WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee nominations hearing, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) called on the nominees to restore American maritime dominance.

Sen. Cruz commended Dr. Timothy Petty, nominee for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, for his policy experience, which will serve him well in overseeing the nation’s fisheries and ocean resources. Sen. Cruz also emphasized the work of two nominees for the Federal Maritime Commission, Ms. Laura DiBella and Mr. Robert Harvey, in promoting economic development. He noted that the nominee to lead the Maritime Administration, Mr. Stephen Carmel, will play a key role in advancing U.S. maritime security, shipbuilding, and infrastructure.

Here are Sen. Cruz’s remarks as prepared for delivery:

“Today, we’ll hear from four nominees:

“Stephen Carmel , nominee for Administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration; Laura DiBella and Robert Harvey, nominees for commissioners of the Federal Maritime Commission; and Timothy Petty, nominee for Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Deputy Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

“Congratulations to each of you.

“Let’s begin with Mr. Petty, who would serve as Deputy Administrator of NOAA.  A geoscientist and engineer, Mr. Petty has spent more than two decades on Capitol Hill, where he is currently a senior professional staff member for the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.  During the first Trump administration, Mr. Petty served as Assistant Secretary for Water and Science in the Department of Interior.  

“As second-in-command at NOAA, he will draw on his policy expertise to manage U.S. fisheries programs and protect coastal and ocean resources.

“Next are two Republican nominees for the Federal Maritime Commission: Laura DiBella and Robert Harvey.  Ms. DiBella previously served as Port Director of the Port of Fernandina, Executive Director of the Florida Harbor Pilots Association, and head of Florida’s state-level economic development organization.

“Mr. Harvey is an attorney with thirty-plus years navigating complex regulatory schemes and promoting economic development.  A former U.S. Navy JAG officer, he currently leads two public economic development corporations in Florida. 

“Finally, Stephen Carmel will draw on decades of experience to advise the Secretary of Transportation on federal maritime policy as Administrator of the Maritime Administration.  A graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Mr. Carmel served on U.S. vessels as a deck officer and ship master before joining Maersk Line Limited, the largest operator of U.S. flag ships.  He is well versed in maritime operations and security, having sat on the Board of Advisors for the Merchant Marine Academy and the Chief of Naval Operations Executive Panel.  

“Mr. Carmel will support Secretary Duffy’s efforts to fortify U.S. maritime security, shipbuilding, and infrastructure.

“Like our nominee, I am concerned that China’s maritime industrial base dwarfs our own.  That’s why I look forward to the administration’s forthcoming Maritime Action Plan, which will address this geopolitical challenge.  At the same time, I continue to believe we need a maritime strategy focused on attracting capital and removing regulatory barriers, not picking winners and losers.  American shipyards can compete globally without heavy-handed protectionism, but only if they lean into nascent industries like seabed mining and nuclear-powered shipping, not those where we’re at a distinct comparative disadvantage.

“Thank you to our nominees for joining us today.  I’m eager to hear how each of you will approach federal maritime policy.”

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