Testimony

• The Honorable Nicole Nason

  Administrator

  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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  Testimony

  The Honorable Nicole Nason

  Chairman McCain, Senator Hollings and members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today to consider my nomination to be Assistant Secretary for Governmental Affairs of the Department of Transportation. It is an honor to be here and a privilege to have been selected by President Bush and Secretary Mineta for this position. Mr. Chairman, if confirmed, I look forward to working with this Committee on the many critical pieces of legislation moving through the Congress this session and next. I also would like to express my appreciation for the support I have received from both of my former Chairmen, Congressman Henry Hyde and Congressman Porter Goss. Although they are both on travel today, they have been the most reliable and trust-worthy advisors any person could have asked for and I am in their debt. I still approach them both regularly when I need advice and guidance and their doors are always open. This is a significant year for the entire Department, as so many of the modes are facing congressional reauthorization. If confirmed, I intend to work closely with all of the modal administrators to help coordinate their dealings with Congress on the critical issues they are facing. They have been selected for their positions because of their expertise in the field, and I intend to listen closely to their concerns so that the Department can speak with one voice to Congress. Mr. Chairman, I believe it is the primary responsibility of the government affairs office to ensure that lines of communication between the Department and the Congress are always open. If confirmed, it is my goal to be in constant consultation with Congress and other transportation stakeholders to ensure that laws and regulations are implemented effectively. I believe it is crucial that the Department complies with both the letter and the spirit of the laws passed, and that all sides fully understand both congressional history and intent with respect to any law. The opportunity to serve as Assistant Secretary to President Bush and Secretary Mineta is a great honor. If confirmed, I know this will be a very interesting and challenging role, and I look forward to working with you, Mr. Chairman, and members of the Committee to help make transportation in America the safest and most efficient possible. Again, thank you for the opportunity to appear, and I look forward to answering your questions.

• The Honorable Pamela Jones Harbour

  Commissioner

  Federal Trade Commission