSC Commissioner for a seven-year term from October 27, 2024. He currently serves as the CPSC's Executive Director. President Trump nominated him on June 1, 2026, and CPSC Acting Chairman Peter Feldman issued a statement welcoming his nomination on June 2, 2026.

Karen Sessions of Texas is nominated for a CPSC Commissioner position for a seven-year term from October 27, 2025. She was nominated on February 11, 2026, filling the seat vacated by Mary T. Boyle, whose term expired.

The Bottom Line

The CPSC quorum crisis was triggered by the 2025 commissioner firings and the ensuing legal battle. After the removals, the agency was left operating with only two members: Acting Chairman Peter Feldman and Douglas Dziak. Peter Feldman's term as acting chairman is set to expire in October 2026, creating additional pressure to move the nominations forward.

The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24. Ted Cruz chairs the committee, with Maria Cantwell as ranking member.

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