WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today on nominations.

Witness List:

Ms. Julie Simone Brill, to be a Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission

Ms. Edith Ramirez, to be a Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission

Mr. David L. Strickland, to be Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation

Ms. Nicole Y. Lamb-Hale, to be Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing and Services, U.S. Department of Commerce

Mr. Michael A. Khouri, to be a Commissioner of the Federal Maritime Commission

Key Quotations from Today’s Hearing:

“I applaud the nominees today for choosing to answer the call of our President and further their public service. They bring an impeccable level of expertise in their respective fields that will help us tackle some of our nation’s most difficult challenges. I look forward to seeing these talented public servants where they belong—on the job for the American people.”

Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV

“The FTC has been cracking down on those who hunt for easy prey. We can build on this work, and focus on the dramatic rise in scams designed to take advantage of consumers’ economic insecurity. At the same time, we must continue our efforts to educate consumers so they can better protect themselves by making responsible choices.”

Ms. Julie Simone Brill, to be a Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission

“Now, in these difficult economic times, the need to be vigilant and aggressive in protecting American consumers is especially pressing. The Commission’s duty to combat deceptive and unfair business practices and to foster competition has never been greater, particularly in the areas that have the greatest impact on the daily lives of ordinary Americans such as financial services, healthcare, energy, and technology.”

Ms. Edith Ramirez, to be a Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission

“The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a demanding and crucial mission. Reducing traffic-related fatalities is a task that never stops, and successes are not moments of repose. While there have been marked decreases in traffic fatalities from last year, this country still lost approximately 37,000 lives due to traffic accidents. That’s 37,000 funerals, 37,000 lost loved ones.”

Mr. David L. Strickland, to be Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation

“I broadly view the role of Manufacturing and Services as three-fold: to convene, to collaborate and to connect. If confirmed, under my leadership, Manufacturing and Services will convene experts both inside and outside of the federal government to develop solutions to the issues faced by U.S. industry. Manufacturing and Services will also collaborate with Congress, with agencies across the federal government and with state and local governments to develop solutions to sustain and increase the global competitiveness of U.S. industry. Further, Manufacturing and Services will work to connect industry to the resources and tools available in the federal government to forge a path to sustainable, highly-skilled jobs for the 21st century economy.”

Ms. Nicole Y. Lamb-Hale, to be Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing and Services, U.S. Department of Commerce

“I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to appear before you today, and especially at this time with so many other important matters that require your attention. I am honored to have been nominated by President Obama to become a member of the Federal Maritime Commission and I thank the President for his confidence and this opportunity to serve.”

Mr. Michael A. Khouri, to be a Commissioner of the Federal Maritime Commission

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