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

 

Mr. Christopher P. Bertram, to be Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs and Chief Financial Officer at the United States Department of Transportation

 

Ms. Susan L. Kurland, to be Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs, United States Department of Transportation

 

Mr. Daniel R. Elliott, III, to be a Member of The Surface Transportation Board

 

Mr. Christopher A. Hart, to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board

 

Ms. Patricia D. Cahill, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

 

 

 

“It is always very gratifying when individuals choose to answer the call of our President to further his or her public service. I am proud of the progress we have made in recent months, and I want to thank my colleagues for working swiftly to get these talented public servants where they belong—on the job for the American people.”

“The Department of Transportation’s annual budget exceeds $70 billion. This funding supports programs designed to improve transportation safety, modernize the country’s infrastructure, and improve the operation of transportation systems. As Assistant Secretary and CFO, one of my top priorities would be to ensure that this funding is managed as effectively as possible so the taxpayers can be assured that their government is investing their transportation dollars wisely.”

“As the Committee knows well, there are many challenges and opportunities facing us in both the domestic and international aviation arenas, as well as in the areas of international transportation policy involving all modes of transportation. The safety of all facets of our national aviation system continues to be the Department’s number one aviation priority. Also key is the modernization of the air traffic control system through  delivery of NextGen initiatives in order to reduce congestion and increase the efficiency of our aviation system.”

“The President, through his historic proposed investment in high-speed rail, has acknowledged the economic and environmental benefits of rail transportation to our nation. Rail is “green” technology that takes vehicles off our congested highway system and reduces our dependence on imported oil. Moving goods efficiently and cheaply by rail should be an option for as many shippers as possible.”

“Although the NTSB’s perspective is obviously different than that of regulatory agencies, by Congress’ design, the ultimate goals are the same – improving transportation safety. In creating this type of relationship between the NTSB and the regulatory agencies, Congress developed a structure for improving safety that has been admired both by other industries in the United States and by governments all over the world.”

“Public radio and television can provide information and education that can help people change their lives and the lives of people around them. Our product is the content we provide: over the air, over cable, on the web, on the phone, on multiple platforms. The purpose of commercial broadcasting is to connect advertisers with their audiences. The purpose of public broadcasting is to connect people with one other and to the wider world. Public broadcasting expands the horizons of Americans, demonstrating how we are different and how we are the same.”

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