WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement on the bipartisan nominations packages that passed this week by unanimous consent, filling key administration positions appointed by President Donald Trump. Nine of the confirmed nominees fall under the jurisdiction of the Commerce Committee.

“Confirming these nominees supports the administration’s initiatives to address critical transportation safety issues and advance technological and scientific discovery,” said Wicker. “I congratulate each of the confirmed nominees and look forward to working with them as they begin their new roles.”

This week the Senate confirmed the following individuals:

National Transportation Safety Board

• The Honorable Robert Sumwalt, of South Carolina, to be Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board
• The Honorable Jennifer Homendy, of Virginia, to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board

Office of Science and Technology Policy

• Mr. Michael Kratsios, of South Carolina, to be an Associate Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy

Coast Guard

• Rear Admiral Todd Wiemers to serve as Director of the Coast Guard Reserve
• Rear Admiral Melvin Bouboulis to serve as Rear Admiral, Upper Half
• Rear Admiral Donna Cottrell to serve as Rear Admiral, Upper Half
• Rear Admiral Michael Johnston to serve as Rear Admiral, Upper Half
• Rear Admiral Eric Jones to serve as Rear Admiral, Upper Half
• Rear Admiral Michael Ryan to serve as Rear Admiral, Upper Half