Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation approved the following presidential nominations sending them to the Senate floor:

Approved:

• J. Todd Inman to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board 
• Coast Guard Promotions (PN 948), (PN1108), (PN1111)

Chair Senator Cantwell’s opening statement: VIDEO

This is an Executive Session today to consider the nomination of J. Todd Inman to be the National Transportation Safety Board member and critical promotions to the United States Coast Guard.  

The NTSB is our transportation safety watchdog, ensuring that both the transportation industry and the U.S. Department of Transportation are putting safety first.

NTSB investigates civil transportation accidents, provides recommendations to improve safety regulations and assists victims and survivors of transportation disasters.

The NTSB has approximately 400 employees in Washington, D.C., and in regional field offices. And has the same number of employees since 1997 and recent budget increases have only covered mandated salary increases for the existing workforce.

Additional resources are needed to prepare for current and future transportation safety challenges.

Previously, Mr. Inman served at the DOT as the Director of Operations, then as Deputy Chief of Staff, and finally spent over two years as the Chief of Staff for Secretary Chao.

Additionally, Mr. Inman has experience as an arson investigator for an insurance company. His unique background provides him with knowledge of both the investigations process and experience.