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

Witness List:

Ms. Ann D. Begeman, to be a Member of the Surface Transportation Board 

Mr. Philip E. Coyle III, to be Associate Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, Executive Office of the President 

Dr. Frances M.D. Gulland, to be a Member of the Marine Mammal Commission 

Dr. Kathryn D. Sullivan, to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce (Observation and Prediction) at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

Key Quotations from Today’s Hearing: 

“I applaud the nominees today for choosing to answer the call of the 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

“If confirmed to serve as a member of the Surface Transportation Board, I will approach that position fundamentally in the same way I have conducted myself as a Senate staffer: I will work hard to understand the issues; I will listen without bias to all stakeholders; I will strive to be fair; I will never forget that I am accountable to the taxpayers; and I will always follow the guidance of the law and make my decisions accordingly.”

Ms. Ann D. Begeman, to be a Member of the Surface Transportation Board

“As Associate Director for National Security and International Affairs, my focus within the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) is on assuring that America’s investments in science and technology help to safeguard U.S. national security, protect our troops, and ensure the safety of American citizens here at home and around the world. That means bringing the very best science and technology to bear on issues of cyber security, homeland security, bio-security, and other topics. The people who work at OSTP and I take pride every day in our service to this country.”

Mr. Philip E. Coyle III, to be Associate Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, Executive Office of the President 

“I would be honored to serve as a Commissioner to further the goals and policies of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and work with the Administration and Congress, as well as scientists, industries, conservationists, students, and the public, to ensure that marine mammals are conserved for future generations. One of the greatest challenges for the Marine Mammal Commission is working with the appropriate agencies to coordinate and integrate scientific and management activities to conserve marine mammals while allowing sustainable use of marine resources. I believe that I have the experience, knowledge, and commitment to serve the Marine Mammal Commission well in these challenging times.”

Dr. Frances M.D. Gulland, to be a Member of the Marine Mammal Commission 

“During the past fifteen years, while my primary work has centered on science education, I have been able to stay abreast of developments in the earth sciences – and here I use that term broadly, to include oceanography and the atmospheric sciences. The Assistant Secretary for Environmental Observation and Prediction is the person responsible for making sure that the American people get the best result from NOAA’s investments in the satellites and other observations systems that allow us to forecast weather and climate conditions, as well as to predict other changes in our oceans and atmosphere. This is a responsibility that I take quite seriously and, if confirmed, I look forward to working closely with the Congress to execute this important function.”

Dr. Kathryn D. Sullivan, to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce (Observation and Prediction) at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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