[Senate Hearing 119-426]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
S. Hrg. 119-426
NOMINATION TO THE NATIONAL
TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD, THE OFFICE
OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY,
AND THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
=======================================================================
HEARING
before the
COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE,
SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
UNITED STATES SENATE
ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
__________
SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
__________
Printed for the use of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Available online: http://www.govinfo.gov
______
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
63-889 PDF WASHINGTON : 2026
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
TED CRUZ, Texas, Chairman
JOHN THUNE, South Dakota MARIA CANTWELL, Washington,
ROGER WICKER, Mississippi Ranking
DEB FISCHER, Nebraska AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota
JERRY MORAN, Kansas BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii
DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska EDWARD MARKEY, Massachusetts
MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee GARY PETERS, Michigan
TODD YOUNG, Indiana TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin
TED BUDD, North Carolina TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois
ERIC SCHMITT, Missouri JACKY ROSEN, Nevada
JOHN CURTIS, Utah BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico
BERNIE MORENO, Ohio JOHN HICKENLOOPER, Colorado
TIM SHEEHY, Montana JOHN FETTERMAN, Pennsylvania
SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West Virginia ANDY KIM, New Jersey
CYNTHIA LUMMIS, Wyoming LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER, Delaware
Brad Grantz, Republican Staff Director
Nicole Christus, Republican Deputy Staff Director
Lila Harper Helms, Staff Director
Melissa Porter, Deputy Staff Director
C O N T E N T S
----------
Page
Hearing held on September 17, 2025............................... 1
Statement of Senator Cruz........................................ 1
Statement of Senator Cantwell.................................... 2
Statement of Senator Moreno...................................... 57
Letter dated September 17, 2025 to Senator Ted Cruz and
Senator Maria Cantwell from James A. Viola, President and
CEO, General Aviation Manufacturers Association............ 60
Letter dated September 25, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon.
Maria Cantwell from The Board of Governors, Air Charter
Safety Foundation.......................................... 61
Letter dated September 9, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon.
Maria Cantwell from Laura Chace, President and CEO,
Intelligent Transportation Society of America.............. 61
Letter dated September 16, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon
Maria Cantwell from Gary Shapiro, CEO and Vice Chair,
Consumer Technology Association and Kinsey Fabrizio,
President, Consumer Technology Association................. 62
Letter dated September 16, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon
Maria Cantwell from Scott Corley, Executive Director, The
Task Force on American Innovation.......................... 62
Letter dated April 29, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon. Maria
Cantwell from Michael Robbins, President and CEO,
Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International
(AUVSI).................................................... 63
Letter dated September 8, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon.
Maria Cantwell from Cade Clark, Chief Government Affairs
Officer, Vertical Aviation International................... 64
Letter dated September 15, 2025 to Senator Ted Cruz and
Senator Maria Cantwell from Ed Bolen, President and CEO,
National Business Aviation Association..................... 65
Letter dated September 17, 2025 to Hon. Ted Cruz and Hon.
Maria Cantwell from Ross Nodurft, Executive Director,
Alliance for Digital Innovation............................ 66
Statement of Senator Sullivan.................................... 51
Statement of Senator Young....................................... 54
Statement of Senator Peters...................................... 55
Witnesses
Michael Graham, Nominee to be a Member, National Transportation
Safety Board................................................... 3
Prepared statement........................................... 5
Biographical information..................................... 5
Dr. Ethan A. Klein, Nominee for Associate Director, Office of
Science and Technology Policy.................................. 18
Prepared statement........................................... 19
Biographical information..................................... 21
Joyce Meyer, Nominee for Under Secretary of Commerce for Economic
Affairs, U.S. Department of Commerce........................... 30
Prepared statement........................................... 31
Biographical information..................................... 32
Appendix
Response to written questions submitted to Michael Graham by:
Hon. Ted Cruz................................................ 67
Hon. Dan Sullivan............................................ 68
Hon. Maria Cantwell.......................................... 68
Hon. Amy Klobuchar........................................... 72
Hon. Jacky Rosen............................................. 72
Hon. Ben Ray Lujan........................................... 73
Hon. John Hickenlooper....................................... 74
Hon. John Fetterman.......................................... 74
Response to written questions submitted to Dr. Ethan A. Klein by:
Hon. Maria Cantwell.......................................... 75
Hon. Amy Klobuchar........................................... 78
Hon. Ben Ray Lujan........................................... 78
Hon. John Hickenlooper....................................... 79
Hon. John Fetterman.......................................... 80
Response to written questions submitted to Joyce Meyer by:
Hon. Eric Schmitt............................................ 80
Hon. Maria Cantwell.......................................... 81
Hon. Gary Peters............................................. 82
Hon. Jacky Rosen............................................. 83
Hon. Ben Ray Lujan........................................... 84
Hon. John Hickenlooper....................................... 84
Hon. Amy Klobuchar........................................... 85
NOMINATION TO THE NATIONAL
TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD,
THE OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY POLICY, AND THE
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
----------
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
U.S. Senate,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:15 a.m., in
room SR-253, Russell Senate Office Building, Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman of the Committee, presiding.
Present: Senators Cruz [presiding], Thune, Wicker, Fischer,
Moran, Sullivan, Blackburn, Young, Budd, Moreno, Sheehy,
Cantwell, Peters, and Rosen.
OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. TED CRUZ,
U.S. SENATOR FROM TEXAS
The Chairman. We are going to start this morning's
nomination hearing. And when we have a quorum present, we will
recess the hearing and move to voting out the nominees, but we
will go ahead and start the hearing while we are waiting for
other members to pull out of other committees that are meeting
simultaneously.
And as soon as we get a quorum, we will suspend. We now
turn to this morning nomination hearing. With us are Michael
Graham, nominee for Member of the National Transportation
Safety Board; Ethan Klein, nominee for Associate Director of
the Office of Science Technology Policy and U.S. Chief
Technology Officer; and Joyce Meyer, nominee for Under
Secretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs.
Mr. Graham is a safety professional and aviator who began
his career in the Navy flying combat missions in Operation
Desert Storm. After nearly a decade of military service, he
worked at Boeing, McDonnell Douglas, and then at Textron
Aviation, the manufacturer of the Cessna aircraft.
Mr. Graham oversaw the safety, security, and
standardization of all flight operations at Textron. Since
January 2020, he has served as a Board Member on the NTSB,
actively participating in onsite investigations, analyzing and
approving reports, and spearheading initiatives to improve
safety across the transportation sector. Our next nominee,
Ethan Klein, will serve as U.S. Chief Technology Officer within
OSTP.
In this role, Mr. Klein will help oversee tech policy for
the administration and promote development in emerging fields
like artificial intelligence. We know Beijing is marshaling its
state resources to become the global leader in AI by 2030.
America must not fall behind.
I was very encouraged by the administration's AI Action
Plan, which OSTP helped to author, and I am confident that Mr.
Klein will be a key player in this new era of geopolitical
competition. An MIT-educated nuclear scientist, Mr. Klein
served in OSTP during the first Trump administration as a
policy advisor to now Director Michael Kratsios. He helped
draft Executive Orders on artificial intelligence, drones, and
biotechnology.
And now, beyond advancing frontier research and
development, he will drive the transfer of technology from lab
to market not through the heavy hand of the state, as China is
doing, but in the American way, through free enterprise.
Finally, we have Joyce Meyer, whose decades of fiscal and
administrative experience prepare her to oversee the census as
Under Secretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs.
On Capitol Hill, she served as a longtime aide to former
Speaker of the House and noted fiscal wonk, Paul Ryan. In the
first Trump administration, she served as the Deputy Assistant
to the President for Legislative Affairs.
And now, she is a Senior Advisor at the Commerce
Department, currently detailed to the White House. Ms. Meyer,
who holds an MBA from Georgetown, will be a steady economic
hand amid potential changes in markets.
I look forward to hearing from her and all of our nominees
today. I will now turn to Ranking Member Cantwell.
STATEMENT OF HON. MARIA CANTWELL,
U.S. SENATOR FROM WASHINGTON
Senator Cantwell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Graham, Dr.
Klein, Ms. Myers, thank you for being here. Congratulations on
your nominations, or renominations in one case. And thank you
your willingness to serve.
Mr. Graham, you have been renominated to a 5-year term of
the NTSB, which plays a vital role in investigating group
causes of some of the most devastating transportation accidents
in our country and identifying key areas of improvement.
This includes disasters like the East Palestine derailment,
which Mr. Graham deployed as the lead investigator. The NTSB
has made 34 recommendations in response to that derailment.
Over a year has passed since that report came out, and yet most
of the recommendations still remain open.
So I hope this is a moment where we can talk about some of
those, and the Committee can work together to address those
recommendations in a reauthorization bill. The NTSB is
critically important in investigating the tragic midair
collision in DCA airspace that killed 67 people in January, but
this wasn't an isolated incident.
The NTSB found over 15,000 near miss incidents between
commercial aircraft and helicopters in the three years leading
up to the crash, and controllers warned that the FAA helicopter
routes were dangerous, but that information was dismissed by
the agency--the FAA.
Meanwhile, the Army has been operating 100 percent of its
missions with ADS-B Out not transmitting. These weren't unknown
risks. They were ignored warnings that cost lives. So Mr.
Graham, as someone who participated in that NTSB investigation
of the tragedy, I look forward to asking your assessment about
the fundamental changes we need at the FAA to prevent future
tragedies.
I also want to point out that you were renominated one
month after President Trump illegally fired Vice Chair Alvin
Brown, one in a series of illegal firings across multiple
independent boards and commissions, including most recently
Democratic Member of the Surface Transportation Act.
You were nominated--Mr. Klein, you were nominated to be
Associate Director of the White House Office of Science and
Technology and the next U.S. Chief Technology Officer. If
confirmed, you would play a key role in executing the Nation's
science and technology agenda, including collecting--our
collective efforts to ensure that the United States maintains
its leadership in AI.
No doubt AI will change our world, but there are lots of
areas in which the Federal Government should play a role,
education, training in AI, and promoting American leadership,
while also protecting consumers and children from harm.
To be clear, I do support a Federal preemption bill, but
only when it is paired with the appropriate Federal framework,
which includes solid guardrails to ensure that America is the
leader in setting AI standards and rules of the road. I look
forward to hearing from you on those priorities and other OSTP
priorities.
Finally, Ms. Meyer, if confirmed, you will be the Under
Secretary for Economic Affairs at the Department of Commerce,
and you will be responsible for overseeing the Bureau of
Economic Analysis. Some of the most important economic data and
statistics that our Government produces, including GDP
estimates and international trade deficits.
American businesses across every industry, from housing to
retail, to technology, to manufacturing depend on those
accurate statistical information from the Federal Government
that is free from political influence. Without it, businesses
find themselves flying blind and unable to invest with
confidence.
So everybody, I believe, should agree on economic
statistical agency's ability to produce that data free from
political influence. So, I hope you will agree with that, and
plan to ask you questions about that and your general plans for
the integrity of economic data and what we need to do to
continue to move forward collectively on America's commerce
agenda.
So, thank you, Mr. Chairman. I look forward to hearing from
our nominees.
The Chairman. Thank you. And we will now take the opening
statements from the witnesses. We will start with Mr. Graham.
STATEMENT OF MICHAEL GRAHAM, NOMINEE TO BE A MEMBER, NATIONAL
TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD
Mr. Graham. Thank you. Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member
Cantwell, and members of the Committee, thank you for the
opportunity to appear before you as I seek confirmation for
another term as a Board Member of the National Transportation
Safety Board, NTSB.
I am deeply honored by President Trump's nomination, and I
am grateful for the support and partnership this committee has
provided both to me and to the NTSB throughout my service. I
would like to begin by recognizing the people whose love and
support have made it possible for me to be here today. My wife
of more than 36 years, Lori, is here with me.
Watching online are our sons, Matthew and Zachary, along
with their spouses, Karinne and Crystal, and our grandson,
Everett. I am also joined by my incredible staff, Anne Kerins
and Brian Arata. I am truly blessed with the best family and
support system anyone could hope for.
Having served my country as a naval aviator for nearly a
decade, and more recently as a Member of the Board for the past
five and a half years, I know there is no greater privilege
than public service. At the NTSB, that privilege also carries a
profound responsibility of protecting the traveling public
across every mode of transportation.
Although I spent more than three decades in aviation before
joining the Board, I have found that many of the same safety
principles that guided me as an aviator apply across every mode
of transportation.
During my time at the NTSB, I have developed a simple
mantra, respect the unexpected. I believe this should be a
guiding principle for any organization, but especially for
those entrusted with transportation safety. We cannot predict
every outcome in transportation. Flight crews do not expect a
door plug to separate mid-flight.
Rail workers do not expect a train to approach at high
speed while they are working on the track. Communities do not
expect hazardous materials from a train derailment to be
released into the air. And tragically, no one expects a
helicopter to be at the same altitude as a commercial jet on
final approach into one of the busiest airports in the country.
Respecting the unexpected means putting systems in place that
anticipate a wide range of scenarios and prevent tragedies
before they occur.
When done right, these systems empower people at every
level of an organization to speak up, report hazards without
fear of retaliation, and even stop operations until risks are
addressed. Our goal is always zero accidents and zero
fatalities, but the reality is that safety depends on
recognizing risk and managing it responsibly.
If confirmed, I will continue to be guided by that
principle as I work with industry, Government, and communities
to evaluate new technologies, advance best practices, and
strengthen our Nation's safety record across every mode of
transportation. I am proud of the NTSB's work and reputation,
and if confirmed, I look forward to helping build upon both.
Thank you again Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and
members of the Committee for this opportunity to appear before
you. I welcome your questions and hope to earn your continued
trust and support in serving the American people at the NTSB.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr.
Graham follow:]
Prepared Statement of Hon. Michael E. Graham, Board Member,
National Transportation Safety Board
Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and Members of the
Committee:
Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you as I seek
confirmation for another term as a Board Member of the National
Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). I am deeply honored by President
Trump's nomination, and I am grateful for the support and partnership
this Committee has provided both to me and to the NTSB throughout my
service.
I would like to begin by recognizing the people whose love and
support have made it possible for me to be here today. My wife of more
than 36 years, Lori, is here with me. Watching online are our sons,
Matthew, and Zachary, along with their spouses, Karinne and Crystal,
and our grandson, Everett. I am also joined by my incredible staff,
Anne Kerins and Brian Arata. I am truly blessed with the best family
and support system anyone could hope for.
Having served my country as a Naval aviator for nearly a decade
and, more recently, as a Member of the Board for the past five years, I
know there is no greater privilege than public service. At the NTSB,
that privilege also carries the profound responsibility of protecting
the traveling public across every mode of transportation.
I appear today on my own behalf as a nominee, and not as a
spokesperson for the full Board. The NTSB's time-tested, data-driven
processes have earned global respect, and for that reason I may be
limited in what I can say regarding active investigations.
Although I spent more than three decades in aviation before joining
the Board, I have found that many of the same safety principles that
guided me as an aviator apply across every mode of transportation.
During my time at the NTSB, I have developed a simple mantra: respect
the unexpected. I believe this should be a guiding principle for any
organization, but especially for those entrusted with transportation
safety.
We cannot predict every outcome in transportation. Flight crews do
not expect a door plug to separate mid-flight. Rail workers do not
expect a train to approach at high speed while they are working on the
track. Communities do not expect hazardous materials from a train
derailment to be released into the air. And, tragically, no one expects
a helicopter to be at the same altitude as a commercial jet on final
approach into one of the busiest airports in the country.
Respecting the unexpected means putting systems in place that
anticipate a wide range of scenarios and prevent tragedies before they
occur. When done right, these systems empower people at every level of
an organization to speak up, report hazards without fear of
retaliation, and even stop operations until risks are addressed.
Our goal is always zero accidents and zero fatalities. But the
reality is that safety depends on recognizing risk and managing it
responsibly. If confirmed, I will continue to be guided by that
principle as I work with industry, government, and communities to
evaluate new technologies, advance best practices, and strengthen our
Nation's safety record across every mode of transportation.
I am proud of the NTSB's work and reputation, and, if confirmed, I
look forward to helping build upon both.
Thank you again, Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and
Members of the Committee, for the opportunity to appear before you. I
welcome your questions and hope to earn your continued trust and
support in serving the American people at the NTSB.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Michael
``Mike'' Edward Graham.
2. Position to which nominated: Board Member, National
Transportation Safety Board.
3. Date of Nomination: June 16, 2025.
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: 490 L'Enfant Plaza, SW, Washington, D.C. 20594.
5. Date and Place of Birth: August 21, 1963: Albuquerque, NM.
6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
spouse (if married) or domestic partner, and the names and ages of your
children (including stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
Spouse: Lori Priddy Graham; Membership Director, National
Federation of Republican Women.
Son: Matthew Thomas Graham (34 years old), Son: Zachary John
Graham (32 years old).
7. List all college and graduate schools attended, whether or not
you were granted a degree by the institution. Provide the name of the
institution, the dates attended, the degree received, and the date of
the degree.
University of New Mexico, 8/1981-5/1986, BSME, May 18, 1986.
8. List all post-undergraduate employment, including the job title,
name of employer, and inclusive dates of employment, and highlight all
management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
the position for which you are nominated.
(a) Naval Aviator/Fleet Pilot--F/A-18, A-7E/Flight Instructor
F/A-18--U.S. Navy; NAS Lemoore, CA, NAS Beeville, TX, NAS
Whiting Field, FL, & NAS Pensacola, FL; 1986-1995; Division
Leader, Training Officer, Avionics/Armament Division Officer,
Naval Air Training and Operation Procedures Standardization
(NATOPS) Evaluator, Navy Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA)
Officer, Assistant Safety Officer, Scheduling Officer, Drug and
Alcohol Program Manager, Communication Security (COMSEC)
Officer.
(b) F/A-18 Aircrew Instructor/Subject Matter Expert--Boeing/
McDonnell Douglas; St. Louis, MO; 1995-1997; Integration
Engineer and Operational Analyst.
(c) Director, Flight Operations Safety, Security &
Standardization--Textron Aviation, Inc. (Cessna/Hawker/
Beechcraft); Wichita, KS; 1997-2019; Demonstration/
Transportation/Production Flight Test & Delivery Pilot,
Oversees Managers of Air Safety Investigation, Airport
Operation and Control Tower, Training Supervisor.
(d) Board Member, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB):
Washington, D.C.: 2020-2025.
9. Attach a copy of your resume.
See Attachment 1.
10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
than those listed above after 18 years of age. None.
11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
educational, or other institution.
(a) Air Charter Safety Foundation: Chairman July 2018-2019,
Vice Chairman July 2017-July 2018, Board of Governors 2013-
2019.
(b) National Business Aviation Association Safety Committee,
Single Pilot Safety Working Group Lead, 2015-2019.
(c) General Aviation--Information Analysis Team, 2017-2019.
12. List all memberships you have had after 18 years of age or
currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, educational,
political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or religiously
affiliated organization, private club, or other membership organization
(You do not have to list your religious affiliation or membership in a
religious house of worship or institution). Include dates of membership
and any positions you have held with any organization. Please note
whether any such club or organization restricts membership on the basis
of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.
(a) Air Charter Safety Foundation, 2012-2019, Chairman, Vice
Chairman, Member
(b) National Business Aviation Association Safety Committee,
2012-2019, Single Pilot Safety Working Group Chairman, Member
(c) General Aviation--Information Analysis Team, 2017-2019,
Member
(d) Faith Church Kingstowne, 2021 to present, Member
(e) Westwood Presbyterian Church, 2015-2019, Member
(f) Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 2001-2015, Member
(g) Ninnescah Sailing Association, 2004-2009, Member and Junior
Sailing Chair
(h) Republican Precinct Committeeman, 2018-2019, Kansas
Precinct 514
(i) American Legion Post 4 Wichita, KS, 2017 to present, Member
(j) Sons of the American Revolution, DC Society, 2022 to
present, Member
13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are
personally liable for that debt.
National Transportation Safety Board Member--No debt
Republican Precinct Committeeman--No debt.
14. List all memberships and offices held with and services
rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or
election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities.
National Transportation Safety Board Member, 2020 to present
Republican Precinct Committeeman, 2018-March 2019, Precinct 514
Wichita, Sedgwick County, KS
15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $200 or more for the past ten years.
No donations over $200.
16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
(a) U.S. Navy (1986-1995)
a. Navy Achievement Medal for OSHA Safety Program
b. Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation
c. Southwest Asia Service Medal w/Bronze Star
d. National Defense Service Medal
e. Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
f. Battle ``E'' Award
g. Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2nd Award)
h. Top Eleven Award (Air Wing 11) for best landing grades on USS
Abraham Lincoln (2 Awards), 1991
(b) McDonnell Douglas
a. Quality Achievement Award, McDonnell Douglas, 1997
(c) Cessna Aircraft Company Leading Edge Award (3 Awards), Cessna
Aircraft Company, 2001, 2005, 2006.
(d) Boy Scouts of America, District Award of Merit, White Buffalo
District, 2008
(e) Flight Safety Foundation, Business Aviation Meritorious Service
Award, 2019
(f) 5GAA Automotive Association, Special Recognition for Outstanding
Contribution to C-V2X Deployment, 2025.
17. List all books, articles, columns, letters to the editor,
Internet blog postings, or other publications you have authored,
individually or with others. Include a link to each publication when
possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
publication when available.
Blogs and Podcasts by NTSB Board Member Michael Graham
Collision-Avoidance Technologies Can Improve Safety for Teen
Drivers
NTSB Video Series Highlights Safety Benefits of Connected-
Vehicle Technology, Raises Concern about Future of V2X
Paying Passengers Deserve Safety on All Flights
Improve Pipeline Leak Detection and Mitigation
It's Time to Require Collision-Avoidance and Connected-
Vehicle Technologies on all Vehicles
Episode 35: School Transportation Safety
Episode 31: Member Michael Graham
Incentivizing Implementation of Collision Avoidance
Technology through NCAP
Michael Graham | NTSB Safety Compass Blog
18. List all speeches, panel discussions, and presentations (e.g.,
PowerPoint) that you have given on topics relevant to the position for
which you have been nominated. Include a link to each publication when
possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
speech or presentation when available.
As an NTSB Board Member, I have performed many speeches and
presentations as part of my duties since January 2020. Below is a link
to the NTSB website and my speeches and presentations:
Michael Graham
Presentations prior to becoming an NTSB Board Member:
2019 Air Charter Safety Symposium, March 12, 2019, NTSB
Training Center, Ashburn, VA, ``ACSF Year-in-Review &
Challenges Ahead''.
National Business Aviation Association--Business Aviation
Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) Single Pilot Safety
Standdown, October 15, 2018, Orlando, FL, ``Moving from Safety
Awareness to Safety Performance: Balancing Business and Flying
Priorities'', Panel Moderator and Presenter.
FAA InfoShare, September 20, 2018, New Orleans, LA, ``Aviation
Safety Action Program (ASAP) Reported Wake Turbulence Event.''
2018 Air Charter Safety Symposium, March 13, 2018, NTSB
Training Center, Ashburn, VA, ``Aviation Safety Action Program
(ASAP) Panel Discussion''.
FAA InfoShare, March 22, 2013, Baltimore, MD, ``Flying in/out
of an Uncontrolled Airport''.
Twin Cessna Flyers Fly-In Convention, Tucson, AZ, May 18, 2017,
``Single Pilot Accident Data and Safety Issues''.
FAA InfoShare, April 20, 2017, Pittsburg, PA, ``Aviation Safety
Action Program (ASAP) at an Original Equipment Manufacturer
(OEM)''.
2017 Air Charter Safety Symposium, March 7, 2017, NTSB Training
Center, Ashburn, VA, ``Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) at
an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)''
19. List all public statements you have made during the past ten
years, including statements in news articles and radio and podcasts and
television appearances, which are on topics relevant to the position
for which you have been nominated, including dates. Include a link to
each statement when possible. If a link is not available, provide a
digital copy of the statement when available.
As an NTSB Board Member, I actively participate in formal Board
meetings where final accident investigation reports are discussed and
adopted, or where critical evidence is reviewed in support of ongoing
investigations. I also frequently take part in safety advocacy events--
many of which are hosted or sponsored by the NTSB--often serving as the
lead representative or event host.
In addition, I have recorded multiple public service announcements
to promote the NTSB's key safety priorities. When deploying with the
NTSB ``Go Team'' to the scene of a major transportation accident, a
vital part of my role is to serve as the agency's spokesperson,
conducting media briefings during the initial stages of the
investigation.
Many of these appearances are recorded and made publicly available
on the NTSB's official YouTube channel:
NTSBgov--YouTube
Following these appearances, Board Members are often quoted in
print, radio, and television coverage--especially during the early
stages of major investigations. Due to the volume and widespread nature
of this media coverage, it is not feasible to provide a comprehensive
list of all instances in which I have been quoted or featured.
20. List all digital platforms (including social media and other
digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated
an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your
name or an alias. Include the full name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'',
including the complete URL and username with hyperlinks, you have used
on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account is active,
deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if possible.
LinkedIn: Mike Graham, Active,
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-graham-3a2918146/
Facebook: Mike Graham, Dormant,
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011424901210
X: @MikeGrahamNTSB, Active
Twitter: Mike Graham@0989295, Dormant,
https://twitter.com/gra0989295
Strava: Mike Graham, Active.
DailyMile: Mike G., Deleted,
http://www.dailymile.com/people/citationdude#ref=tophd
21. Please identify each instance in which you have testified
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date, committee, and subject
matter of each testimony.
NTSB Board Member confirmation hearing, Senate Commerce,
Science and Transportation Committee, July 24, 2019.
22. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
operational objectives of the department/agency/commission/corporation
to which you have been nominated, what in your background or employment
experience do you believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment
to the position for which you have been nominated, and why do you wish
to serve in that position?
From the start of my U.S. Navy career, when I took the Uniformed
Services Oath of Office, I have been committed to public service and
giving back to this great country. If confirmed, it would be an honor
and privilege to continue serving my country as a Board Member of the
NTSB.
The NTSB's mission is unique among Federal agencies. Its
independence, investigative integrity, and focus on safety advocacy
closely align with the roles I have held throughout my career. Like the
NTSB, I have worked across departments and leadership levels to assess
operational risks, make safety and policy recommendations, raise
awareness, and promote collaboration across organizations and
industries. Many of these roles required me to report independently--
often directly to Federal agencies, including the NTSB--to ensure
transparency and accountability.
I have been involved with nearly every aspect of aviation
throughout my career, and at each stage safety has been at the
forefront of my mission. My mandate in the Navy, at Boeing/McDonnell
Douglas, at Textron Aviation, and now at the NTSB has never changed--to
respect the unexpected, manage the risks of operations, and reduce
these risks to acceptable levels. As a current Board Member, I have
been able to directly apply these principles to all modes of
transportation that Congress has charged the NTSB with overseeing. For
example, beyond aviation, I have championed connected vehicle
technologies and worked to combat distracted driving, adding crucial
layers of safety on our roadways. If confirmed, I will continue working
with Congress on programs that advance these goals.
Since I joined the NTSB in 2020, I have focused on the
implementation of Safety Management Systems (SMS) across all modes of
transportation. Given my dual experience as an Original Equipment
Manufacturer within a large flight operation and as a military flight
operations officer in the high-risk environment of an aircraft carrier,
I have seen firsthand how an SMS is the most effective way of
mitigating risk while maximizing resources. Given my involvement with
and oversight of SMS throughout my professional career, this is just
one of the many ways I have leveraged my experience and background to
advance the NTSB's mission, and I would continue this focus if
confirmed.
I am not a lobbyist or an academic, I am an operator. My career has
been rooted in managing risk, following the rules, and completing the
mission. I lead by example and push organizations not just to meet
minimum standards but to strive for world-class safety. I have worked
within industry to drive meaningful, lasting safety improvements, and
if confirmed, I will continue doing the same at the NTSB.
23. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
ensure that the department/agency/commission/corporation has proper
management and accounting controls, and what experience do you have in
managing a large organization?
Since joining the Board in 2020, I have been beyond impressed with
the structure, order, and efficiency with which the staff of the NTSB
operate. As you have seen in the Annual Reports to Congress, the agency
stretches its resources well beyond its means to effectuate meaningful
change across all modes of transportation. If confirmed, I will
continue to abide by the legislative mandate of the NTSB and exercise
appropriate controls, in coordination with the Chairman and other Board
Members, to regularly evaluate and ensure the effectiveness and
accountability of the agency. This includes being a good steward of the
budget provided by Congress and meeting all requests and deadlines of
Congressional committees.
My management training and experience started early in my aviation
career in the U.S. Navy. Besides being a Division Leader in Attack and
Strike Fighter aircraft, I managed and led an avionics/armament
division for a deployed fleet squadron on an aircraft carrier. I also
served as Training Officer for the West Coast F/A-18 Fleet Replacement
Squadron and Assistant Safety/OSHA Officer for over six hundred
personnel.
As a military contractor at Boeing/McDonnell Douglas, I helped lead
a major avionics effort to deliver critical design changes for the new
Strike Fighter F/A-18 E/F aircraft. I led the avionics integration
effort as liaison between software engineers and the U.S. Navy Flight
Test and Weapons School Community. The result was a quality product
within price and on performance, while reducing schedule and technical
risks to the production aircraft's software development.
As Director of Flight Operations Safety, Security & Standardization
at Textron Aviation, I was responsible for the safe and secure
operations of all domestic and international flights conducted in
support of the largest general aviation (GA) manufacturer in the world.
During my time as Director, I successfully led the aviation safety,
security, and standardization efforts in merging two iconic aircraft
companies, Cessna and Beechcraft, into one company with nine separate
and unique flight departments. I also directed the Safety Management
System (SMS) for all flight operations which included several hundred
personnel. In addition, I also oversaw two operating airports, a
control tower, and one of the largest and most active aircraft accident
air safety investigator department--second only to the NTSB.
At Textron, I collaborated across the aviation industry to promote
safety and awareness among single pilot operators, the charter industry
and general aviation. As Chairman of the Single Pilot Safety Working
Group of the National Business Aviation Association's Safety Committee,
Chairman of the Air Charter Safety Foundation, and member of the
General Aviation--Information Analysis Team (GA-IAT), I worked with
other industry experts to reduce the accident rate of single pilot,
charter and GA operators, providing best practices, awareness,
training, tools and resources for these operators.
Now, as a current Board Member of the NTSB, I have worked with
hundreds of agency staff to help conduct our agency's mission. It is my
responsibility as a Board Member to listen to the staff who are the
experts in their respective fields, ask questions, and collaborate with
them to ensure the NTSB retains its gold standard of safety
investigations and analysis.
24. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency/commission/corporation, and why?
It is no secret that it has been a difficult stretch for aviation
safety in this country over the last 12-18 months. While many of these
sobering cases highlight the continued need for the NTSB to fulfill
each aspect of its Congressional mandate, there are also reasons for
optimism such as declining roadway deaths that I believe show the
opportunities that lie ahead for the agency to effectuate positive
change.
(a) Mitigating Human Factors in All Modes of
Transportation.
As the NTSB pursues investigations across all modes of
transportation, one thread is consistently present--the influence of
human factors. Unfortunately, human behavior is a major driver of
transportation accidents across all modes. But unless NTSB understands
why people do what they do, the agency cannot make proper
recommendations to correct those behaviors.
Transportation systems are built by humans, operated by humans, and
maintained by humans. Consequently, human behavior, decision-making,
and communication play central roles in nearly every accident the NTSB
investigates. Analyzing human factors allows us to examine beyond the
mechanical failures or environmental conditions and delve into
cognitive, physiological, and social elements that may have
contributed. Investigating human factors is not about assigning blame
to individuals; rather, it is about recognizing systemic issues and
identifying latent conditions that may compromise safety. Whether it's
fatigue, distraction, training deficiencies, or flawed procedures,
these insights help us craft safety recommendations that improve
systems.
Oftentimes, the most impactful safety changes come not from better
equipment alone but from better understanding of how people interact
with that equipment. In aviation, for instance, recognizing the limits
of human-machine interaction has led to improved cockpit displays,
better pilot training, and enhanced automation. In highway
transportation, insights into distraction and cognitive workload have
shaped vehicle interface standards and driver assistance technologies.
Unfortunately, many of NTSB's investigations are not able to thoroughly
analyze the physical, physiological, psychological, and psychosocial
factors of those involved in the accident. Future investigations and
reports should focus more time and effort on these human factors.
As a former pilot myself, I view the integration of human factors
as essential, not optional. The NTSB must continue to strengthen our
investigative frameworks with robust human factors analysis, developing
actionable recommendations that target real-world behaviors and
conditions. Transportation safety is a shared responsibility, and
understanding how human behavior impacts safety is at the core of that
responsibility.
(b) Expanding Public-Private Partnership.
The NTSB's unique party system, one of the best public-private
partnerships that exists across government, allows it to leverage
certain resources in private industry during the course of an
investigation that would otherwise be difficult, expensive, or in some
cases impossible to access with the agency's existing resources. While
data and other evidence from major accidents are thoroughly and quickly
analyzed, the vast majority of accidents NTSB investigates are not
major but still require robust data analyses to help determine probable
cause and inform our investigation.
In recent years, the agency has improved its coordination with
industry partners, as well as other agencies, to take advantage of
technologies not otherwise available at NTSB labs to conduct these
analyses. Unfortunately, significant limitations still exist, and data
from Party Members is not always readily available or shared for a
variety of reasons, including proprietary technology. It can also take
a significant amount of time to redact sensitive information or conduct
long-range qualitative or quantitative analyses of agency
investigations, findings, recommendations, and reports.
Many of the Party Members to an accident currently have the
capability to download accident data on-site and the ability to start
analyzing it immediately, but they are not always allowed to do this.
Removing these barriers would help NTSB obtain the latest data,
expedite investigations and safety alerts if appropriate, and improve
macro analyses of trends across all modes of transportation. It also
would give the Party Members the ability to address areas of concern in
their products quicker and formulate fixes or warnings to the industry
faster, helping to avert another accident in the same area.
At a time when artificial intelligence and other technologies are
rapidly advancing to reduce man hours in processing these types of
requests, NTSB must continue to expand external relationships to remain
at the forefront of rapid data gathering and analysis.
(c) Unmanned Systems.
When I joined the Board in 2020, one of the NTSB's most pressing
challenges was integrating unmanned vehicles into the broader
transportation system. Today, the rapid emergence of unmanned passenger
vehicles, aerial systems, trucks, and marine vessels is transforming
transportation at an unprecedented pace. These technologies promise
improved efficiency, greater access, and enhanced safety, but also
introduce new risks to our transportation networks.
Traditional safety oversight has focused on human performance,
operational procedures, and physical infrastructure. In contrast,
autonomous technologies rely heavily on algorithms, remote pilots, and
artificial intelligence--often operating beyond the immediate control
or awareness of those affected.
A key challenge is the lack of standardized safety frameworks.
Unmanned aerial systems, for example, vary widely in size, capability,
and operational context. Safely integrating them into crowded national
airspace demands clear flight path visibility, consistent communication
protocols, and reliable collision avoidance. Similarly, autonomous
vessels face challenges in situational awareness and collision
avoidance in complex maritime environments. Self-driving vehicles raise
concerns around system reliability, ethical decision-making, and cross-
jurisdictional coordination.
Human-machine interaction presents another critical issue. Even
with semi-autonomous systems, human operators often remain confused
about their roles. Public education, operator training, and interface
design must evolve alongside technology.
The NTSB must continue to rigorously investigate accidents
involving unmanned systems, engage transparently with stakeholders, and
issue evidence-based safety recommendations to build public trust in
these emerging technologies.
b. potential conflicts of interest
1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement
accounts, such as a 401(k) or pension plan.
I have no financial arrangements, deferred compensation agreements
or other continuing dealings with business associates, clients or
customers. I have a retirement account created by my former employer,
Textron, Inc., which is a defined contribution plan. I will also
continue to participate in Textron, Inc.'s defined benefit pension
plan. Both plans are described in Part 3 of my Executive Branch
Personnel Public Financial Disclosure report.
2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,
association, or other organization during your appointment? If so,
please explain. No.
3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in
the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will
resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the NTSB's DAEO to identify
potential conflicts of interest. These commitments constitute my ethics
agreement as identified in the ethics regulations.
Because I will continue to participate in Textron, Inc.'s defined
benefit pension plan, I will not participate personally and
substantially in any particular matter that to my knowledge has a
direct and predictable effect on the ability or willingness of Textron,
Inc. to provide this contractual benefit, unless I first obtain a
written waiver, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sec. 208(b)(1), or qualify for a
regulatory exemption, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sec. 208(b)(2).
My spouse is employed by the National Federation of Republican
Women in a position for which she receives a fixed annual salary. For
as long as my spouse continues to work for the National Federation of
Republican Women, I will not
participate personally and substantially in any particular matter
involving specific parties in which I know the National Federation of
Republican Women is a party or represents a party, unless I am first
authorized to participate, pursuant to 5 C.F.R. Sec. 2635.502(d).
4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve
each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the NTSB's DAEO to identify
potential conflicts of interest. These commitments constitute my ethics
agreement as identified in the ethics regulations. I am not aware of
any other potential conflicts of interest.
5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest and explain
how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Governmental Ethics and the NTSB's DAEO to identify
potential conflicts of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest
will be resolved in accordance with the terms of an ethics agreement
that I have entered into with the NTSB's DAEO and that has been
provided to this Committee. Pursuant to that agreement:
As required by 18 U.S.C. Sec. 208(a), I will not participate
personally and substantially in any particular matter in which
I know that I have a financial interest directly and
predictably affected by the matter, or in which I know that a
person whose interests are imputed to me has a financial
interest directly and predictably affected by the matter,
unless I first obtain a written waiver, pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Sec. 208(b)(1), or qualify for a regulatory exemption, pursuant
to 18 U.S.C. Sec. 208(b)(2). I understand that the interests of
the following persons are imputed to me: any spouse or minor
child of mine; any general partner of a partnership in which I
am a limited or general partner; any organization in which I
serve as officer, director, trustee, general partner or
employee; and any person or organization with which I am
negotiating or have an arrangement concerning prospective
employment.
I participate in Textron, Inc.'s defined benefit plan.
Because I will continue to participate in this entity's defined
benefit pension plan, I will not participate personally and
substantially in any particular matter that to my knowledge has
a direct and predictable effect on the ability or willingness
of Textron, Inc., to provide this contractual benefit, unless I
first obtain a written waiver, pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Sec. 208(b)(1), or qualify for a regulatory exemption, pursuant
to 18 U.S.C. Sec. 208(b)(2).
My spouse is employed by the National Federation of
Republican Women in a position for which she receives a fixed
annual salary. For as long as my spouse continues to work for
the National Federation of Republican Women, I will not
participate personally and substantially in any particular
matter involving specific parties in which I know the National
Federation of Republican Women is a party or represents a
party, unless I am first authorized to participate, pursuant to
5 C.F.R. Sec. 2635.502(d).
If I have a managed account or otherwise use the services of
an investment professional during my appointment, I will ensure
that the account manager or investment professional obtains my
prior approval on a case-by-case basis for the purchase of any
assets other than cash, cash equivalents, investment funds that
qualify for the exemption at 5 C.F.R. Sec. 2640.201(a),
obligations of the United States, or municipal bonds.
I will meet in person with the NTSB's DAEO or a member of
the ethics office after my confirmation but no later than 15
days after my appointment in order to complete the initial
ethics briefing required under 5 C.F.R. Sec. 2638.305.
Within 90 days of my confirmation, I will submit my
Certification of Ethics Agreement Compliance which documents my
compliance with this ethics agreement.
6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the
names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the
purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or
modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and
execution of law or public policy. None.
c. legal matters
1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special
Counsel, an Inspector General, professional association, disciplinary
committee, or other professional group? If yes:
a. Provide the name of the court, agency, association, committee, or
group;
b. Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action was issued or initiated;
c. Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action;
d. Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,
complaint, or personnel action.
No.
2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
State, county, municipal, or foreign government entity, other than for
a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain. No.
3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please
explain. No.
4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain. No.
5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual
assault, sexual harassment, or discrimination on the basis of sex,
race, religion, or any other basis? If so, please explain. No.
6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination. None.
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/
corporation complies with deadlines for information set by
congressional committees, and that your department/agency/commission/
corporation endeavors to timely comply with requests for information
from individual Members of Congress, including requests from members in
the minority? Yes.
2. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/
corporation does whatever it can to protect congressional witnesses and
whistleblowers from reprisal for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.
4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
______
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Addendum to the questionnaire submitted to the Senate Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation, 119th Congress by Michael Edward
Graham.
Upon further review, I have identified additional items that are
responsive to questions A12, Al 7, Al 9, and El on the Committee's
questionnaire. They are:
A.12
(j) Sons of the American Revolution, DC Society, 2022--
present, Member
The Sons of the American Revolution honors our
Revolutionary War patriot ancestors by promoting
patriotism, serving our communities, and educating and
inspiring future generations about the founding principles
of our Country.
National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
(NSSAR or SAR) was founded in 1889, is headquartered in
Louisville, Kentucky, and is a Congressional Chartered
Organization. SAR is a non-profit, non-partisan
organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving
American history, and promoting education to our future
generations. SAR members volunteer untold hours of service
each year in their local communities. SAR is very active in
assisting veterans. The organization proudly assist
teachers with living history interpreters, lesson planning
materials, and reenactment events for school aged youth to
attend. SAR National Headquarters houses one of the
Nation's premier genealogical libraries.
As one of the largest male societies in the country,
SAR boasts tens of thousands of active members in over 550
chapters across the United States and internationally. Any
male 18 years or older-regardless of race, religion, or
ethnic background-who can prove blood lineal descent from a
patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible for
membership.
I was a member of the Wichita Chapter of Team RWB before
moving to DC to start my duties as a NTSB Board Member. When I
moved to DC, I dissolved my local membership.
A.17
I have included all of my authored work during my time
as a Board Member in my initial questionnaire response. In
addition to those items, please see here for links to all of my
presentations I have made during my time at the NTSB.
Unfortunately, the agency does not have the capability or
capacity to record all of these presentations, so many of these
only include the presentation slides I used.
Upon further review of my files, I did not identify any
books, columns, letters to the editor, blog postings, or other
publications that I authored prior to my time at the NTSB.
A.19
Unfortunately, the NTSB does not have the capacity or
capability to track individual Board Members' statements that
are quoted in the press, broadcast over the radio, or replayed
on television or podcasts. Part of my duties as a Board Member
involve launching on our ``Go Team,'' which typically involve
high-profile accidents that are widely covered in the press, as
detailed in my initial questionnaire response. Since I began at
the Board, I have launched to the following accidents, with
subsequent press coverage of each ensuing:
Dallas, TX Mid Air Collision--November 2022
East Palestine, OH Norfolk Southern Train Derailment--
February 2023
Halloran Springs, CA Airbus ECI30 Helicopter Crash--
February 2024
New York, NY Mexican Navy Vessel Striking Brooklyn
Bridge--May 2025
Additionally, I have made the following appearances on
podcasts since I began at the agency:
Pilot To Pilot (S: I, E:177)--July 6, 2021
Behind-the-Scene @ NTSB (E:31)--April 30, 2020
Below are news articles I have been quoted in outside of
``Go Team'' launches or NTSB Board Meetings and Hearings (which
are all available on NTSB's YouTube channel) since I began at
the NTSB:
Aviation Week--August 29, 2025
Aviation International News April 9. 2025
Aviation International News--October 3, 2022
National Business Aviation Association--September/
October 2021
Prior to my time at the NTSB, I could not locate in my
files records of making any public statements, outside of my
initial testimony before Congress before my confirmation in
2019, related to this position.
The Chairman. Thank you very much. Dr. Klein, you are
recognized.
STATEMENT OF DR. ETHAN A. KLEIN,
NOMINEE FOR ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR,
OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY
Mr. Klein. Good morning, and thank you, Chairman Cruz,
Ranking Member Cantwell, and other members of this esteemed
committee for the opportunity to appear before you this
morning. It is the honor of my life to sit before this
committee as President Donald J. Trump's nominee for Associate
Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
I would like to begin today by thanking the people without
whom I would not be here today. To my parents, Steven and
Shoshana, thank you for instilling in me a deep appreciation
and respect for education and lifelong learning.
To my twin sister, Dahlia, who will be starting as a
Professor of Physics at the University of Chicago, thank you
for setting the example of American scientific leadership we
seek to preserve. And to the love of my life, my incredible
wife, Jennifer, and her family, thank you for supporting me
every step of this journey from Government service to academia
and back again.
I am the luckiest man in the world to have you as my life
partner. To my friends and family, I love you all. And of
course, I must give thanks to my God. Our national science and
technology ecosystem is the engine that has driven America to
become the most innovative nation in the world, built on the
bedrock of academia, industry, and Government working together
in tandem.
I am blessed to have worked across all three of these
pillars, giving me a comprehensive perspective on how to fine
tune their interactions to maximize impact. In the first Trump
administration, I served as a Policy Advisor at OSTP, leading
emerging technology initiatives in artificial intelligence,
unmanned aircraft systems, and agricultural biotechnology. I
witnessed the role that Government can play in laying the
foundations of the technological revolutions defining our
times.
My academic journey began in the public schools of South
Jersey and brought me to the laboratories of MIT to study
chemistry and physics as an undergrad and nuclear engineering
for my PhD. During my graduate work, I explored new frontiers
of nuclear technology in collaboration with our national
laboratories.
Later, as an MBA student at Stanford, I saw firsthand how
the co-location of capital and talent in Silicon Valley created
an unparalleled innovation ecosystem. Across my roles,
including in financial advisory and at a deep tech incubator, I
have engaged with hundreds of technology companies, spanning
hyperscalers to university spinouts, guiding them on how to
engage more effectively with Government.
OSTP will celebrate its 50th birthday in May, but the role
of providing scientific and technical advice to the President
is much older. Its precursor, the Office of Scientific Research
and Development, led the Manhattan Project. And it was the
President's Science Advisory Committee that recommended the
creation of NASA, taking America to the Moon and victory in the
space race.
Today, OSTP can lead America to victory in next race to
achieve global dominance in AI and other critical and emerging
technologies. In a letter to OSTP Director Michael Kratsios
earlier this year, President Trump laid out three charges for
the office: to secure our position as the unrivaled world
leader in critical and emerging tech, to revitalize America's
science and technology enterprise, and to ensure that
scientific progress and technological innovation fuel economic
growth and better the lives of all Americans.
Under Director Kratsios' leadership, OSTP has already taken
significant actions to answer that charge, authoring America's
AI Action Plan and drafting and working to assist in issuing
Executive Orders to promote AI, accelerate nuclear energy, and
spur advanced aviation. While much has been done, there is yet
much to do.
If confirmed, my mission will be to continue implementation
of those actions and to drive new efforts aimed at removing
unnecessary barriers to innovation, leading national science
and technology efforts across the ecosystem, and establishing
new models for public-private partnerships. To meet today's
challenges, OSTP must focus further on national tech policy,
modernizing its models for Government to partner with academia
and the private sector, which now leads a growing share of
technological development. That requires a forward-leaning
approach to public-private collaboration that reflects the
realities of 21st century innovation.
Furthermore, technology now cuts across every domain of
Government. Consequently, OSTP must more fully engage across
the policymaking, operational, and implementation arms of the
Federal Government. In addition to coordinating interagency R&D
efforts, OSTP actions should further synchronize with national
efforts in workforce development, infrastructure,
manufacturing, and supply chains.
Emerging technologies promise to expand economic
opportunity, improve public health, and enhance national
security. Yet in policy discussions about their governance,
discourse has at times leaned too far toward restraint, slowing
the pace of progress.
As a technologist, I remain fundamentally hopeful that
technology can improve American lives and further our Nation's
flourishing. Thank you for your consideration, and I look
forward to answering your questions.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr.
Klein follow:]
Prepared Statement of Dr. Ethan A. Klein, Nominee for Associate
Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy
Good morning and thank you, Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell,
and other members of this esteemed committee for the opportunity to
appear before you this morning.
It is the honor of my life to sit before this committee as
President Donald J. Trump's nominee for Associate Director of the
Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).
I would like to begin by thanking the people without whom I would
not be here today. To my parents, Steven and Shoshana, thank you for
instilling in me a deep appreciation and respect for education and
lifelong learning. To my twin sister, Dahlia, who will be starting as a
professor of physics at the University of Chicago, thank you for
setting the example of American scientific leadership we seek to
preserve. And to the love of my life, my incredible wife, Jennifer, and
her family, thank you for supporting me every step of this journey,
from government service to academia and back again. I am the luckiest
man in the world to have you as my life partner. To my friends and
family--I love you all. And of course, I must give thanks to my G-d.
Our national science and technology ecosystem is the engine that
has driven America to become the most innovative nation in the world,
built on the bedrock of academia, industry, and government working in
tandem. I am blessed to have worked across all three of these pillars,
giving me a comprehensive perspective on how to fine-tune their
interactions to maximize impact.
In the first Trump Administration, I served as a policy advisor in
OSTP, leading emerging technology initiatives in artificial
intelligence, unmanned aircraft systems, and agricultural
biotechnology. I witnessed the role the government can play in laying
the foundations of the technological revolutions defining our times.
My academic journey began in the public schools of South Jersey and
brought me to the laboratories of MIT to study chemistry and physics as
an undergraduate, and nuclear engineering for my Ph.D. During my
graduate work, I explored new frontiers of nuclear technology in
collaboration with our national laboratories.
Later, as an MBA student at Stanford, I saw firsthand how the co-
location of capital and talent in Silicon Valley created an
unparalleled innovation ecosystem. Across my roles, including in
financial advisory and at a deep-tech incubator, I've engaged with
hundreds of technology companies, spanning hyperscalers to university
spin-outs, guiding them on how to engage more effectively with
government.
OSTP will celebrate its 50th birthday in May, but the role of
providing scientific and technical advice to the President is much
older. Its precursor, the Office of Scientific Research and
Development, led the Manhattan Project. And it was the President's
Science Advisory Committee that recommended the creation of NASA,
taking America to the Moon and victory in the Space Race. Today, OSTP
can lead America to victory in the next race: to achieve global
dominance in AI and other critical and emerging technologies.
In a letter to OSTP Director Michael Kratsios earlier this year,
President Trump laid out three charges for the office: (i) to secure
our position as the unrivaled world leader in critical and emerging
technologies; (ii) to revitalize America's science and technology
enterprise; and (iii) to ensure that scientific progress and
technological innovation fuel economic growth and better the lives of
all Americans. Under Director Kratsios' leadership, OSTP has already
taken significant actions to answer that charge: authoring America's AI
Action Plan and assisting the President with issuing executive orders
to promote artificial intelligence, accelerate nuclear energy, and spur
advanced aviation.
While much has been done, there is yet much to do. If confirmed, my
mission will be to continue implementation of those actions and to
drive new efforts aimed at removing unnecessary barriers to innovation,
leading national science and technology efforts across the ecosystem,
and establishing new models for public-private partnerships.
To meet today's challenges, OSTP must focus further on national
technology policy, modernizing its models for government to partner
with academia and the private sector, which now leads a growing share
of technological development. That requires a forward-leaning approach
to public-private collaboration that reflects the realities of 21st
century innovation.
Furthermore, technology now cuts across every domain of government.
Consequently, OSTP must more fully engage across the policymaking,
operational, and implementation arms of the Federal Government. In
addition to coordinating interagency R&D efforts, OSTP actions should
further synchronize with national efforts in workforce development,
infrastructure, manufacturing, and supply chains.
Emerging technologies promise to expand economic opportunity,
improve public health, and enhance national security. Yet in policy
discussions about their governance, discourse has at times leaned too
far toward restraint, slowing the pace of progress. As a technologist,
I remain fundamentally hopeful that technology can improve American
lives and further our Nation's flourishing.
Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to answering
your questions.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Ethan Avram
Klein.
2. Position to which nominated: Associate Director for Technology,
Office of Science and Technology Policy.
3. Date of Nomination: March 10, 2025.
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: Information not provided.
5. Date and Place of Birth: Philadelphia, PA, USA.
6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
spouse (if married) or domestic partner, and the names and ages of your
children (including stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
Jennifer Lily Horowitz Klein, Senior Manager, Operations &
Strategy Maxar Technologies, Inc.
7. List all college and graduate schools attended, whether or not
you were granted a degree by the institution. Provide the name of the
institution, the dates attended, the degree received, and the date of
the degree.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
S.B. Chemistry & Physics (awarded June 2015)
Attended 08/2011-06/2015
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Ph.D. Nuclear Science & Engineering (awarded September 2023)
Graduate Certificate in Technical Leadership (awarded May 2022)
Attended 09/2018-06/2023
Stanford University
MBA (expected June 2025)
Attended 09/2023-06/2025
8. List all post-undergraduate employment, including the job title,
name of employer, and inclusive dates of employment, and highlight all
management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
the position for which you are nominated.
Science and Technology Policy Fellow, IDA Science and
Technology Policy Institute, 8/2015-5/2017
Policy Advisor for Emerging Technologies, White House Office of
Science and Technology Policy, 5/2017-7/2018
Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Nuclear Science and
Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 9/2018-8/
2023
Strategy Intern, Scale AI, 3/2021-1/2025
Government Venture Fellow, The Engine, 11/2022-5/2023
Summer Associate, Aerospace & Defense Group, Lazard, June 2024-
August 2024
9. Attach a copy of your resume.
See Attachment #1.
10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
than those listed above after 18 years of age.
Consultant, White House Office of Science and Technology
Policy, 8/2018-1/2021
Consultant, Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for
Research & Engineering, Department of Defense, 9/2020-1/2021
Consultant, White House Office of Science and Technology
Policy, 1/2025 to present
11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
educational, or other institution. None.
12. List all memberships you have had after 18 years of age or
currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, educational,
political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or religiously
affiliated organization, private club, or other membership organization
(You do not have to list your religious affiliation or membership in a
religious house of worship or institution). Include dates of membership
and any positions you have held with any organization. Please note
whether any such club or organization restricts membership on the basis
of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.
Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, Beta Nu Chapter
Member, 2012-2015
Philanthropy Chair, Alumni Chair; 2014-2015
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Student Member, 2012-2015
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Student Member, Nuclear & Plasma Sciences Society, 2019-2023
MIT Rowing Club
Member, 2019-2023
MIT Science Policy Review
Communications Director, 2019-2020
Chief Innovation Officer, 2020-2021
MIT Graduate Student Council
Department of Nuclear Science & Engineering Representative,
2021-2022
Stanford U.S.-Russia Forum
Participant, Arms Control Working Group, 2019-2020
Advisory Board Member, 2020-2021
Stanford Young Professionals Nuclear Forum
Member, 2020-2022
Stanford Jewish Business Students Association
Member, 2023-2025
Stanford University Graduate School of Business Aerospace &
Defense Club
Vice President, 2024-2025
Stanford DEFCON Tech & National Security Group
Co-President, 2024-2025
13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are
personally liable for that debt. No.
14. List all memberships and offices held with and services
rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or
election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities.
Volunteer, Trump-Vance Transition, 9/2024-1/2025
15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $200 or more for the past ten years. None.
16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
National Merit Scholarship Finalist (2011)
Fisher Prize, Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute
of Technology (2015)
Science and Technology Policy Fellowship, Institute for Defense
Analyses (2015-2017)
J.D. Williams Student Paper Award, Institute of Nuclear
Materials Management (2019)
Arms Control Person(s) of the Year, Arms Control Association
(2019)
Nuclear Nonproliferation International Safeguards Fellow,
National Nuclear Security Administration (2019-2023)
Alpha Nu Sigma National Honor Society Inductee, American
Nuclear Society (2020)
Government Venture Fellow, The Engine (2022-2023)
Defense Innovation Scholar, Stanford University Gordian Knot
Center for National Security Innovation (2024)
17. List all books, articles, columns, letters to the editor,
Internet blog postings, or other publications you have authored,
individually or with others. Include a link to each publication when
possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
publication when available.
``A Buffer Gas Cooled Molecular Beam Apparatus for Chirped
Pulse Millimeter Wave Spectroscopy.'' MIT SB Thesis. June 2015.
https://dspace.mit.edu/bitstream/handle/1721.1/98781/921140858-
MIT.pdf
``Direct Detection of Rydberg-Rydberg Millimeter-Wave
Transitions in a Buffer Gas Cooled Molecular Beam.'' Chemical
Physics Letters. November 1, 2015. https://
www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/am/pii/S000926141500754X
``Examination of Plant Breeding at U.S. Academic Institutions
and Private Companies in 2015.'' Institute for Defense
Analyses. February 2016. https://www.ida.org/-/media/feature/
publications/e/ex/examination-of-plant-breeding-at-us-academic-
institutions-and-private-companies-in-2015/p-5331.ashx
``Driving Safety & Innovation on American Roadways: An Updated
Federal Policy on Auto Driving Systems.'' whitehouse.gov.
September 12, 2017. https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/
articles/driving-safety-innovation-american-roadways-updated-
federal-policy-auto-driving-systems/
``Technology Trends in Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)
And Counter-UAS: A Five Year Outlook.'' Institute for Defense
Analyses. November 1, 2017. https://www.ida.org/-/media/
feature/publications/t/te/technology-trends-in-small-unmanned-
aircraft-systems-suas-and-counter-uas-a-five-year-outlook/p-
8823.ashx
``Epithermal Neutron Transmission Imaging for Nuclear Security
Applications.'' Proceedings of the 60th Annual Meeting of the
Institute of Nuclear Materials Management. July 14-18, 2019.
https://resources.inmm.org/annual-meeting-proceedings/
epithermal-neutron-transmission-imaging-nuclear-security-
applications
``Feasibility Study of a Compact Neutron Resonance Transmission
Analysis Instrument.'' AIP Advances. January 28, 2020. https://
pubs.aip.org/aip/adv/article/10/1/015051/1076482
``Nuclear Arms Control in an Evolving World: Evaluating the
Effects of Emerging Technologies on Strategic Stability.''
Stanford U.S.-Russia Forum Journal. June 26, 2020. https://
ojs.stanford.edu/ojs/index.php/surfj/article/view/1727/1337
``Epithermal Neutron Resonance Analysis Using a Compact DT
Generator.'' Proceedings of the 61st Annual Meeting of the
Institute of Nuclear Materials Management. July 12-16, 2020.
https://resources.inmm.org/annual-meeting-proceedings/
epithermal-neutron-resonance-analysis-using-compact-dt-
generator
``Our Remaining Options for Preventing a Nuclear Iran.'' MIT
Science Policy Review. December 21, 2020. https://
sciencepolicyreview.org/2020/12/our-remaining-options-for-
preventing-a-nuclear-iran/
``Neutron-Resonance Transmission Analysis with a Compact
Deuterium-Tritium Neutron Generator.'' Physical Review Applied.
May 13, 2021. https://journals.aps.org/prapplied/abstract/
10.1103/PhysRevApplied.15.054026
``An Interview with the Hon. Chris Fall: On Fostering
Innovation in Federal Research & Development.'' MIT Science
Policy Review. August 30, 2021. https://
sciencepolicyreview.org/2021/08/chris-falll-fostering-
innovation-federal-research/
``Neutron Resonance Transmission Analysis (NRTA) for Nuclear
Fuel Characterization Using a Portable DT Neutron Generator.''
Proceedings of the INMM & ESARDA Joint Virtual Annual Meeting.
September 1, 2021. https://resources
.inmm.org/sites/default/files/2021-09/a114.pdf
``Additive Manufacturing of Multimaterial Composites for
Radiation Shielding and Thermal Management.'' ACS Applied
Materials & Interfaces. June 8, 2023. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/
abs/10.1021/acsami.2c22478
``Neutron Resonance Transmission Analysis of Nuclear Material
Using a Portable D-T Neutron Generator.'' MIT PhD Thesis.
September 2023. https://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/152884
``Neutron Resonance Transmission Analysis Prototype System for
Thorium Fuel Cycle Safeguards.'' Nuclear Instruments and
Methods in Physics Research Section A. May 2024. https://
www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S016
8900224000743
18. List all speeches, panel discussions, and presentations (e.g.,
PowerPoint) that you have given on topics relevant to the position for
which you have been nominated. Include a link to each publication when
possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
speech or presentation when available.
``Assessing the Role and Impact of Geospatial Data for Wildland
Fire Management Decisions.'' 2016 American Geophysical Union
Fall Meeting. December 14, 2016.
Keynote Remarks. Commercial Drone Alliance Domestic Drone
Security Summit. November 28, 2017.
``Incorporating Drones and Self Driving Vehicles into
Communities.'' 2018 Consumer Electronics Show. January 10,
2018.
``74 Years of Nuclear Disarmament and the Contribution of Youth
beyond 2020'' Panel. United Nations Headquarters. January 24,
2020. https://disarma
ment.unoda.org/update/74-years-of-nuclear-disarmament-
contribution-of-youth-beyond-2020
``Epithermal Neutron Resonance Imaging for Nuclear
Disarmament.'' 2020 MIT Nuclear Science & Engineering Research
Expo. March 2020. https://web.mit
.edu/nse/news/2020/graduate-research-expo.html
``Neutrons for Nuclear Security: Using Portable Neutron
Generators to Analyze Nuclear Material.'' 2021 MIT Nuclear
Science & Engineering Research Expo. March 19, 2021. https://
web.mit.edu/nse/news/2021/graduate-research-expo
.html
``AI and Global Competitiveness'' Panel (moderator). 2024
Stanford Conference on Tech + National Security. November 1,
2023.
``The R&D Ecosystem for Critical Technologies'' Panel
(moderator). 2025 Stanford Conference on Tech + National
Security. October 9, 2024. https://www.stanforddefcon.org/
program
19. List all public statements you have made during the past ten
years, including statements in news articles and radio and podcasts and
television appearances, which are on topics relevant to the position
for which you have been nominated, including dates. Include a link to
each statement when possible. If a link is not available, provide a
digital copy of the statement when available.
``Portable technology offers boost for nuclear security, arms
control.'' MIT News, June 10, 2021. https://news.mit.edu/2021/
portable-technology-offers-boost-nuclear-security-arms-control-
0610
20. List all digital platforms (including social media and other
digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated
an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your
name or an alias. Include the full name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'',
including the complete URL and username with hyperlinks, you have used
on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account is active,
deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if possible.
LinkedIn: ethan-a-klein (active), https://www.linkedin.com/in/
ethan-a-klein/
Instagram: eakleinstagram (active), https://www.instagram.com/
eakleinstagram
Facebook: ethanavramklein (deactivated)
Twitter/X: realeaklein (deactivated)
21. Please identify each instance in which you have testified
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date, committee, and subject
matter of each testimony. Not Applicable.
22. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
operational objectives of the department/agency/commission/corporation
to which you have been nominated, what in your background or employment
experience do you believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment
to the position for which you have been nominated, and why do you wish
to serve in that position?
The Office of Science and Technology Policy plays a critically
important role in advising the President on science and technology
(S&T) matters and in coordinating S&T strategy across the Executive
Branch. At a time when science and technology are central to nearly
every dimension of national policy, from economic growth and public
health to national defense and geostrategic competition, OSTP's role as
a source of expert guidance and S&T policy coordination has never been
more essential. Our country needs a U.S. Chief Technology Officer who
has not only a strong technical background, but also an intimate
understanding of OSTP's roles and functions, and how to make the office
effective in practice. The role demands experience bridging academia,
industry, and the national laboratories, and an appreciation for how
these institutions interact to form the broader American S&T
enterprise.
I have had the privilege of working at the heart of the R&D
ecosystem and believe I bring precisely the combination of experience,
perspective, and institutional knowledge this role requires. I am
exceedingly familiar with both the office of OSTP and the role of
USCTO. After supporting OSTP for two years as a contractor, I served in
OSTP for three and a half years as a policy advisor supporting the last
USCTO. During that time, I advised on a broad portfolio of critical and
emerging technologies and drafted numerous executive orders that were
signed by the President.
I was a lead author of EO 13859 ``Maintaining American Leadership
in Artificial Intelligence,'' which increased Federal investment and
resources for AI research and development, efforts which were codified
into law as part of the National AI Initiative Act of 2020. I authored
executive action establishing the FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Integration Pilot Program to increase innovative drone operations for
commercial and public safety objectives across the country, which was
expanded upon in the 2024 FAA Reauthorization. I also helped draft EO
13874 ``Modernizing the Regulatory Framework for Agricultural
Biotechnology'' to increase public confidence in the biotech regulatory
system and prevent unnecessary barriers to biotech innovation. Lastly,
I led interagency policy development efforts on critical technologies
like nuclear fusion, drafted guidance on Federal research and
development budget priorities, and coordinated Presidential convenings
on topics including ``American Leadership in Emerging Technologies''
and ``AI for American Industry.''
Within the government, I worked closely with my counterparts across
the Executive Branch, Congress, and key stakeholders in industry and
academia to advance national efforts in AI, unmanned systems,
biotechnology, and nuclear fusion. Outside of government, I've worked
closely with ``little tech,'' early-stage, deep technology companies
which had spun out of research labs at leading universities and
national labs to work at the frontier of science and engineering.
I believe the role of Associate OSTP Director for Technology is not
an IT position nor an R&D position, but rather requires a deep
understanding of emerging technologies, manufacturing and industrial
capabilities, supply chains, and the commercialization pipeline that
turns bench-scale science into products that shape markets and serve
the public good. I've supported tech transfer and lab commercialization
efforts, advised startups on how to engage with Federal R&D programs,
and worked to bridge the public-private divide. I've also worked in and
studied the market dynamics and business challenges that tech-intensive
firms face as they scale.
I feel very strongly that scientists and engineers have a
responsibility to serve, bringing their scientific and technical
expertise to support their government and the American people.
OSTP was created to ensure that the best scientific and technical
advice informs the highest levels of national decision-making. That
charge has only grown more urgent. The coming decade will be defined by
how we manage and lead in emerging technologies and how we translate
scientific progress into real-world impact for the American people. It
would be an honor to bring my experience to service in the role of
USCTO at this critical moment in our country's history.
23. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
ensure that the department/agency/commission/corporation has proper
management and accounting controls, and what experience do you have in
managing a large organization?
While OSTP is not a large agency in terms of budget or personnel,
it plays an outsized role in shaping national science and technology
policy and coordinating efforts across the Executive Office of the
President and the broader Federal government. OSTP operates more like a
strategic hub than a hierarchical bureaucracy, requiring convening,
coordinating, and leading cross-agency initiatives and fast-moving
tiger teams that cut across traditional silos.
As such, effective management of the office is less about
overseeing a large organizational chart and more about ensuring that a
small, high-performing team is empowered, aligned, and delivering on
the President's science and technology agenda.
If confirmed, my responsibility would be to ensure that OSTP's
staff, resources, and external engagements are tightly aligned with the
Administration's priorities and that the office is operating with
transparency, integrity, and fiscal discipline. That includes
establishing clear expectations, fostering a collaborative environment,
and ensuring that each advisor's work is tied to clear outcomes and
strategic goals. It also requires diligence in budget execution, proper
stewardship of interagency and stakeholder partnerships, and a culture
of accountability in all aspects of policy development and public
engagement.
I have led diverse and interdisciplinary teams in multiple
contexts. During my Ph.D. at MIT, I worked on large, collaborative
projects involving national laboratories, academic researchers, and
junior graduate students, efforts that required coordination across
institutional boundaries and mentorship of early-career scientists. I
found it deeply rewarding to help others succeed and to build
environments where people could do their best work.
In a small but high-impact office like OSTP, effective leadership
is about setting a clear vision, aligning people to purpose, and
ensuring that every action taken serves the public interest. I take
that responsibility seriously and would be honored to support the
President and the American people in advancing the Nation's scientific
and technological leadership.
24. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency/commission/corporation, and why?
The three priority areas of effort for the Office of Science and
Technology Policy were articulated by President Trump in his March
letter to OSTP Director Kratsios:
1. Securing the United States' position as the unrivaled world
leader in critical and emerging technologies such as artificial
intelligence, quantum information science, and nuclear
technology.
2. Revitalizing the American science and technology enterprise by
empowering researchers, reducing administrative burdens, and
recommitting to the pursuit of truth; and
3. Ensuring that scientific progress and technological innovation
fuel broad-based economic growth and improve the lives of all
Americans.
If confirmed, these pillars will shape the foundation of my work as
U.S. Chief Technology Officers. Yet in pursuing this mission, OSTP
faces three core challenges that must be met to fully realize this
vision.
First, OSTP must reassert a strong pro-innovation voice in national
policy. The United States should not just manage technology, it must
actively champion its development. That begins with recognizing the
tremendous promise of emerging technologies to expand economic
opportunity, improve public health, and enhance national security.
While acknowledging legitimate risks, the national conversation has at
times leaned too far toward restraint rather than progress. As a
technologist, I am fundamentally optimistic: when stewarded with care,
technology improves lives and advances human flourishing. If confirmed,
I will work to secure reestablish that leadership on technological
innovation and competitiveness, pursuing policies that accelerate the
responsible development of emerging technologies, reduce unnecessary
regulatory friction, promote Federal adoption of innovation, and
strengthen the ability of American companies to export their
technologies abroad.
Second, OSTP must improve coordination of science and technology
efforts across the vast Federal interagency landscape. Technology now
cuts across every domain of government, from national security to
economic growth. As such, OSTP must expand its role beyond traditional
R&D coordination and more fully engage with policy, operational, and
implementation arms of the Federal Government. Leveraging the National
Science and Technology Council, the primary body for interagency S&T
coordination, will be essential, but so too will deepen alignment with
national efforts in workforce development, infrastructure,
manufacturing, and supply chain security. As science and technology
become more central to the operations and effectiveness of government,
OSTP must evolve to be not just a convener of scientists, but a
strategic integrator across disciplines and departments.
Third, OSTP must help the Federal Government modernize its models
for partnering with the private sector and academia, which now lead a
growing share of technological development. Following World War II, the
Federal Government created new institutions such as the National
Science Foundation and the Department of Energy's national laboratories
to form the new scientific enterprise. While these institutions remain
essential, much of today's innovation is being driven by a new
generation of university spin-outs, venture-backed startups, and
industrial R&D. Yet OSTP has historically focused on advising the
President on scientific research. To meet today's challenges, OSTP must
also lead on national technology policy, including taking a more active
role in promoting technological development, commercialization, and
scale across the full breadth of the R&D ecosystem. That requires more
dynamic partnerships with industry, support for tech transfer and lab-
to-market pipelines, and a forward-leaning approach to public-private
collaboration that reflects the realities of 21st century innovation.
If confirmed, I will bring my experience across government,
academia, and industry to help OSTP meet this moment and to ensure that
America remains the global leader in science, technology, and
innovation.
b. potential conflicts of interest
1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement
accounts, such as a 401(k) or pension plan. None.
2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,
association, or other organization during your appointment? If so,
please explain. None.
3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in
the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will
resolve each potential conflict of interest. None.
4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve
each potential conflict of interest.
Not applicable.
5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest and explain
how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.
My wife is currently employed as a senior manager for strategy and
operations at Maxar Technologies, Inc. She is involved with satellite
imagery contracts to U.S. Government customers in the Department of
Defense and Intelligence Community. I have an ethics agreement in place
with OSTP Office of the General Counsel. As part of the ethics
agreement, I will recuse myself from any matters related to commercial
satellite imagery sales to U.S. Government entities, including any
particular matters that may have an impact on Maxar Technologies, Inc.
OSTP's ethics counsel and the Office of Government Ethics (OGE)
have determined that the underlying holdings in Family Trust #2 do not
pose conflicts of interest. Please note that this is an Excepted Trust.
Pursuant to the trust documents, I am not entitled to information about
the underlying holdings. The trustee will not provide me information
about the underlying holdings in the future.
I have also completed the initial ethics briefing as soon as I
onboarded at OSTP. I will also make sure that I receive a live ethics
briefing from a member of the ethics office after my confirmation but
not later than 15 days after my appointment.
6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the
names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the
purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or
modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and
execution of law or public policy. None.
c. legal matters
1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special
Counsel, an Inspector General, professional association, disciplinary
committee, or other professional group? If yes:
a. Provide the name of the court, agency, association, committee, or
group;
b. Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action was issued or initiated;
c. Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action;
d. Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,
complaint, or personnel action.
No.
2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
State, county, municipal, or foreign government entity, other than for
a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain. No.
3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please
explain. No.
4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain. No.
5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual
assault, sexual harassment, or discrimination on the basis of sex,
race, religion, or any other basis? If so, please explain. No.
6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination.
Not applicable.
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/
corporation complies with deadlines for information set by
congressional committees, and that your department/agency/commission/
corporation endeavors to timely comply with requests for information
from individual Members of Congress, including requests from members in
the minority? Yes.
2. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/
corporation does whatever it can to protect congressional witnesses and
whistleblowers from reprisal for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.
4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
______
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
The Chairman. Thank you. Ms. Meyer.
STATEMENT OF JOYCE MEYER, NOMINEE FOR
UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR ECONOMIC AFFAIRS,
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Ms. Meyer. Thank you, Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member
Cantwell, and members of the Committee for the opportunity to
appear before you today. I am honored to be here as President
Trump's nominee for Under Secretary of Economic Affairs at the
Department of Commerce, which oversees the BEA, the Bureau of
Economic Analysis, and the Census Bureau.
Before I begin, I would like to thank President Trump for
nominating me to serve this great country, and Secretary
Lutnick for his support of my nomination. I also want to
recognize those who are supporting me today. First, my husband,
Donald Meyer. Don and I met in college at the University of
Wisconsin-Madison, and it has been an adventure of a lifetime
since then.
Our daughter Evangelina made that adventure even better.
Ava is missing class today with approval from her professors,
and I am beyond grateful to Don and Ava for their constant love
and support. I appreciate too the support of my closest family
and friends who are here today and watching online.
I also want to recognize my late brother, Michael Yamat.
Mikey died when we were teenagers, but his legacy continues to
inspire me. Finally, I want to thank the first people who
believed in me, my mom, Evelyn Yamat, a retired accountant, and
my dad, Miguel Yamat, a retired engineer.
My mom has entrusted to me an important family heirloom
which I bring here today, our family's American flag. She
received this flag when she was sworn in as a naturalized U.S.
citizen many years ago. It has always been placed next to the
front door of our homes, first in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
where I was born, and again in Franklin, Wisconsin, where I
grew up.
It was and is a daily reminder of how blessed we are to
live in the United States. It was also placed by the front door
with reverence, so it could easily be retrieved in case of a
house fire. This deep love of country is what led me to a 25-
year career in public service. I was honored to serve in many
roles on Capitol Hill, including as Professional Staff Member
of the now Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Committee, as Staff Director of the House Ways and Means
Committee, and as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the
Speaker of the House.
I also had the honor of serving in President Trump's first
White House as Deputy Assistant to the President for
Legislative Affairs for the House. Throughout my public
service, carrying out Constitutional responsibilities depended
on many critical components, including accurate, reliable data
from the BEA and the Census Bureau.
If confirmed, I will rely on my decades of service as an
end user of this data. I will rely on the analytical skills I
gained earning my executive MBA at Georgetown University. I
will rely on my extensive experience leading large, complex
teams. And I will rely on the impressive expertise within the
BEA and Census. In the Speaker's Office as Deputy Chief of
Staff, overseeing the institutional responsibilities required
careful focus to support more than 10,000 House employees in
the D.C. area and throughout the country.
The BEA and the Census Bureau also focuses on every area of
the country at the local, State, regional, and national level,
as outlined by the Constitution and statute. For example, the
BEA data informs work on Capitol Hill, from the CBO baseline to
the maximum annual rental rate for your home State Senate
offices.
And of course, BEA's calculation of the GDP informs
decisions by policymakers and the business community. The
Census Bureau carries out the decennial census and does vital
work throughout each decade, including the well-known American
Community Survey, which informs key economic indicators. If
confirmed, I want to build upon the good work of both bureaus
by focusing for the American people on three goals.
First, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of data. The
economy is always changing, with new markets emerging at a
rapid pace. For data to be relevant, it must continue to
accurately capture all dimensions of the economy. Second,
leveraging technology to improve speed of data and analysis.
Data needs to be timely and relevant. Optimizing the existing
analytical talent will require faster data.
And three, achieving efficiency. The Federal Government has
multiple statistical offices. We owe it to American taxpayers
to strive for better ways to deliver data and analysis
efficiently, and not overlook any technological capabilities to
do so.
If confirmed, I look forward to these opportunities and for
the honor to serve a country whose greatness endures as
symbolized by our family's American flag. Thank you for the
opportunity to be here. I look forward to your questions.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Ms.
Meyer follow:]
Prepared Statement of Joyce Meyer, Nominee for Under Secretary of
Commerce for Economic Affairs, U.S. Department of Commerce
Thank you, Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and members of
the committee for the opportunity to appear before you today.
I am honored to be here as President Trump's nominee for
Undersecretary of Economic Affairs at the Department of Commerce, which
oversees the BEA (Bureau of Economic Analysis) and the Census Bureau.
Before I begin, I would like to thank President Trump for
nominating me to serve this great country and Secretary Lutnick for his
support of my nomination.
I also want to recognize those who are supporting me today:
First, my husband, Donald Meyer. Don and I met in college at the
University of Wisconsin-Madison and it has been an adventure of a
lifetime since then.
Our daughter, Evangelina, made that adventure even better. Eva is
missing class today with approval from her professors. I am beyond
grateful to Don and Eva for their constant love and support.
I appreciate too the support of my family and friends who are here
today and watching online.
I also want to recognize my late brother, Michael Yamat. Mikey died
when we were teenagers, but his legacy continues to inspire me.
Finally, I want to thank the first people who believed in me--my
mom, Evelyn Yamat, a retired accountant, and my dad, Miguel Yamat, a
retired engineer.
My mom has entrusted to me an important family heirloom, which I
bring here today--our family's American flag.
She received this flag when she was sworn in as a naturalized U.S.
Citizen many years ago.
It has always been placed next to the front door of our homes--
first in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where I was born, and again in
Franklin, Wisconsin where I grew up. It was and is a daily reminder of
how blessed we are to live in the United States. It was also placed by
the front door with reverence so it could easily be retrieved in case
of a house fire.
This deep love of country is what led me to a 25-year career in
public service.
I was honored to serve in many roles on Capitol Hill, including as
a professional staff member of the now Senate Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs Committee; as Staff Director of the House Ways and
Means Committee; and as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the
Speaker of the House.
I also had the honor of serving in President Trump's first White
House as Deputy Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs for
the House.
Throughout my public service, carrying out constitutional
responsibilities depended on many critical components--including
accurate, reliable data from the BEA and the Census Bureau.
If confirmed, I will rely on my decades of service as an end user
of this data. I will rely on the analytical skills I gained earning my
Executive MBA at Georgetown University. I will rely on my extensive
experience leading large, complex teams.
And finally, I will rely on the impressive expertise within the BEA
and Census.
In the Speaker's office, as Deputy Chief of Staff, overseeing the
institutional responsibilities required careful focus to support more
than 10,000 House employees in the DC area and throughout the country.
The BEA and the Census Bureau also focus on every area of the
country at the local, state, regional, and national level, as outlined
by the Constitution and statute.
For example, BEA data informs work on Capitol Hill--from the CBO
baseline to the maximum annual rental rate for your home state Senate
offices. And, of course, BEA's calculation of the GDP informs decisions
by policy makers and the business community.
The Census Bureau carries out the decennial census, and does vital
work throughout each decade, including the well-known American
Community Survey (ACS), which informs key economic indicators.
If confirmed, I want to build upon the good work of both bureaus by
focusing on three goals:
1. Ensuring the integrity & accuracy of data: The economy is always
changing with new markets emerging at a rapid pace. For data to
be relevant, it must continue to accurately capture all
dimensions of the economy.
2. Leveraging technology to improve speed of data and analysis: Data
needs to be timely and relevant. Optimizing the existing
analytical talent will require faster data.
3. Achieving efficiency: The Federal government has multiple
statistical offices. We owe it to American taxpayers to strive
for better ways to deliver data and analysis efficiently and
not overlook any technological capabilities to do so.
If confirmed, I look forward to these opportunities and for the
honor to serve a country whose greatness endures as symbolized by our
family's American flag.
Thank you for the opportunity to be here. I look forward to your
questions.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used):
Joyce Yamat Meyer
Joyce Jennifer Yamat (maiden)
Childhood nickname: JJ
2. Position to which nominated: Undersecretary of Economic Affairs,
U.S. Department of Commerce.
3. Date of Nomination: March 31, 2025.
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: Information not provided.
5. Date and Place of Birth: Pittsburgh, PA (USA).
6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
spouse (if married) or domestic partner, and the names and ages of your
children (including stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
Spouse: Donald Meyer, Principal & Founder, Westfourth
Communications LLC
Child: Evangelina Meyer, age 21
7. List all college and graduate schools attended, whether or not
you were granted a degree by the institution. Provide the name of the
institution, the dates attended, the degree received, and the date of
the degree.
Georgetown University McDonough School of Business (2021-2023).
Degree: EMBA 2023
University of Wisconsin-Madison (1989-1993)
Degree: BA, political science and international relations 1993
8. List all post-undergraduate employment, including the job title,
name of employer, and inclusive dates of employment, and highlight all
management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
the position for which you are nominated.
Advisor/Detailee
Presidential Personnel Office
Executive Office of the President
President Donald J. Trump
The White House
March 2025 to present
Senior Advisor
Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs
Office of the Secretary
Secretary Howard Lutnick
U.S. Department of Commerce
March 2025 to present
Advisor
Trump Vance 2025 Transition, Inc.
August 2024-February 2025
Executive Vice President of Government Relations
American Council of Life Insurers
January 2019-April 2024
Senior Advisor
Office of the Speaker
Speaker Paul Ryan (WI)
October 2018-January 2019
Advisor
House Committee on Financial Services
Chairman Jeb Hensarling
October 2018-January 2019
Deputy Assistant to the President
House Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs
Office of Legislative Affairs
Executive Office of the President
President Donald J. Trump
February 2017-October 2018
Deputy Chief of Staff
Office of the Speaker
Speaker Paul Ryan (WI)
October 2015-February 2017
Staff Director
House Ways and Means Committee
Chairman Paul Ryan (WI)
January 2015-October 2015
Chief of Staff/AA/LD
Washington, DC office of Rep. Paul Ryan (WI)
January 1999-January 2015
Advisor
Romney-Ryan Presidential Campaign
August 2012-November 2012
Professional Staff Member
Subcommittee on Oversight, Government Management and District
of Columbia
Committee on Governmental Affairs
U.S. Senate
Subcommittee Chairman Sam Brownback (KS)
Committee Chairman Fred Thompson (TN)
January 1997-January 1999
Legislative Assistant/Legislative Correspondent
Office of Rep. Scott Klug (WI)
August 1993-January 1997
9. Attach a copy of your resume.
Please see the attached document entitled JoyceMeyer.2025
10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
than those listed above after 18 years of age.
Assistant to the Registrar (part-time)
Grants Intern (part-time)
University of Wisconsin Centers
1992-1993
Campus Tour Guide (part-time)
Office of Admissions
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Summer 1992
11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
educational, or other institution.
Former Trustee
Board of Trustees
U.S. Capital Historical Society
Washington, DC
Former Member
Leadership Council
Leadership Council of Women in National Security
Washington, DC
Former Member
Board of Directors
Tax Coalition
Washington, DC
Co-founder
Mary Mross Public Policy Scholarship
Divine Savior Holy Angels High School
Milwaukee, WI
12. List all memberships you have had after 18 years of age or
currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, educational,
political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or religiously
affiliated organization, private club, or other membership organization
(You do not have to list your religious affiliation or membership in a
religious house of worship or institution). Include dates of membership
and any positions you have held with any organization. Please note
whether any such club or organization restricts membership on the basis
of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.
Member
Cambridge Yacht Club
2024 to present
Member
Army Navy Country Club
2015 to present
Member
Capital Hill Club
2015 to present
13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are
personally liable for that debt.
Not Applicable.
14. List all memberships and offices held with and services
rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or
election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities. Not Applicable.
15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $200 or more for the past ten years.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senator Joni Ernst (IA) $1,000
Speaker Kevin McCarthy (CA) $3,300
Chairman Jason Smith (MO) $3,500
Senator Kyrsten Sinema (AZ) $3,300
ACLI PAC $6,240
Congressman Mike Gallagher (WI) $3,300
Majority Committee PAC $5,000
McCarthy Victory Fund $15,000
Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI) $3,300
Congressman Bryan Steil (WI) $3,300
National Republican Congressional Committee $3,400
Innovation PAC $5,000
Congressman Mike Johnson (LA) $5,000
Roger James Roth, Jr. (WI) $500
ACLI PAC $9,984
Congressman Mike Gallagher (WI) $3,500
Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA) $1,000
VIEW PAC $1,000
Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (IN) $500
Senator John Thune (SD) $2,000
Congresswoman Liz Cheney (WY) $2,500
Congressman Bryan Steil (WI) $4,400
Eye of the Tiger PAC $2,500
Senator Todd Young (IN) $2,900
Senator John Cornyn (TX) $1,000
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY) $2,000
Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI) $2,500
Senator Mitch McConnell $2,800
Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI) $2,500
VIEW PAC $1,000
National Republican Congressional Committee $500
Republican Party of Kentucky $5,000
Senator Joni Ernst (IA) $2,800
Madison Cawthorn (NC) $500
Senator Cory Gardner (CO) $700
Congressman Bryan Steil (WI) $2,500
Senator Thom Tillis (NC) $700
ACLI PAC $9,571
National Republican Senatorial Committee $500
Congressman Mike Gallagher (WI) $2,800
Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI) $5,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
Georgetown University McDonough School of Business EMBA program
scholarship
Distinguished Young Woman of the Year (formerly America's
Junior Miss program) undergraduate scholarship
Wisconsin Conservatory of Music Scholarship (classical piano)
Most Influential People in Economic Policy (Washingtonian Media
Inc.)
Top Lobbyist (The Hill)
Top Lobbyist (National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics)
Politico's Playbook Power List (Politico)
17. List all books, articles, columns, letters to the editor,
Internet blog postings, or other publications you have authored,
individually or with others. Include a link to each publication when
possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
publication when available.
``Much to Show in the Show Me State''
November 14, 2023
https://impact.acli.com/much-to-show-in-the-show-me-state/
``Don't Take Away Benefits from Hard Working Americans!''
September 7, 2023
https://impact.acli.com/dont-take-away-benefits-from-hard-
working-americans/
Bipartisan letter condemning violent attacks against Asian
Americans
March 2021
See attached document ``Bipartisan Call to Action by Senior
Government Officials''
Life Insurers: There for America
August 5, 2020
https://impact.acli.com/life-insurers-there-for-america/
Life Insurers Invest in American Families and Businesses
July 20, 2020
https://impact.acli.com/life-insurers-invest-in-american-
families-and-businesses/
Paid Maternity Leave During COVID-19 Pandemic? Yes!
May 27, 2020
https://impact.acli.com/paid-maternity-leave-during-covid-19-
pandemic-yes/
Senior Thesis on U.S.-Philippine modern history
Summer 1993
Copy unavailable
18. List all speeches, panel discussions, and presentations (e.g.,
PowerPoint) that you have given on topics relevant to the position for
which you have been nominated. Include a link to each publication when
possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
speech or presentation when available.
Featured Speaker. ``Customer Service,'' Congressional Institute
(August 15, 2024). No link or recording available.
Featured Speaker. ``Business of You'' Career Workshop (November
15, 2024). No link or recording available.
Featured Speaker. ``Career pivots, transferable skills,
identity, side hustles and building your brand,'' She Said/She
Said Podcast conversation (November 24, 2023)
Moderator. ACLI Conference (September 28, 2022). No link or
recording available.
Featured Speaker. ``Lobbying from the Living Room: Adapting
Advocacy Efforts to COVID-19,'' NAIFA Advocacy in Action Day.
(May 20, 2022).
https://advocacy.naifa.org/news/advocacy-in-action-lobbying-
from-the-living-room-adapting-advocacy-efforts-to-covid-19
Featured Speaker. ``Using Your Voice'' NAIFA DEI Impact Week
(April 7, 2021).
https://tdc.naifa.org/impact
Moderator. ACLI Executive Roundtable (January 2021). No link or
recording available.
Featured Speaker. ``Advocating from Afar: Trends in Policy,
Advocacy and Government Affairs'' U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
(September 22, 2020).
https://events.uschamber.com/LEAD2020/speaker/153751/joyce-
meyer
19. List all public statements you have made during the past ten
years, including statements in news articles and radio and podcasts and
television appearances, which are on topics relevant to the position
for which you have been nominated, including dates. Include a link to
each statement when possible. If a link is not available, provide a
digital copy of the statement when available.
``The little-Known Officials on Whom Trump's Agenda May Rely''
April 5, 2017
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/05/business/dealbook/white-
house-staffers-trump-agenda.html
``What They're Saying: The Protecting Innovation in Investment
Act''
February 6, 2024
https://www.commerce.senate.gov/2024/2/what-they-re-saying-the-
protecting-innovation-in-investment-act
20. List all digital platforms (including social media and other
digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated
an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your
name or an alias. Include the full name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'',
including the complete URL and username with hyperlinks, you have used
on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account is active,
deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if possible.
Instagram: @jymeyerz--active
X: @jmAlexDC--active
Truth Social: @jymeyer--active
LinkedIn: @jymdc--inactive
21. Please identify each instance in which you have testified
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date, committee, and subject
matter of each testimony.
Not applicable.
22. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
operational objectives of the department/agency/commission/corporation
to which you have been nominated, what in your background or employment
experience do you believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment
to the position for which you have been nominated, and why do you wish
to serve in that position?
Throughout my 30-year career, I have depended on reliable economic
data and analysis and worked closely with analytical experts to carry
out my responsibilities to draft public policy and advocate for the
business community. To promote U.S. businesses and investment in
America and in our communities, the business community needs reliable
data and analysis to make their investment decisions. And to prioritize
investment in America, policy makers need reliable data to make sound
public policy and regulatory decisions.
My experience leading large, complex organizations has prepared me
for this role. As staff director of the House Ways and Means Committee,
I led a team of top experts while managing multiple lines of
negotiations and legislation with broad stakeholder input to carry out
the agenda of the chairman and members of the committee. Formulating
tax policy, for example, requires data, analysis and revenue estimates
provided by the Joint Committee on Taxation, which is overseen by the
House Ways and Means chair for the first year of each session of
Congress.
Building upon this experience, as Deputy Chief of Staff in the
Speaker's office, I led a core team of 55 staffers. Just as important
were my responsibilities overseeing the House operations team that
supported 435 Members of Congress, 5 delegates of the House, one
resident commissioner, more than 21 House committees and more than
10,000 House employees in Washington, DC and in each congressional
district throughout the country. These responsibilities included, for
example, the House's legislative process, security, historical
preservation and renovations of the House office buildings. My focus on
the institution of the U.S. House of Representatives was in addition to
my responsibilities providing leadership support to the Speaker and
members of the Republican Conference to carry out the House Majority's
legislative agenda.
As a leader in a trade association for a 175-year-old, highly
regulated industry, data and analysis were critical to make sure
business decisions and public policy prioritize the financial security
of American workers and retirees' life insurance and retirement
savings.
23. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
ensure that the department/agency/commission/corporation has proper
management and accounting controls, and what experience do you have in
managing a large organization?
If confirmed, my responsibilities as Undersecretary of the Economic
Affairs are to provide all necessary data and analysis that strengthens
the Department of Commerce ability to carry out its mission, as
outlined by Secretary Lutnick, ``to protect, defend and enhance
investment in America.''
More specifically, these responsibilities include conducting robust
and timely economic analysis for the Secretary and Bureaus to make
program and policy decisions; innovate the collection and value of this
data and promote and defend the integrity of the data to serve the
users of the data. https://www.commerce.gov/bureaus-and-offices/ousea
My experience leading complex teams and organizations in dynamic
environments, equips me for this important role, for driving
innovation, and for strengthening the integrity and reliability of the
agency. The Speaker of the House is responsible for the institutional
responsibilities of the U.S. House of Representatives. As Deputy Chief
of Staff, day-to-day staff management and support was my
responsibility. Each of the 435 Members of Congress, 5 House delegates
and one resident commissioner is personally financially responsible if
they overspend their office's annual budget amount--the Member
Representational Allowance (MRA). It is an important accounting control
for taxpayer dollars, but it is even more important to work closely
with House officers like the Chief Administrative Officer to ensure no
Member of Congress, or House committee, ever gets to this point.
Fostering collaboration and clear lines of communication among all
components of the House was critical to ensure that each Members of
Congress could serve their constituents and carry out their
constitutional responsibilities.
24. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency/commission/corporation, and why?
The public servants of the Department of Commerce Economic Affairs
team each day face the challenges that come with the core mission of
providing reliable, timely data and analysis. These challenges continue
to present opportunities and, if confirmed, I look forward to exploring
further how we can build upon the important work of the agency.
1. Leveraging technology to improve speed of data and analysis:
Collecting data for statistical sampling or enumeration takes
time. How can we leverage technology to collect data faster and
how can we leverage technology to support the important work of
the public servants who provide economic analysis?
2. Capturing the dynamic economy: The economy is always changing.
New industries, new consumers and new markets are constantly
emerging. How can we ensure that the data and analysis provided
by the Department of Commerce Economic Affairs team captures
and reflects all dimensions of the Nation's dynamic economy?
3. Efficiency and integration: The Federal government has multiple
statistical offices within other agencies. How can we
efficiently deliver to all Americans, including American policy
makers, the business community and academia the data and
analysis they need?
b. potential conflicts of interest
1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement
accounts, such as a 401(k) or pension plan.
American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI):
I will continue to participate in the ACLI defined contribution
plan. The plan sponsor will not make further contributions and
I will not make future contributions.
2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,
association, or other organization during your appointment? If so,
please explain.
Not applicable.
3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in
the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will
resolve each potential conflict of interest.
ACLI 401k
MFS Total Return Fund Class R6 Shares (MSFKX): I will comply
with all ethics requirements as outlined by OGE.
PGIM Jennison Growth Fund Class R6 Shares (PJFQX); I will
comply with all ethics requirements as outlined by OGE.
Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Admiral Shares (VIMAX): I will
comply with all ethics requirements as outlined by OGE.
Roth IRA
Vanguard Federal Money Market Fund Investor Shares (VMFXX):
I will comply with all ethics requirements as outlined by OGE.
Vanguard Target Retirement 2040 Fund Investor Class (VFORX):
I will comply with all ethics requirements as outlined by OGE.
4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve
each potential conflict of interest.
I represented ACLI as their EVP of Government Relations. I will
resolve any potential conflict of interest by complying with all ethics
requirements as outlined by OGE.
5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest and explain
how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.
My spouse is the founder and principal of Westfourth
Communications. My spouse's clients include:
Thales USA, Inc.
CGI Federal
CGI Technologies and Solutions
Partnership for Tax Compliance
Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition
Liberty Tire Recycling, Inc.
Student Loan Servicing Alliance
National Association for Proton Therapy
American Psychiatric Nurses Association
Global Peace Foundation
National Air Carriers Association
I will resolve any potential conflicts of interest by complying
with all ethics requirements as outlined by OGE.
Spouse Roth IRA
Vanguard Federal Money Market: I will resolve any potential
conflicts of interest by complying with all ethics requirements
as outlined by OGE.
Vanguard Target Retirement 2040 Investor Class Mutual Fund:
I will resolve any potential conflicts of interest by complying
with all ethics requirements as outlined by OGE.
Spouse WPP 401(k)
Vanguard Wellington Fund Admiral: I will resolve any
potential conflicts of interest by complying with all ethics
requirements as outlined by OGE.
Vanguard Equity Income Fund: I will resolve any potential
conflicts of interest by complying with all ethics requirements
as outlined by OGE.
JPM MdCapValue R6: I will resolve any potential conflicts of
interest by complying with all ethics requirements as outlined
by OGE.
AmerFundsEuroPacificGR R6: I will resolve any potential
conflicts of interest by complying with all ethics requirements
as outlined by OGE.
RubinMeyer Communications LLC, now Westfourth Communication LLC, 401(k)
Vanguard Value Index ETF: I will resolve any potential
conflicts of interest by complying with all ethics requirements
as outlined by OGE.
Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF: I will resolve any
potential conflicts of interest by complying with all ethics
requirements as outlined by OGE.
Vanguard Md Cap Index ETF: I will resolve any potential
conflicts of interest by complying with all ethics requirements
as outlined by OGE.
Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF: I will resolve any potential
conflicts of interest by complying with all ethics requirements
as outlined by OGE.
SPDR Index PTF devel world ex-US ETF: I will resolve any
potential conflicts of interest by complying with all ethics
requirements as outlined by OGE.
SPDR S&P Emerging Markets ETF: I will resolve any potential
conflicts of interest by complying with all ethics requirements
as outlined by OGE.
Schwab Short-term U.S. Treasury ETF: I will resolve any
potential conflicts of interest by complying with all ethics
requirements as outlined by OGE.
iShares -5 year TIPS Bond ETF: I will resolve any potential
conflicts of interest by complying with all ethics requirements
as outlined by OGE.
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF: I will resolve any potential
conflicts of interest by complying with all ethics requirements
as outlined by OGE.
Vanguard FTSE Emerging Market ETF: I will resolve any
potential conflicts of interest by complying with all ethics
requirements as outlined by OGE.
Invest529--Virginia College Savings Plan (for college-aged dependent)
2024 (18+): I will resolve any potential conflicts of
interest by complying with all ethics requirements as outlined
by OGE.
Harley-Davidson, Inc. (HOG) stocks: I will resolve any
potential conflicts of interest by complying with all ethics
requirements as outlined by OGE.
Northwestern Mutual Whole Life Insurance
Plan 1 (self): I will resolve any potential conflicts of
interest by complying with all ethics requirements as outlined
by OGE.
Plan 2 (spouse): I will resolve any potential conflicts of
interest by complying with all ethics requirements as outlined
by OGE.
Plan 3 (dependent): I will resolve any potential conflicts
of interest by complying with all ethics requirements as
outlined by OGE.
Roth IRA (for Dependent)
Vanguard Federal Money Market Fund Investor Shares: I will
resolve any potential conflicts of interest by complying with
all ethics requirements as outlined by OGE.
Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund Investor Class Shares
(VTIVX): I will resolve any potential conflicts of interest by
complying with all ethics requirements as outlined by OGE.
6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the
names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the
purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or
modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and
execution of law or public policy.
I represented ACLI as their EVP of Government Relations. I will
resolve any potential conflict of interest by complying with all ethics
requirements as outlined by OGE.
c. legal matters
1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special
Counsel, an Inspector General, professional association, disciplinary
committee, or other professional group? No.
If yes:
a. Provide the name of the court, agency, association, committee, or
group;
b. Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action was issued or initiated;
c. Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action;
d. Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,
complaint, or personnel action.
2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
State, county, municipal, or foreign government entity, other than for
a minor traffic offense? No.
If so, please explain.
3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? No.
If so, please explain.
4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic
offense? No.
If so, please explain.
5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual
assault, sexual harassment, or discrimination on the basis of sex,
race, religion, or any other basis? No.
If so, please explain.
6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination.
Not applicable.
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/
corporation complies with deadlines for information set by
congressional committees, and that your department/agency/commission/
corporation endeavors to timely comply with requests for information
from individual Members of Congress, including requests from members in
the minority? Yes.
2. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/
corporation does whatever it can to protect congressional witnesses and
whistleblowers from reprisal for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.
4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
______
Addendum to the questionnaire submitted to the Senate Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation, 119th Congress by Joyce Meyer.
Upon further review, I have identified additional asset information
that is responsive to questions A.5, A.15 and E.1 on the Committee's
questionnaire. They can be found in the attached documents.
The undersigned certifies that the information contained in the
public addendum is true and correct.
8/22/2025
X Joyce Meyer
Joyce Meyer
Signed by: JOYCE MEYER
______
Joyce Meyer Addendum
August 22, 2025
A.5 Date of Birth:
A.15 Political contributions as outlined on the August 13, 2025 e-mail
request:
Scalise Leadership Fund $2,500: This fund is called ``Eye of the Tiger
PAC'' and is listed correctly under my answer for A.15. The FEC website
incorrectly lists that I made two separate contributions to the Scalise
Leadership Fund and to the Eye of the Tiger PAC.
Save the Senate 2020 $2,800: This was an inadvertent omission in my
response to A.15. I can confirm that I did make a personal contribution
of $2,800 to Save the Senate.
Waging Peace $3,300: My personal contribution of $3,300 was made to
Congressman Mike Gallaghter's re-elect. It is listed correctly in my
response to A.15. The FEC website incorrectly lists a personal
contribution from me to Mike Gallagher's leadership PAC, which is
called ``Waging Peace.''
E.1. My response can be found in the attached document
``JMeyer.assets.xlsx.'' To ensure you can view the correct values to
the corresponding assets, it is recommended to use the ``landscape''
setting, which can be found under ``Page Layout'' and ``Orientation.''
______
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Former Senior Government
Officials Issue Bipartisan Call to Action Against Anti-Asian Hate
We, the undersigned Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI)
descent, who served as senior officials in both Republican and
Democratic Administrations and Congressional offices, strongly denounce
the alarming increase in violence, rhetoric, and bigotry against the
AAPI community. We urge Members of Congress and the Biden
Administration to work with state and local government officials to
address these concerns with policy solutions and proactive measures.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, we have seen a
dramatic rise of anti-AAPI bias and violence. As Americans continue to
face economic and health challenges, Asian Americans continue to face
wrongful blame for the virus. According to STOP AAPI HATE, 2020 saw a
150 percent increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans. Since the
start of the pandemic, more than 3,800 anti-Asian hate incidents have
been self-reported, and of that, 66 percent were targeted against Asian
American women. Though many of the incidents involve bullying, racial
epithets, and verbal abuse and harassment, an increasing number of
incidents have involved physical violence, including death.
On March 18th, the first Asian American woman to be appointed to
the President's Cabinet, former U.S. Secretary of Labor and former U.S.
Secretary of Transportation, Elaine Chao, said in a statement, ``Such
vicious, and unconscionable acts of violence cut at the very core of
our country and the values on which it was founded. . .the critical
work to combat the haunting rise of hatred against the AAPI community
must intensify with the immediacy this latest tragedy commands.''
On March 14th, former Washington Governor Gary Locke, the first
Asian American governor, former U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and former
U.S. Ambassador to China, called for an end to violence against Asian
American communities. ``This violence against Asian Americans, and
especially our elderly, has got to stop,'' Locke said, ``We cannot
scapegoat [and] blame Asian Americans for this virus. Hate is a
virus.''
For centuries, AAPIs have contributed much to the vibrancy and
success of this country. Yet we are sometimes still seen as ``the
foreigner'' or ``less American'' and treated as the ``other''. Today,
an estimated two million AAPIs serve on the front lines of our
country's battle against the COVID-19 pandemic as healthcare workers,
first responders, grocery store workers, and other essential roles.
They risk their lives every day to save fellow Americans, but even they
are not immune to this kind of bias and hate. Doctors and nurses have
been insulted, business owners have been harassed, our churches and
temples have been vandalized, and even the elderly have been physically
attacked.
For all of us, it has been a great honor and privilege to serve the
American public at the highest levels of the Federal government,
working for both Republicans and Democrats. What is currently happening
in our country is alarming, and it requires that we all stand in
solidarity to protect and support the AAPI community. We call on our
political leaders to: denounce violence and hateful rhetoric against
AAPIs; to work with local, state, and national leaders and law
enforcement agencies to better protect AAPIs; and to pass and fund
legislation that will better support the needs of the AAPI community.
#StopAsianHate.
Signed,
(DEMOCRATS) (REPUBLICANS)
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
The Chairman. Thank you. Mr. Graham, we will start with
you. ADS-B is a technology that can receive or transmit
location, altitude, velocity to air traffic control and other
nearby aircraft faster than radar or other transponders.
Unfortunately, the Army Black Hawk helicopter involved in
the mid-air collision above the Potomac earlier this year was
not transmitting ADS-B, despite operating in congested airspace
with civilian aircraft. This meant the Blackhawk, which should
have never been flying in that area in the first place, was
completely dark to airplanes arriving at DCA.
In July, I introduced the ROTOR Act, which would require
all aircraft, commercial, business, general aviation, and
military, to transmit their locations via ADS-B. Widespread
adoption of ADS-B In will improve aviation safety, as noted by
your colleague NTSB Chair, Jennifer Homendy.
The NTSB has long called for broader use of ADS-B. Mr.
Graham, should virtually all aircraft be required to transmit
their locations via ADS-B and to receive ADS-B signals from
nearby aircraft?
Mr. Graham. Chairman Cruz, thank you for that question.
First of all, as far as ADS-B goes with respect to the
accident, it would be inappropriate for me to draw any
conclusions at that point because it hasn't been presented to
the Board as a final report with probable cause and
conclusions, findings, recommendations.
But as far ADS-B technology goes, it has an incredible
safety potential if implemented correctly. I think it has great
benefit for the future of being able to--for airports that
don't have ground radar or any other kind of radar. I think
those systems that are called the SAI Initiative that the FAA
is putting in, in control towers, I thinks it is great.
The problem they have right now is they haven't put any
warning or caution systems, either audio or visual, for the
controllers to alert the controller that there might be an
impending incursion.
I have seen some of the technology that some of avionics
manufacturers are using it for--in the cockpit, which is one of
our recommendations that go back to 2000, that we ask for not
just the control towers to have this data and be able to see
aircraft, but also in the cockpits so pilots can start reacting
quicker than waiting for a controller to tell them.
So, I believe in ADS-B technology in the future, and I do
think, especially in Class B airspace, in my personal opinion,
all aircraft should have that on and--when they are operating
in that area.
The Chairman. In your professional judgment, would the
flying public be safer if the ROTOR Act were passed and ADS-B
In and Out were required for aircraft in commercial airspace?
Mr. Graham. Thank you, Chairman Cruz, for that question.
First of all, the NTSB, we don't normally endorse any
legislation, but we do look at our recommendations that have
been out there for some time, and I notice some of those are
included in the ROTOR Act. We are always trying to have our
recommendations either implemented by the regulator or
legislatively by this body.
The Chairman. OK, let me just try for a straightforward
answer. Would the flying public be safer if ADS-B In and Out
were required?
Mr. Graham. Yes.
The Chairman. Thank you. Mr. Klein, in your role at OSTP
during the first Trump administration, you advanced the
Nation's AI strategy through the American AI Initiative and
helped establish the tenets outlined in the 2020 National
Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act. Some of those tenets
were abused by the Biden administration.
For instance, the Biden Administration diverted NIST from
its job of developing technical standards, to policing what
they call disinformation and stereotyping in AI, both of which
were masked up censorship.
As stakeholders and lawmakers talk about wanting to more
tightly regulate AI, they should keep in mind that the last
time Congress authorized AI standards-related activity, the
American AI Initiative ended up being used by woke leftists in
the Biden administration to guard against supposed harms like
misgendering on ChatGPT, or ChatGPT downplaying climate change.
Thankfully, the Trump administration has put a stop to this
nonsense and is stamping out woke AI. Why do you think the core
tenets of the 2020 National AI Initiative Act, based on OSTP's
earlier work, were implemented in unexpected ways during the
Biden administration? Was that a departure from the statute, or
a result of the law's open-ended language, and how can we guard
against it moving forward?
Mr. Klein. Chairman Cruz, thank you for your question. I
had been involved in drafting of the 2019 Executive Order,
which was the first ever signed by a President on artificial
intelligence. And the language that we had used at that time
was seeking to reduce barriers to safe testing and deployment
that would help enable an industry adoption and ensure public
trust in these technologies.
In my personal belief, I think NIST, as a former National
Bureau of Standards, is an excellent place to do use case and
sector-specific standards that can help enable industry
adoption and enable public trust.
I think that the position of this administration is very
much focused on that in terms of the America's AI Action Plan
and the tasks specifically given to the Office of Science and
Technology Policy in issuing an RFI that will seek to identify
those kinds of barriers and places where we may need either
deregulatory action, greater use exemptions, waivers, or
regulatory sandboxing, or places where we may actually need
more regulatory clarity to, again, ensure industry adoption and
public trust in this technology.
The Chairman. Thank you. Ranking Member Cantwell.
Senator Cantwell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. To go back to
this ADS-B In and Out issue. Mr. Graham, you are aware that,
because you mentioned the time period, that this recommendation
for mandating this was made a long time ago. So, the point is,
you support that recommendation, correct?
Mr. Graham. Absolutely, I do.
Senator Cantwell. OK. So the issue is, why wasn't it
adopted? And the question is, in the FAA safety bill, we tried
to get a larger role played by NTSB in getting an annual report
on the highest risks that need to be addressed. And that has
been implemented. And my guess is that you would say that this
is one of the highest risk, if it is not implemented.
Mr. Graham. I believe it is one of the higher risk, yes.
Senator Cantwell. OK. So the point is, what else do you
think that NTSB can do--this is a gap, right? This is the gap
between a safety organization that has to spend all its time on
the details and a regulatory agency that seems to, in the last
decade plus, try to ignore those recommendations. What else can
we do to further get this implementation as a priority? What
more can NTSB do?
Mr. Graham. I think at this point, we can just, all we can
do--it reminds me of positive train control. We advocated for
that for 50 years. This is 20-some years into this now with
ADS-B In technology. All we can from the NTSB is continue to
advocate for our recommendations and hope the regulator or this
body does something and ask for the regulator to go ahead and
make it regulatory in this case.
Senator Cantwell. Well, the problem is our regulator hasn't
been doing it. That is the big problem. And this, you know, on
ground incursion--basically, it was the Chair who I purposely
made come to a hearing and sat right next to the then-acting
Administrator to call him out on why he hadn't implemented that
recommendation.
So, and then finally, he held a Forum two days later and
said, ``oh yes, we should implement this''. So in this case,
you know, sure, I called the Chair before a committee and had
her asking the question, but why does that have to happen? Why
can't we, you know--we needed an aggressive NTSB. I get it. I
get it. We are trying to change a big bureaucracy here for
sure.
But at the same time, we need--the answers to Senator
Cruz's questions made it seem like you were hesitant to
advocate for this technology, and you may not want to advocate
for an actual implementation in a bill, because you may or may
not know the details of various implementations.
Senator Cruz and I disagree right now on--we want it
implemented. We are like, this is way too long. We want it
implemented now. So I get it, but at the same time I need a
more aggressive NTSB on calling out the lack of implementation
by the FAA. We just do. We Just do.
And I am sorry that that is the case. I wish we had a more
aggressive FAA, but apparently we have people there that are
right now rewriting the rules, trying to be more light touch
again, so.
Mr. Graham. If I could answer that, Senator. It is not that
I am hesitant. What I am hesitating about is talking about
anything as ADS-B's role in the DCA mid-air accident. I do not
want to influence that investigation. We need to stay----
Senator Cantwell. OK. I get it. I get it. OK. Did you see
anything wrong----
Mr. Graham. But I am totally--I am totally into it----
Senator Cantwell. --did you see anything wrong with Alvin
Brown? Do you think he--did you see anything wrong with his
behavior at NTSB?
Mr. Graham. Senator, all board members serve at the
pleasure of the President, no matter who the President is.
Senator Cantwell. I asked you if you saw anything wrong?
Mr. Graham. From my standpoint, Senator, I have very little
interaction with most of the other board members because the
way our board is set up, the way we rule on things. So I had
very little interactions with him.
Senator Cantwell. OK. Thank you. Dr. Klein, we have to go
to--I mean, I disagree with his firing. Dr. Kline, tell me
about quantum, and do you believe that we need a National
Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act? This is something
Senators Young, Durbin, Danes, and I have worked on. I plan to
reintroduce it this Congress, but do you think we need a broad
initiative here to be aggressive?
Mr. Klein. Senator, thank you for your question. And
certainly, quantum, to me--there is a lot of discussion about
AI right now, and I think rightfully so, but quantum is
something that I don't think is talked about enough. And I know
that this committee has been very much involved in that space.
The National Quantum Initiative that was signed into law
under the first Trump administration was a priority then, and I
know that these actions to both further the R&D for quantum but
more so move toward commercialization and applications is a
critically important matter at this time, and something that if
confirmed, I would be very happy to work with your staff and
this committee on.
Senator Cantwell. And could you, for the record, answer a
question related to that on fusion, too? Could you, for the
record, put something in what you think we should be doing on
fusion? And Ms. Meyer, if you could--my time has expired, but
if you could, for record.
The Bureau of Economic Analysis, you mentioned a lot of
things in your testimony about things that you would--you think
that we need to be broader on. We cannot have disagreement
about statistics. I don't think we should have disagreements
about science. I mean, science is science.
We should listen to scientists. We should listen to
engineers like your dad who was a Boeing engineer. We should
listen to these people. But in this case, I want you to outline
how you prevent the administration from undermining the
statistics?
So my time has expired so you will have to do it for the
record, but thank you so much for your willingness to address
that. Thank you
Senator Moreno. Senator Sullivan.
STATEMENT OF HON. DAN SULLIVAN,
U.S. SENATOR FROM ALASKA
Senator Sullivan. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I want to
thank the witnesses, nominees, for their service and their
family members. I always appreciate the opening statements that
focus on patriotism, and service, and family. So, well done to
all three of you. Off to a good start.
Let me start with you, Dr. Klein. You did a reference,
actually, to the space race with the Soviet Union, which is a
high point in American science. And it was important that we
won that race, which we did. Why is it similarly important that
we win the AI race with the Chinese Communist Party?
Mr. Klein. Senator, thank you for your question. It is
incredibly important, because what we do in the United States
will impact how the world adopts artificial intelligence,
whether other countries will be built on an American AI stack
or a Chinese AI stack.
And along with that goes technical standards and everything
that is going to set the future of applications across a range
of sectors. Artificial intelligence is not confined, you know,
to anyone, you know, sector. It is something that will be
adopted across medicine, across transportation, agriculture.
These are things we are already seeing today.
Senator Sullivan. And national security as well, right? And
national security, right?
Mr. Klein. Certainly.
Senator Sullivan. If China wins the AI race, their ability
to have a more lethal military starts to raise its ugly head
too. Is that correct?
Mr. Klein. Absolutely. I think it is critically important
that we focus not just on the research and development aspects,
but also the adoption both by industry, by our own Government,
and that includes national security, yes.
Senator Sullivan. Good. Let me ask another question that
often gets missed on the AI race. So it is a lot about energy.
It is a lot about electrons. The Biden administration, when
they were in power, you know, they were all about shutting down
American energy, especially in places like my state.
Alaska suffered through 70 Executive Orders by Joe Biden to
singularly shut down Alaska. We were sanctioned more than Iran
and Venezuela, and those are terrorist states, just because we
produced energy in the Biden administration--and like American
energy. So tell me about the importance of having American
energy produced as part of the AI race?
Mr. Klein. Well, absolutely, Senator. Energy is something
that we hear more about from the technology companies than the
technology itself, in truth. And it is a shame if that would be
a bottleneck for our ability to innovate and to adopt this
technology.
Senator Sullivan. When we have more energy than any other--
you think we have more energy in China? Hell yes. We need to
unleash it, not shut it down. And don't you think that's
important for the winning of the AI race?
Mr. Klein. Certainly. And actually, pillar two of the AI
Action Plan is exactly focused on that. It is focused on the
infrastructure, and that includes both the data centers that
will be needed, but also all the underlying energy
infrastructure. And this administration, under President Trump,
has taken a number of different Executive Orders seeking to
unleash that energy. In one area that I know very personally,
in terms of nuclear energy, we have had just an incredible
opportunity now to enable that testing, enable quicker
deployment of, you know, these reactors for commercial
deployment and also for Government use.
Senator Sullivan. Good. Yes, one of the first EOs President
Trump signed on his first day in office was an Executive Order
called, ``Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource
Potential'', which, of course, I appreciated. But that is good
not just for Alaska, good for Americans, and it is good for the
AI race. Mr. Graham, let me commend you on your service, your
Naval Aviator service, which I think is wonderful.
I notice the Chairman, Chair Homendy is in the audience
here, so we appreciate her wonderful service. She is doing a
great job. You know, we have the highest crash rates in
aviation in Alaska for a whole host of reasons.
The NTSB put out a study on this a number of years ago,
which launched the FAA Alaska Safety Initiative, what we call
the FASI Initiative. And one of the things that I want to work
with you on, and I would like your commitment on, is that we
have non-FAA service providers that can develop more precise,
lower minimum procedures for using GPS-based technology, but
they don't receive Federal support and often can't publish
procedures for public use under current FAA policies.
You know, one of our challenges in Alaska is we don't have
basic infrastructure at our many, many airports that the lower
48 airports do. So can I work with you on this? The Chair, the
Secretary, they are all very focused on advancing this FASI
Initiative so we can bring down the crash rates and the death
rates in Alaska aviation, which is the highest in the country.
Mr. Graham. Senator, absolutely, yes. You have my
commitment to work with you. And I am sure the Board has had a
long history of working with the Alaska community and trying to
make it safer. We understand how important aviation is to your
state.
Senator Sullivan. Thank you. And finally, Ms. Meyer, I do
appreciate the flag. That is a great opening statement you had
there. But I will follow up on Senator Cantwell's question. You
know, the Bureau of Labor Statistics revised its job estimates
between April 2024 and March 2025 by almost a million fewer
jobs. That was the largest downward revision in almost a
quarter century. What is going on there and how can we fix
that? That is a disaster for people who rely on that important
data.
Ms. Meyer. Thank you. Thank you very much, Senator. I
really appreciate the important question. I will start first by
saying BLS is not--it is at the Department of Labor. It is not
currently under Commerce.
I don't have visibility into the work that BLS has done,
but I very much appreciate your question because an important
part of the integrity and accuracy of data is the transparency
that comes with revisions. If confirmed, I look forward to
continuing the good work that is done at Census and Bureau to
place priority on accuracy and integrity.
Revisions are part of the process, I know, particularly
with the data that they do. And I think it is important to
continue that--to continue to look at ways to ensure that as
data comes in, it is reflecting an accurate measure of the
economy or the specific sector it is focused on.
Senator Sullivan. Good. Good. Thank you very much. Thank
you, Mr. Chairman.
Senator Moreno. Thank you to my colleague from Alaska. I am
disappointed that there was no questions about AI's application
to fishing, but we will have to do that for the second round. I
recognize Senator Young.
Senator Sullivan. There are applications, by the way.
STATEMENT OF HON. TODD YOUNG,
U.S. SENATOR FROM INDIANA
Senator Young. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Congratulations to
our three nominees. It is good to see each of you. Dr. Klein, I
know it was several months ago now that we visited in my
office, and we talked about the development, commercialization,
and deployment of all sorts of emerging technologies.
And I thought it was especially beneficial to discuss with
you our role as Congress in this process of facilitating
public-private partnerships so that we can make sure we sustain
our ecosystem of basic research, pathways to commercialization,
and the elimination of unnecessary barriers.
As you know, I am working relatedly on an initiative for
quantum computing and quantum more generally, National Quantum
Initiative Reauthorization Act. And our effort here is to
attempt to continue the acceleration of quantum computing,
development, and deployment here in the United States.
And I think your assistance in this role that you have been
nominated for could greatly assist Congress in moving this
legislation across the finish line, creating predictability,
and ensuring we have the authorities to win the quantum race,
as we are calling it. Can you speak to why Congress must act
and foster programs to accelerate basic research and
commercialization of quantum?
Mr. Klein. Certainly, and thank you for your question,
Senator, and I very much enjoyed our discussion several months
ago. As I had mentioned to Senator Cantwell, quantum is an
incredibly important priority for this Nation. It will have
incredible applications across not only science, but national
security as well.
And while there has been a lot of investment and focus on
the research and development piece, and we certainly need to
continue to invest in that basic research, there is also a role
to play for the Federal Government in moving toward that
commercialization and moving toward applications of quantum.
That is if we want to build out a domestic industry here
that includes everything from the infrastructure, the supply
chains, and the workforce that is going to be required. Both
those high-skilled STEM PhDs that we would love to see more
Americans going--taking that path. And also a technically
skilled workforce that is going to be able to have quantum jobs
here in America.
Senator Young. And can the administration do it all by
itself or is Congressional action required? This is what we
call a leading question in the business.
Mr. Klein. Yes, Senator. Certainly it requires both the
Legislative and the Executive branches to work together. And if
confirmed, I would be very excited to work on this topic with
you.
Senator Young. Likewise. Thank you. Let me move on, Dr.
Klein, so that we might discuss another tech vector in which
you have deep expertise, and that is drone technology. I
represent the most manufacturing intensive state in the
country, as my colleagues are tired of hearing.
I understand the importance and the economic opportunities
of increased commercialization of our technologies, including
drones. But I also understand the challenges associated with
deployment. Scaling production isn't straightforward,
especially for systems as complex as unmanned aerial vehicles.
Dr. Klein, where do you see the most pressing opportunities for
Congress to support the mass manufacture of US-made drones?
Mr. Klein. Certainly. I think from a Congressional
perspective, the drone industrial base, there is a few
different levers that can be used to ensure American dominance
in this area, which was the subject of a recent Presidential
Executive Order.
I believe both Federal procurement preferences for secure
U.S. made drones, supply chain and standards setting in this
area, is another critical area. And this is something that we
have seen truly an explosion of interest in across industries
and across sectors.
From the first Trump administration, we worked on some of
that initial kind of deregulatory action, regulatory
sandboxing, which I think today has kind of led toward this
continued integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the
national airspace system.
So on the industrial base, certainly toward standard
setting, toward procurement, and toward incentivizing the
growth of a domestic manufacturing base, are incredibly
important.
Senator Young. Goodness--30 seconds left. Are there any
remaining obstacles that are top of mind for you as it relates
to drone deployment? Key obstacles that stand in the way of
creating an environment that supports not just innovation and
design, we are pretty good at that, but actually getting drones
out into the field?
Mr. Klein. Certainly. I think one important part is, again,
the regulatory sandboxing. There is recently announcement on an
EVTOL Integration Pilot Program in the spirit of the Unmanned
Aircraft System Pilot Program that occurred under the first
Trump administration.
The publishing of publication and hopefully soon use of a
beyond visual line of sight rule is another first step in being
able to expand the set of safe operations for drones. And I
think as we are able to get additional regulatory clarity,
additional use of these drones across sectors, it will provide
for a stronger kind of draw for a domestic industrial base.
Senator Young. Thanks again, doctor. Congrats to all our
nominees. Chair.
Senator Moreno. Thank you. I recognize Senator Peters.
STATEMENT OF HON. GARY PETERS,
U.S. SENATOR FROM MICHIGAN
Senator Peters. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. To each of our
nominees, congratulations on your nomination. Ms. Meyer, the
2030 census will determine how communities across the country
are going to receive millions of dollars in Federal funding for
roads, for hospitals and bridges, as well as determine the
political representation that they have here in Congress.
It is absolutely essential, and I believe you know this
from our discussion earlier, that the Census Bureau prepare so
that the 2030 count is accurate, timely, and reliable. That is
a lot of work between now and then. And the next step to
prepare for the 2030 count is to conduct a test run of the
census in 2026 at six sites around the country.
I am concerned about the status of the preparation for this
2026 census test, and I understand that the Bureau has not yet
even begun hiring, which is behind the curve of what we have
seen in the past.
And also, the Census Bureau has refused to provide updates
to me on the status of preparation for this test. So my
question for you is first off, do you commit to prioritizing
preparation and hiring for the 2026 Census if you are indeed
confirmed?
Ms. Meyer. Senator, thank you very much for the question.
Thanks, too, for taking the time, you and your team. I very
much appreciated our discussion. And thanks too for
highlighting the important work of the Census. As we know, this
is a core responsibility, particularly from--as outlined by the
Constitution.
And incidentally, today is National Constitution Day--287
years ago the Constitution was signed. So, I think it is
particularly timely. And with the work that is focused in
preparation for 2030, as you know, I am not in the role, so I
can't speak to any specifics.
But what I can tell you is that if confirmed, I commit to
working with you and the Committee, and also keeping a focus on
the appropriate levels of staffing and resources that will be
required.
Senator Peters. So I know you, as from our discussion, you
know that this is a big responsibility, and it is going take a
considerable amount of your efforts going forward. Could you
tell the Committee what steps you are thinking about right now
of taking to prepare for this census test? I am sure you have
given it some thought. Could you share some of those ideas with
us, please?
Ms. Meyer. Senator, thank you. And I know this is a very
important issue, particularly given your role and the important
focus you and your team have put into the census.
As I mentioned, I am not in the role, but I do look forward
to, if confirmed, exploring ways to ensure that there are no,
for example, technological capabilities that would be
overlooked in order to support the good work of the census in
preparation for 2030.
I also look forward to exploring and making sure that there
are ways to apply any takeaways from previous experiences,
previous census, and also making sure the data that continues
to be analyzed informs the next steps in regards to the census
for 2030.
Senator Peters. Ms. Meyer, this summer, President Trump
called on the Department of Commerce to conduct a new census to
take place immediately that excludes non-citizens. No law
permits the President from unilaterally conducting a whole new
census at this point between censuses.
Any change to the census would require amending the Census
Act and approval from Congress. So my question for you is, do
you agree that the President is unable to conduct a new census
now unless Congress passes a law to actually authorize it?
Ms. Meyer. Senator, thanks again for the continued focus
and opportunity to respond on this very topic, this important
topic of the census. In regards to, as I am not in the role, I
have not been part of--I don't have any decisionmaking
authority or have not been a part of the discussions.
If confirmed, I do look forward to complying with the law
and ensuring that all of the steps that are taken as you
outlined, particularly in preparation for 2030, I look forward
to carrying that out and joining alongside those who work at
the Census.
Senator Peters. So do you agree that a law needs to be
passed? I didn't hear that in your answer, I apologize.
Ms. Meyer. Senator, in regards to this, I am not in the
role, but if confirmed, I do look forward to continuing to work
with you and the Committee in regards to these issues.
Senator Peters. Very good. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
STATEMENT OF HON. BERNIE MORENO,
U.S. SENATOR FROM OHIO
Senator Moreno. Thank you. And congratulations to all three
of you for being nominated. It is quite an honor, and I look
forward to serving with all of you. Let's start with you, Dr.
Klein. I am no nuclear scientist. One of us is.
How do you work to make certain that as we develop AI
technology, that it filters through to help working Americans?
That it doesn't displace them, it doesn't eliminate them, but
rather enables them and empowers them? Like, how do we focus in
on that?
Mr. Klein. Certainly. And Senator, thank you for the
question. Any action that this administration would take with
regard to AI has to have the American worker core and center.
It has been a big push within America's AI Action Plan, is to
focus on ways that the Federal Government can assess, where
there may be, you know, new job opportunities, new areas, new
sectors that Americans should be trained up for, for jobs of
the future, and ensuring that we are investing in any re-
skilling or ability for American workers to include and involve
AI in their daily work to, you know, increase efficiency and
make their jobs, you know, more enjoyable.
So I think that everything that we do has to be data
informed, and I think that is one step, is to ensure that we
have the appropriate data and information and understanding of
how industry is adopting these technologies and how it may
have, you know, downstream impacts. And then ensuring that we
are training Americans from the start on these kinds of
technologies.
The President had signed an Executive Order focusing on the
K through 12 AI education, of which there was a task force
meeting just a week and a half ago. And the focus there is
really ensuring that from the very start we are able to train
young Americans to understand what do these technologies mean,
how can they leverage them for, you know, education and future
in the workforce, and ensuring that Americans already in the
workforce are able to benefit from these technologies.
Senator Moreno. No, that is absolutely critical. And
obviously, what we need to do is make certain that whatever we
do on a public policy side, that we are keeping the American
worker in mind.
So, thank you for that answer. I had another question.
Obviously, huge opportunity in Government computing and
Government services with AI because our systems, let's just
say, are from before probably you were born. So the question
becomes, how do we leapfrog and get back into competitiveness?
And there are a lot of opportunities that we can use AI. I
have one concern that I have heard anecdotally and just want to
see if this is something that you are focused on or the office
is focused on, is that these AI providers are not allowing the
Government to use their AI tools for whether it is ICE or law
enforcement.
Do I have your commitment to look into that to see why
these companies are not allowing the Government who is
contracting with these companies for large sums of money, not
to allow them to use your tools at ICE or other law enforcement
agencies?
Mr. Klein. Senator, thank you for the question. And while
that likely falls outside of OSTP's specific purview, we are
constantly engaged with individuals at the Office of Management
and Budget, within the Office Federal CIO, and the different
CIO Councils. And that would be certainly something where I
would be happy to work with--if confirmed, work with you and
the Committee to ensure that all Government services are able
to benefit from the, you know, wealth that these technologies
can provide.
Senator Moreno. Yes. Because you could imagine the problem
where you have the Government going out and contracting with
these companies, hundreds of millions of dollars, and the
company saying, yes, you can use it for this, but not for that.
That is deeply concerning, and certainly would ask you to
take a look at that when you are confirmed--be optimist here.
The last question for you is, obviously, there is a lot of hype
around things like Grok and ChatGPT, but can you talk just for
the record where the real applications of AI are?
Because again, we have had Google for a long time, and I
view kind of those other applications as kind of an advancement
on that, but that is not really where the action is. Can you
kind of talk about where you see the true real applications of
AI?
Mr. Klein. Certainly, Senator. So again, I would focus at a
use case and sector specific kind of level. If you are talking
about medical diagnostics, where AI can be used to enhance and
augment existing diagnostic capabilities for early detection of
cancer. In the transportation space, we had the rich discussion
there on unmanned aircraft systems.
For example, automated driving systems as well. The
Department of Transportation rolled out a new AV policy
framework. These are the areas that already today we are seeing
the benefits of AI technology. And I have one--if confirmed,
one big priority for me in terms of what actions we take on AI
policy should be around industry adoption at the end point
where the American people can benefit from these technologies.
Senator Moreno. All right, thank you. Actually, one last
question for you, and then I will jump to the other ones. There
is a comment made by the Ranking Member that science is fact.
You have a PhD, and you studied undergraduate. Can you address
that, is science fact?
Mr. Klein. I think science is a process of understanding to
the best of our abilities, you know, any given kind of----
Senator Moreno. But it is never a fact. In other words, it
is quite the opposite, right. There is never a fact. If that
was the case, we would be believing that the world is flat
today, because that was maybe the thought 3,000 years ago.
So the science is ever evolving, and it is about
exploration and learning. It is not about a conclusion that you
sit with and say there is indisputable that this is true,
although there are some sets of indisputable facts. Science is
a process of learning and a journey. Is that correct?
Mr. Klein. Certainly. Yes, Senator.
Senator Moreno. All right. Just to make sure. And go to
you, Mr. Graham. Obviously, the work that the NTSB does--can
you explain just, again, for the record, clean up some of the
questions I heard from my colleagues? The NTSB is not the FAA,
right? Just for the record, just to make sure that we have that
clear.
Mr. Graham. Thank you, Senator. Yes, the NTSB is an
independent safety organization. We do investigations. We do
safety studies, and our products are mainly our
recommendations. So, we are not a regulator.
Senator Moreno. Right. So you are not making decisions as
to what equipment goes on planes, what equipment doesn't go on
planes. You are not in the business of passing legislation. Is
that correct?
Mr. Graham. Correct. We are----
Senator Moreno. Impartial investigators----
Mr. Graham. We are impartial. We have--what I like to say
is we have no horse in the race. So we come in. We are
unbiased. We let the facts guide us to where they will lead us,
and we come up with the conclusions at that point. And our sole
product is recommendations, which are usually very generic.
And we leave that up to the regulator and the industry to
determine how best to approach that recommendation and
implement it so that we don't have another accident like that
again.
Senator Moreno. And thank you for your work. And thank you,
the Chairman, for your work on that. You guys are asked to do
enormous amount of work in a very short period of time with an
increasingly impatient public, where social media expects you
to resolve it in a law and order sort of way where in one hour
the crime is committed and 60 minutes later the verdict is
rendered, and I don't think that is reality. So, thank you for
working and doing great impartial work.
And Ms. Meyer, I don't want to leave you alone. And since I
am alone up here, I am going way over my time. It is my
prerogative here. So, the question for you is, you had some
questions from my Democrat colleagues. Do you suspect the
President is going to come ask you your opinion as to what his
Executive Order should look like, or do you think that is
probably going to be the President to look to you and the
Secretary to implement his prerogatives?
Ms. Meyer. Senator, thank you for the question. Thanks to
you for the time that you and your team spent. I appreciated
our discussion----
Senator Moreno. So the question was, like what was your
opinion on whether the census should be? You don't expect that
the President is going to walk in your office and go, you know,
I am not sure about this. Can you give me your opinion? He is
going to expect you to implement whatever he feels is compliant
with the law. Is that accurate?
Ms. Meyer. Senator, in terms of this role, it is in regards
to the data and implementing what is required, right. So, what
you highlight is basically the role itself. The focus is on
data. It is not on policy. And so, if confirmed, I very much
look forward to serving.
Senator Moreno. Yes. And data doesn't have opinions or
feelings, right. Just make sure we are on the same page there.
But thank you to all three of you. Thank you for your time this
morning. Thank you, for your patience. Thank you the work that
you have done prior to getting here.
And again, it is a great honor to all of you that the
President of the United States has nominated you for these
positions. It will be our honor here, at least speaking for
myself, to confirm all three of you in these positions.
So Mr. Graham, Mr. Klein, and Ms. Meyer, my final question
is required of all nominees. If confirmed, do you pledge to
work collaboratively with this committee to provide thorough
and timely responses to the Committee's request and to appear
before the Committee when requested? Mr. Graham.
Mr. Graham. Senator, yes.
Senator Moreno. Dr. Klein.
Mr. Klein. Senator, yes.
Senator Moreno. Ms. Meyer.
Ms. Meyer. Senator, yes.
Senator Moreno. Thank you. I have six letters of support
from various organizations for Mr. Graham's and Mr. Klein's
nomination, and I ask unanimous consent to be inserted into the
hearing. Hearing no objections, so ordered.
[The information referred to follows:]
General Aviation Manufacturers Association
Washington, DC, September 17, 2025
Senator Ted Cruz,
Chairman,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Senator Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Senator Cruz and Senator Cantwell,
On behalf of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA),
we write to support the nomination of U.S. National Transportation
Safety Board (NTSB) Member Michael Graham for a second term as a member
of the board. He is recognized as a champion of aviation safety--a
primary focus of our association.
GAMA has worked with Member Graham since he joined the NTSB. His
broad understanding of aviation safety builds on decades of experience
as a Naval Aviator, leadership roles at two aircraft manufacturers, and
work as a demonstration pilot and production flight test pilot and
exemplifies experience that will continue to benefit the NTSB and U.S.
transportation safety.
We appreciate the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Committee consideration of his nomination and wholeheartedly support it
moving forward so that he can continue his important work at the NTSB.
Sincerely,
James A. Viola,
President and CEO.
______
Air Charter Safety Foundation
September 15, 2025
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman,
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member,
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Subject: Endorsement for Continued Service of NTSB Board Member
Michael Graham
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell,
On behalf of the Board of Governors of the Air Charter Safety
Foundation (ACSF), we are writing to express our strong support for the
renomination and continued service of Member Michael Graham on the
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Michael Graham is a former Chair of the ACSF Board of Governors and
has long been recognized as an incredibly qualified leader and advocate
for aviation safety. His contributions to ACSF and the broader aviation
community reflect his deep understanding of both operational realities
and the importance of advancing a strong safety culture.
Since his appointment to the NTSB, Member Graham has continued to
exemplify these qualities, serving as a tireless advocate for safety
across all sectors. He has consistently engaged with stakeholders,
fostered collaboration, and reinforced the importance of adopting and
implementing NTSB recommendations to improve safety outcomes.
The business and charter aviation industry faces complex challenges
as it works to strengthen safety management systems, reduce risk, and
enhance accident prevention. Having a Board Member like Michael Graham,
with his proven expertise, operational insight, and unwavering
commitment to collaboration, is essential to meeting these challenges
effectively.
For these reasons, we respectfully urge the Committee to support
Member Graham's continued service on the NTSB. His leadership,
qualifications, and dedication to aviation safety will ensure continued
progress in protecting lives and advancing safety across the industry.
Respectfully,
The Board of Governors,
Air Charter Safety Foundation.
______
Intelligent Transportation Society of America
September 9, 2025
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell,
On behalf of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS
America), I am writing in strong support of the confirmation of Mr.
Michael Graham to the National Transportation Safety Board for a second
term as Board Member. For more than 30 years, ITS America has been a
leading organization uniting government, private industry, and academia
to champion policies and investments that make our transportation
systems safer, more innovative, and more efficient. The NTSB is a
critical partner to the industry and our members in shaping policies
and recommendations that improve the safety of our transportation
system.
Throughout his career, Mr. Graham has been a champion for
transportation safety, supporting recommendations that improve the
safety of the traveling public. His significant experience in the
aviation industry and previous five years serving on the Board give him
the leadership, expertise, and knowledge necessary to support a
national transportation safety approach that improves safety outcomes
across all modes of transportation. Mr. Graham has been a strong
advocate for using innovative technologies to improve safety for all
who travel, including vehicle connectivity, driver assistance systems,
and infrastructure-based safety tools. The country would continue to
derive great benefit from Mr. Graham's service on the Board for a
second term given his focus on and commitment to reducing
transportation injuries and fatalities.
We appreciate the Committee's leadership and strong track record of
supporting transportation safety and innovative safety technologies. We
strongly support Mr. Graham's renomination as a Board Member at the
NTSB and look forward to working with him upon his confirmation.
Sincerely,
Laura Chace,
President and CEO,
Intelligent Transportation Society of America.
cc: Members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation
______
Consumer Technology Association
Arlington, VA, September 16, 2025
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman,
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member,
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell,
On behalf of the Consumer Technology Association, we support the
nomination of Dr. Ethan Klein as Chief Technology Officer and Associate
Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
(OSTP), a role critical to keeping the Federal Government at the
cutting edge of technology. Dr. Klein's background in science and
technology makes him well suited for this post.
CTA worked with Dr. Klein during the first Trump Administration,
when he served as a policy advisor for emerging technologies at OSTP.
His portfolio included autonomous and unmanned transportation, giving
him direct experience on issues central to America's innovation
leadership. That background will allow him to contribute from day one.
Once confirmed, we believe Dr. Klein will continue driving critical
technology priorities that advance U.S. leadership, support the
workforce, and ensure prosperity and security for all Americans. This
is a pivotal time for emerging technologies, and Dr. Klein is an
outstanding choice for U.S. CTO and Associate Director of OSTP.
CTA respectfully urges his swift confirmation. Thank you for your
consideration.
Gary Shapiro,
CEO and Vice Chair,
Consumer Technology Association.
Kinsey Fabrizio,
President,
Consumer Technology Association.
______
Task Force on American Innovation
September 16, 2025
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman,
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member,
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell,
The Task Force on American Innovation (TFAI) is honored to submit
this letter for the record in support of the nomination of Dr. Ethan
Klein to serve as the Associate Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy (OSTP) and the United States Chief Technology
Officer. TFAI is a coalition of STEM-related companies, scientific
professional societies, and research institutions focused on the
critical role played by federally funded research in the U.S.
innovation enterprise.
Dr. Klein's career exemplifies a steadfast dedication to the
advancement of American science, technology, and national security.
With a doctorate in nuclear physics from the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology and an MBA from Stanford University, his foundation in both
research and policy is broad and deep. He has served as a policy
advisor at OSTP, a researcher at Lawrence Livermore National
Laboratory, and a bridge between Silicon Valley and the Federal
government through his leadership roles at Stanford University.
A defining feature of Dr. Klein's approach is his profound
understanding of the essential role that federally funded research
plays in driving innovation, economic prosperity, and job creation
across the United States. He recognizes that nearly every breakthrough
shaping our lives today traces its roots to basic research, supported
by public investment and performed in our Nation's universities and
laboratories. From artificial intelligence and quantum computing to
advanced nuclear reactors and border security technologies, Dr. Klein's
career has spanned the full spectrum of foundational and applied
science. He has consistently advocated for the public support of
research as the engine of America's competitive advantage.
Dr. Klein is acutely aware that our global competitors, including
China, are dramatically increasing their national investments in
science and technology. Their goal is to emulate the American model--
one that for a century has yielded unprecedented economic growth,
technological leadership, and national security. Dr. Klein's experience
in both government and research has given him a clear-eyed appreciation
of the strategic competition we face and the imperative to sustain and
expand our Nation's commitment to fundamental research, lest we cede
leadership in fields that will define the future.
Equally important, Dr. Klein is a responsible steward of the public
trust. He understands that every dollar allocated to science and
technology originates from the hard work of American taxpayers. He is
committed to ensuring that these resources are used judiciously and
transparently, maximizing the return on investment for the American
people while accelerating discovery and economic opportunity.
Dr. Klein's nomination comes at a pivotal time, when bold
leadership is needed to maintain America's preeminence in science and
technology. His vision is unwavering: to keep the United States at the
forefront of global innovation--not only by supporting transformative
research today but also by laying the foundation for discoveries that
may come decades from now. He understands that ingenuity and prosperity
rest on our willingness to invest in new ideas, and he is dedicated to
ensuring that America continues to lead the world in scientific
achievement.
For these reasons, TFAI supports Dr. Ethan Klein's nomination. His
expertise, integrity, and commitment to public service will serve the
Nation with distinction in the years to come.
Thank you for the opportunity to add our enthusiastic endorsement
to the record.
Respectfully submitted,
Scott Corley,
Executive Director,
Task Force on American Innovation.
______
Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International
April 29, 2025
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell,
On behalf of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems
International (AUVSI) and our expansive membership, I write to express
our strong support for the nomination of Dr. Ethan Klein to serve as
the United States Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Dr. Klein's visionary
leadership, particularly in the fields of digital infrastructure, open
innovation, and responsible technology policy, uniquely qualifies him
to advance our national technology strategy at this critical juncture.
Our organization chiefly focuses on the uncrewed systems, robotics, and
autonomy industries, and we are confident that Dr. Klein will excel in
his new role to support American dominance in our areas of focus, and
across all critical industries and sectors.
AUVSI represents over four hundred corporations and 8,000
professionals spanning industry, government, and academia in more than
sixty countries. Our members work across the defense, civil, and
commercial sectors, designing and operating uncrewed systems including
drones, automated vehicles, maritime vessels, and robotics. We are
confident that under Dr. Klein's leadership, the Federal government
will be well positioned to enhance coordination across agencies and
support groundbreaking technologies that are transforming how we live,
work, and defend our Nation.
Dr. Klein has consistently demonstrated a steadfast commitment to
ensuring American leadership in emerging technologies. His previous
roles as a Senior Advisor in the White House Office of Science and
Technology Policy, along with his leadership on digital policy reform,
underscores his strong ability to engage stakeholders across sectors
and advance secure, forward-looking initiatives. His deep understanding
of the evolving technological landscape makes him exceptionally well-
suited to guide Federal innovation initiatives, ensure technological
development, and bolster digital resilience.
Throughout his public service career, Dr. Klein has played a
critical role in developing policies that prioritize national security,
promote innovation, and foster public-private collaboration--three
important components of success in the uncrewed systems, autonomy, and
robotics industries. His demonstrated expertise in crafting frameworks
that balance economic growth with digital resilience will be vital in
this era of rapidly advancing technologies where uncrewed systems are
being increasingly utilized. We are confident he will champion policies
that enhance domestic capabilities, strengthen supply chains, and
accelerate the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence,
advanced networking, and autonomous systems.
AUVSI feels strongly that Dr. Klein's nomination is a pivotal
opportunity to ensure the U.S. maintains global leadership in strategic
technology domains, including autonomy and robotics. We urge the
Committee to swiftly confirm Dr. Klein as the next CTO so he can begin
this important work on behalf of the American people and the innovation
community.
Thank you for your consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact
us if we can provide additional information in support of Dr. Klein's
nomination.
Sincerely,
Michael Robbins,
President and CEO,
AUVSI.
______
Vertical Aviation International
September 8, 2025
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member,
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
Subj: Endorsement for Continued Service of NTSB Board Member Michael
Graham
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell,
On behalf of Vertical Aviation International (VAI), the world's
leading membership association dedicated to the vertical aviation
industry, I am writing to express our strong support for the
renomination and continued service of Member Michael Graham on the
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Since joining the Board, Member Graham has served as a tireless
advocate for aviation safety, with dedication to the vertical flight
sector. He has consistently engaged with our industry through
participation in VAI events, including VERTICON, webinars, and safety
forums. His leadership has advanced a strong safety culture,
strengthened collaboration, and reinforced the importance of promoting
NTSB post-accident recommendations across the industry.
The rotorcraft industry faces complex challenges in its efforts to
advance safety while sustaining critical missions such as air
ambulance, firefighting, offshore energy support, law enforcement, and
utility operations. Having a Board Member like Michael Graham, who
understands these unique dynamics and consistently demonstrates
leadership in promoting a culture of safety, is vital to achieving
measurable progress in accident prevention.
For these reasons, we respectfully urge the Committee to support
Member Graham's continued service on the NTSB. His expertise,
engagement, and dedication to collaboration will ensure continued
progress in reducing accidents and strengthening aviation safety for
all who fly.
Respectfully,
Cade Clark,
Chief Government Affairs Officer,
Vertical Aviation International.
______
National Business Aviation Association
September 15, 2025
Senator Ted Cruz,
Chairman,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Senator Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell,
I write on behalf of the National Business Aviation Association's
(NBAA) 11,000 members to express our strong support for confirmation of
Michael Graham for another term as a Member of the National
Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Mr. Graham brings a distinguished record of leadership, safety
expertise and aviation experience to the Board. From beginning his
career as a Naval Fighter Pilot, where he led safety and training
initiatives, to chairing the Air Charter Safety Foundation, leading the
NBAA Safety Committee's Single Pilot Safety Working Group, Mr. Graham
has demonstrated an exemplary record of safety knowledge and
professionalism--a remarkable legacy of accomplishment the Flight
Safety Foundation recognized in honoring Mr. Graham with its 2019
Business Aviation Meritorious Service Award.
During his tenure on the NTSB, Mr. Graham has consistently
demonstrated a deep commitment to the Board's mission of advancing
transportation safety. His extensive experience at the intersection of
aviation operations and safety oversight is particularly valuable as
the United States works to modernize the Nation's air traffic control
system and ensure the safe integration of emerging technologies,
including commercial spaceflight, unmanned aircraft systems, electric
air taxis and autonomous vehicles.
Mr. Graham is widely respected in the aviation community, not only
for his technical expertise, but also for his collaborative approach to
identifying challenges and promoting practical, safety-driven
solutions. His continued service on the NTSB will be essential in
helping the Board address evolving safety issues while maintaining
America's global leadership in aerospace.
Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, NBAA is the leading
organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to
help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful.
Safety has always been at the core of our mission, and the association
provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation
community, including resources that advance best practices and cutting-
edge innovations in aerospace technologies.
As the NTSB prepares for the next phase of innovation in mobility,
Mr. Graham will ensure America remains a leader in transportation
safety. His commitment reflects NBAA's longstanding dedication to
ensuring business aviation operates at the highest levels of safety and
efficiency. We urge the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and
Transportation and the U.S. Senate to confirm Mr. Graham's nomination
as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Ed Bolen,
President and CEO,
National Business Aviation Association.
______
Alliance for Digital Innovation
September 17, 2025
Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
United States Senate
Washington, DC.
Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Ranking Member,
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
United States Senate,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell:
The Alliance for Digital Innovation (ADI) writes to support the
confirmation of Dr. Ethan Klein as Associate Director of the Office of
Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). ADI represents leading technology
companies and organizations committed to advancing digital
transformation and innovation in government.
Dr. Klein brings a unique combination of technical expertise and
policy experience focused on advancing emerging technologies for
government missions. During his previous service as a policy advisor
for emerging technologies at the White House OSTP from 2017 to 2021, he
consistently advocated for integrating cutting-edge innovations into
Federal operations, including artificial intelligence (AI), cloud
computing, and quantum technologies that deliver immediate operational
benefits. His Ph.D. in nuclear science and engineering from MIT,
particularly his research on nuclear safeguards and international
security, earned him the 2019 Arms Control Person of the Year Award
from the Arms Control Association. Dr. Klein's work at Lawrence
Livermore National Laboratory further strengthened his commitment to
applying advanced scientific capabilities to practical government
solutions that address real-world challenges. He also served as a
Defense Innovation Scholar at Stanford's Gordian Knot Center for
National Security Innovation, where he worked to bridge the gap between
Silicon Valley and government agencies.
This technology-forward approach is particularly relevant to OSTP's
mission of ensuring America's competitiveness in AI, quantum computing,
and cloud infrastructure. Dr. Klein's vision of leveraging these
transformative technologies to strengthen government operations aligns
with the office's role in coordinating and promoting Federal research
and development programs that deliver tangible results for mission-
critical functions.
Our member companies value leadership that actively seeks to
incorporate innovative technology into government operations rather
than maintaining status quo approaches. Dr. Klein's commitment to
bringing practical technological solutions into government missions,
combined with his institutional knowledge of OSTP operations, positions
him to effectively bridge private sector innovation with Federal agency
needs for immediate operational improvements.
The Alliance for Digital Innovation supports the confirmation of
Dr. Ethan Klein as Associate Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy. His technical background and policy experience
provide excellent qualifications for advancing Federal science and
technology initiatives.
We respectfully encourage the Committee's consideration of his
nomination. Thank you for your consideration of our views.
Sincerely,
Ross Nodurft,
Executive Director,
Alliance for Digital Innovation.
Senator Moreno. Senators will have until the close of
business September 19 to submit questions for the record. The
nominees will have till the close of business on September 22
to respond to those questions. That concludes today's hearing.
The Committee stands adjourned.
[Whereupon, at 11:17 a.m., the hearing was adjourned.]
A P P E N D I X
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Ted Cruz to
Michael Graham
Question 1. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), for
nearly thirty years, has recommended Automatic Dependent Surveillance--
Broadcast In (ADS-B In) equipage in aircraft. In July, I introduced S.
2503 the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform
(ROTOR) Act. The ROTOR Act if enacted makes important aviation safety
improvements, including the requirement for all aircraft, commercial,
general aviation, and military, to receive ADS-B In.
a. Mr. Graham, how does the NTSB engage in advocating for
implementation of safety recommendations, including legislation that
implements NTSB recommendations?
Answer. Since the NTSB does not have regulatory or enforcement
authority and cannot mandate adoption of our recommendations, we use a
variety of tools to advocate for their implementation--including when
legislative or regulatory changes are required. Below are examples of
how we engage in our advocacy.
1. Safety Recommendation Process--After an investigation, we issue
safety recommendations to agencies, industry groups,
manufacturers, labor organizations, and/or other entities we
believe can act to enhance safety. Each recommendation is
tracked in a public database that is fully transparent, and the
recipient must respond with actions taken or planned. Through
this process, we are able to constantly engage with our
recommendation recipients to continue encouraging them to enact
our recommendations. The public is also able to track
progress--or lack thereof--on these recommendations to increase
accountability.
2. Legislative Advocacy--NTSB frequently recommends Congress or
state legislatures enact laws to improve safety and satisfy our
recommendations. In certain cases, additional regulatory
authority is needed for entities to be able to enact our
recommendations. In these cases, the NTSB will work directly
with legislative bodies to advocate for that authority to be
granted to the appropriate regulator. The Board also testifies
before congressional committees, provides technical expertise,
and submits formal correspondence to Congress detailing our
activities and continuing to advocate for our recommendations.
3. Partnership with Regulatory Agencies--Since many of our
recommendations are directed to Federal regulators, we build
relationships with these regulators so that we can better
understand their abilities--and limitations--to carrying out
our recommendations. The NTSB, as Congress designed, is not a
punitive body, and therefore we continue to build on these
relationships to ultimately create a safer transportation
ecosystem.
4. Public Advocacy and Awareness--The NTSB strategically uses media,
public events, and speaking engagements to raise awareness of
recommendations that are stalled or ignored. Board Members and
staff alike both use these forums to directly communicate with
recommendation recipients, industry stakeholders, and the
general public to emphasize the importance of enacting our
recommendations.
b. Would the widespread adoption of ADS-B In increase aviation
safety, particularly around congested airports?
Answer. Yes, ADS-B In technology is another layer of safety that
can be added to improve situational awareness and safety for pilots
flying in Class B airspace, or any congested airspace.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Dan Sullivan to
Michael Graham
Question 1. Mr. Graham, as you may know, many communities in Alaska
rely almost entirely on aviation for year-round access to basic goods,
services, and medical care. Yet many airports in Alaska still lack
usable instrument flight procedures due to outdated design standards,
excessive minimums, or multi-year backlogs in FAA approval. These
limitations often make published instrument approaches less usable than
visual flight rules, even in poor weather.
Meanwhile, non-FAA service providers have shown that they can
develop more precise, lower-minimum procedures using modern GPS-based
technology, but they receive no Federal support and often cannot
publish their procedures for public use under current FAA policies.
Given your background as a pilot and your leadership role at
the NTSB, do you believe that accelerating the availability of
safe, modern instrument procedures--including through FAA
collaboration with authorized third-party providers--would
improve flight safety in regions like Alaska?
Answer. I have been very outspoken during my first term about the
need for all pilots--veterans and novices alike--to maintain currency
and proficiency on instruments. Having traveled to Alaska during my
term and discussing these issues with various stakeholders in Alaska's
aviation community, I fully agree that we need to accelerate the
availability of safe, modern instrument procedures to help improve
aviation safety in Alaska. We need more instrument flight rules (IFR)
routes and procedures instead of the current status quo that heavily
relies on visual flight rules scud running which, more often than not,
can put pilots into the weather without IFR options. These scenarios
can eventually lead to an accident, which is why IFR options are so
important.
And if confirmed, would you be willing to look for
opportunities to amplify that message through the NTSB's safety
advocacy mission, so that decision-makers at FAA better
understand the safety value of these efforts?
Answer. I commit to working with you, your team, our team based in
Anchorage, and any other aviation stakeholders in Alaska to amplify the
need for improved instrument procedures and routes with the FAA or any
other entities that need to understand the serious implications of not
having these in place.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Maria Cantwell to
Michael Graham
Clear Timeline for ADS-B In Mandate. In 2008, the NTSB told the FAA
it should mandate ADS-B In, not just ADS-B Out, for aircraft operating
in certain types of controlled airspace. NTSB said doing so would
``provide an immediate and substantial contribution to safety,
especially during operations in and around airports.'' It has been 15
years, and aviation operators are still not required to equip with ADS-
B In. After the tragic DCA collision exposed ADS-B loopholes, I'm
working to mandate this critical safety technology to prevent future
accidents.
Question 1. Yes or No: Do you believe equipping aircraft with ADS-B
In technology will improve situational awareness and safety for pilots
flying in busy airspace near commercial airports?
Answer. Yes, ADS-B In technology is another layer of safety that
can be added to improve situational awareness and safety for pilots
flying in Class B airspace, or any busy airspace, near commercial
airports.
Question 2. Yes or No: Do you agree with setting a clear compliance
date for aviation operators to equip with ADS-B In?
Answer. While the NTSB is not a regulator and leaves decisions on
compliance deadlines to regulators, the FAA in this case, I would
continue to echo the Board's longstanding recommendation to the FAA to
satisfy our recommendation on ADS-B In as soon as possible. For those
reasons, yes, I would agree with setting a clear compliance deadline
for aviation operators to equip with ADS-B In.
Question 3. How would a clear compliance date for operators to
equip with ADS-B In help foster regulatory certainty for the aviation
industry?
Answer. As in any mode, in aviation the National Airspace System
(NAS) is only as safe as the least safe operator. Clear, industry-wide
guidance from the FAA on ADS-B In implementation will help ensure all
operators play by the same rules on the same timeline, ultimately
strengthening the safety of the entire NAS.
Question 4. If confirmed, what actions would you take as a Member
of the NTSB Board to ensure ADS-B In safety recommendations are
implemented by FAA, in light of FAA's failure to implement the Board's
safety recommendations in a timely manner?
Answer. As my fellow Board Members and I have done throughout my
first term at the NTSB, I will continue to use my vote and my voice at
the Board to advocate for adoption of all NTSB recommendations--
including with regulators such as the FAA. Nearly 20 years without
satisfying this recommendation is unacceptable; however, as we saw with
positive train control which NTSB recommended decades before its
implementation, I believe constant advocacy and attention to this issue
directly with the FAA--along with other industry stakeholders who will
benefit from the technology--can ultimately achieve our shared outcome.
I look forward to working with you, the Committee, Congress, and the
administration to ultimately achieve an acceptable action from the FAA
on our recommendations for ADS-B In technology.
Rail Safety and Surface Transportation Reauthorization. You were
the NTSB Board Member who led the response to the tragic train
derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. You saw firsthand the impact that
the derailment had on the community of East Palestine. Your agency made
34 new recommendations after your investigation. Last Congress,
Senators Brown, Fetterman, and Casey, along with now-Vice-President-
Vance introduced the Railway Safety Act that would implement a number
of those recommendations.
Question 1. The NTSB made 19 recommendations to DOT; are any of the
recommendations considered closed? If so, please specify which ones.
Answer. The Board has not voted to close any of the recommendations
issued to DOT, FRA, or PHMSA from our East Palestine report.
Question 2. What is the status of the three recommendations that
the NTSB made to the America Association of Railroads?
Answer. One of the recommendations (R-24-020) NTSB issued to the
American Association of Railroads (AAR) is classified ``Open--
Acceptable Response,'' meaning the Board believes AAR is taking
positive steps toward fulfilling the recommendation but has not fully
addressed the recommendation. This recommendation asks the AAR to
revise the Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, M 1002,
Specifications for Tank Cars, to establish criteria and procedures for
manufacturers of tank car service equipment to demonstrate
compatibility of pressure relief devices and other AAR-approved service
equipment with intended ladings. The response we received from AAR to
this recommendation indicated that their Tank Car Committee is
developing a requirement, to be included in the Manual of Standards,
that manufacturers actually demonstrate compatibility of pressure
relief devices and other AAR-approved service equipment with intended
ladings; thus the Board believes AAR is working towards satisfying this
recommendation with the development of this requirement. The Board has
classified the other two recommendations issued to the AAR (R-24-019
and R-24-021) as ``Open--Unacceptable Response,'' meaning the Board
believes the AAR it not taking steps towards addressing our
recommendations. Recommendation R-24-019 asked the AAR to develop a
database of bearing failures and replacements and make it available to
railroads, regulators, and investigators to help determine and address
failure risk factors. The response we received from AAR to this
recommendation indicated that they believe their current Umler system
is a sufficient and appropriate database of bearing replacements
recommended by the NTSB. The AAR also said that their Wheels, Axles,
Bearings, and Lubrication (WABL) Committee tracks bearing failures, but
only around 25 percent of failed bearings are reported to WABL. The
Board has noted AAR's current database is a good starting point but is
not expansive or robust enough to satisfy our recommendation.
Recommendation R-24-021 asked the AAR to revise the definition of key
train in Circular OT-55 to designate as a key train any train
containing tank cars transporting hazardous materials that do not meet
the DOT-117 standard. The response we received from AAR to this
recommendation indicated that while they support a phase out of DOT-111
tank cars for flammable liquid service, AAR does not agree with
applying OT-55 to all trains transporting a DOT-111 tank car containing
a hazardous material. The Board has noted our belief that revising the
definition of key train will prevent similar potentially catastrophic
hazardous materials releases in the future and, therefore, AAR's
current response is unacceptable.
Question 3. In light of the East Palestine disaster, which open
NTSB recommendations do you think would have the greatest impact on
rail safety and preventing a similar accident?
Answer. As the Board Member on scene for this accident, I firmly
believe that each of our recommendations issued in the final report is
crucial toward ensuring this type of derailment or release of hazardous
material can never happen again. In particular, I have been very
outspoken about the need for accelerated removal of DOT 111 tank cars
from flammable liquids service. The NTSB has investigated far too many
accidents involving these cars breaching and releasing hazardous
materials, and it should not take any further accidents for PHMSA to
remove these tank cars from flammable liquids service. The other
recommendation I have been outspoken about is the need for PHMSA to
revise the definition of a high hazard flammable train. The current
definition--a continuous block of 20 or more tank cars loaded with a
flammable liquid or 35 or more tank cars loaded with a flammable liquid
dispersed throughout a train--is far too broad. It only takes one of
these cars to derail and breach for a serious situation to occur, and
PHMSA must update this definition in order to meet current realities.
Bipartisanship on the NTSB. The Trump Administration has, to date,
refused to nominate any Democrats to any open seats on independent
boards and commissions, in a marked departure from longstanding
practice. Now, we have boards and commissions operating with vacancies.
Question 1. Yes or No: Based on your experience at the NTSB over
the last five years, do you believe in the importance of bipartisanship
on independent boards and commissions?
Answer. While I cannot speak for any other boards or commissions in
the Federal government, I have seen the benefits of bipartisanship and
diversity of thought during my first term at the NTSB.
Question 2. Do you support continuing to have a bipartisan split of
Members at the NTSB?
Answer. Yes, I do. I believe each Board Member brings a different
and unique perspective to the table, and those collective perspectives
strengthen our work and product.
Alvin Brown Firing. NTSB is an independent agency and by statute
the President may fire a Board member only for ``inefficiency, neglect
of duty, or malfeasance,'' not solely at ``the pleasure of the
President'' as you asserted at the hearing. In an interview with my
staff, you said that you were not aware of any ``inefficiency, neglect
of duty, or malfeasance'' to justify Member Brown's firing. At the
hearing, you told me that you had ``little interaction with most of the
other Board Members.''
Question 1. Yes or No: Did anyone ask you to change your answer? If
so, please detail who gave you this instruction, and under what
circumstances.
Answer. No.
Question 2. Are you personally aware of any ``inefficiency, neglect
of duty, or malfeasance'' to justify the firing of Vice Chair Alvin
Brown?
Answer. While I am not personally aware of any specific
``inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance'' regarding former Vice
Chair Brown, as I mentioned in the hearing, individual Board Members
ultimately have limited interaction with each other by Congress'
design.
Because no more than two of us can be in a room at any time
deliberating on matters before the Board without violating the
Government in the Sunshine Act, we each operate our offices fairly
independently, meaning we have limited insights into other Member's
day-to-day operations, thought processes, or actions.
Pipeline Safety: Aldyl-A pipeline and risks to Spokane, Washington.
In 2023, a gas pipeline explosion killed seven people and injured 10 at
a chocolate factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania. The NTSB found that
Aldyl-A, a type of plastic with known safety risks, played a role in
the disaster. As of 2023, there were over 100 miles of this pipeline in
Spokane's natural gas distribution system.
Question 1. What action do pipeline operators and the Department of
Transportation need to be taking to address this risk?
Answer. NTSB issued 18 new recommendations, along with one
reiterated recommendation, in our final report on the UGI Corporation's
Natural Gas-Fueled Explosion and Fire at the R.M. Palmer Company
building in West Redding, Pennsylvania. Of those 19 recommendations,
three to PHMSA, one to the Gas Piping Technology Committee, and one to
UGI Corporation directly addressed the safety concerns surrounding
Aldyl-A. To date, while these recipients are making varying degrees of
progress towards fulfilling these recommendations, they have not
completed our recommended actions. These recommendations include:
For PHMSA to issue an advisory bulletin to all regulated
natural gas distribution pipeline operators referencing
distribution integrity management program regulations and
encouraging those operators to:
Complete a one-time inventory of all plastic assets
that are located in environments that experience or are at
risk of elevated temperatures;
Continue, during maintenance and new construction
projects, to identify plastic assets that are in elevated
temperature environments; and
Evaluate and mitigate risks to deter the degradation
of these assets.
For PHMSA to issue an advisory bulletin that reviews the
details of the March 24, 2023, natural gas-fueled explosion and
fire in West Reading and advise all regulated natural gas
distribution pipeline operators to address the risk associated
with Aldyl A service tees with Delrin inserts, including
replacing or remediating them.
For PHMSA to evaluate industry's implementation of the gas
distribution pipeline integrity management requirements and
develop updated guidance for improving their effectiveness. The
evaluation should specifically consider factors that may
increase the likelihood of failure such as age, increase the
overall risk (including factors that simultaneously increase
the likelihood and consequence of failure), and limit the
effectiveness of leak management programs.
For the Gas Piping Technology Committee to develop guidance
for natural gas pipeline operators to ensure that their
distribution integrity management programs appropriately assess
and address threats to plastic pipelines posed by nearby assets
that may elevate the temperature of the environment near the
pipeline.
For UGI Corporation to inventory all their plastic natural
gas assets that may be located in elevated temperature
environments and address the risk associated with these assets.
PHMSA and operators need to look at these recommendations and take
the requisite actions to address the risks posed by Aldyl-A service
tees with Delrin inserts.
Highway Safety and learning from the Aviation industry's safe
system approach. Each year, nearly 40,000 people are killed and 5.1
million are injured in car accidents across the country. In the state
of Washington there were over 3,000 traffic accidents last year in
which someone was seriously injured or killed. In the past 10 years,
the number of people suffering serious injuries as the result of
traffic incidents in the state of Washington has increased 70 percent.
In the aviation industry, we recognize the need for a safe system
approach that includes redundant safety measures to ensure human error
does not cause a deadly accident.
Question 1. What would a safe system approach to roadway safety
mean?
Answer. As I have championed throughout my first term at the Board,
and even preceding my time at the Board, I believe safety management
systems are an incredibly effective tool for any organization to
properly manage their risk--and these can apply to roadway safety as
well. The Department of Transportation's Safe System Approach (SSA),
while differing from a true safety management system, is a good first
step in my opinion to implementing a safe system approach to roadway
safety. The six core principles of the SSA--death and serious injuries
are unacceptable, humans make mistakes, humans are vulnerable,
responsibility is shared, safety is proactive, and redundancy is
crucial--lay the groundwork for how a SMS-like system can be integrated
to our Nation's transportation systems, and I look forward to
evaluating and partnering with DOT and Congress as this develops.
Question 2. How can new technologies, including lane keeping
assistance and automatic emergency braking, help prevent fatal traffic
accidents?
Answer. As the Board has stated many times in the past, advanced
driver assistance systems (ADAS)--including lane departure warnings and
automatic emergency braking--are designed to assist drivers perform
driving tasks and detect and avoid hazards. Broader adoption of these
technologies by automobile manufacturers will undoubtedly save lives.
As the main proponent of connected vehicle technology on the Board, I
would also be remiss to not mention the incredible opportunity
deploying vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can have on reducing
roadway fatalities and serious injuries. I believe V2X is one of the
most promising life-saving technologies available today, with one NHTSA
study estimating that V2X could address up to 80 percent of all crashes
involving non-impaired drivers.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Amy Klobuchar to
Michael Graham
At-Grade Rail Crossings. Grade crossings are among the deadliest
spaces in our rail system. I've been working to reduce the risk of
accidents between pedestrians, vehicles and trains and make sure first
responders are not blocked by trains during emergencies.
If confirmed, will you commit to improving safety at
railroad crossings? If so, how will you address this safety
issue?
Answer. I will absolutely continue working with my fellow Board
Members and our team at the NTSB to improve safety at railroad
crossings. This is one of the longest-standing issues the Board has
dealt with in railroad safety, and we still have significant work to
do. While there are many actions that can be taken to improve safety at
these crossings, I believe one of the most important things we can do
right now is to increase public awareness of the Emergency Notification
Systems (ENS) that are available at every highway-rail grade crossing
nationwide. Instead of trying to call 9-1-1 from a vehicle stuck at a
crossing, signs are posted at each of these crossings to immediately
get in touch with the railroad responsible for the crossing. Contacting
the railroad directly as soon as possible if there is a disabled
vehicle on the tracks is the best way to prevent collisions at these
crossings, and I will continue to raise public awareness for these
signs.
Additionally, I continue to advocate for FRA to require ground
protection for trains conducing shoving movements through highway-
railroad grade crossings equipped only with flashing lights or passive
warning devices (Recommendation R-23-019) and for FRA and Class I
railroads to increase accident reporting at these crossings
(Recommendations R-18-015 and R-14-048). Taking these and other actions
NTSB has recommended can help address this important safety issue.
Close Calls & Runway Incursions. There has been an alarming number
of close calls on runways in recent years. We need to ensure planes are
equipped with existing technology that would alert pilots to the
presence of other planes on the runway.
Can you discuss why it is important to invest in
technologies that make our runways safer?
Answer. Takeoffs and landings account for the majority of accidents
in aviation, and even a brief lapse in awareness on the runway can have
devastating consequences. We have had far too many runway incursions
for part 121 and part 135 aircraft over the last few years. That's why
investing in technologies that make our runways safer is essential.
These technologies, some of which I have been able to witness
firsthand, can protect against miscommunication, fatigue, or poor
visibility--the kinds of challenges that even the most skilled pilots
and controllers face. They also help manage what humans can't control:
weather. Rain, fog, snow, and ice can all increase risk, but with
better surface monitoring and real-time condition reporting, we can
keep operations safe in all environments. Additionally, as our skies
grow busier, these tools will allow airports to handle more traffic
while maintaining and enhancing safety standards. As a former pilot, I
believe enhancing runway safety through technological investments is
critical.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Jacky Rosen to
Michael Graham
Topic: Transportation Safety Issues for Rural Tourist Destinations
In Nevada, where tourism drives a significant part of our economy,
safe and reliable transportation is essential--not just in urban
centers like Las Vegas, but also in the rural areas that welcome
visitors to our national parks, recreation areas, and historic towns.
Many of these communities see millions of visitors per year but are
themselves quite small--relying on limited infrastructure and having
fewer resources to respond to transportation-related safety issues.
Question 1. Mr. Graham, if re-confirmed, how will you ensure the
NTSB's transportation safety recommendations made in the wake of
accidents reflect the needs and capacities of rural communities,
especially those that are tourist hubs that see more than their fair
share of visitors by road, rail, and air? What specific steps would you
take to make sure these areas receive the attention and support they
need to keep visitors safe?
Answer. There is no doubt our rural communities face unique
challenges when it comes to transportation safety across all modes. For
example, we know rural communities along interstates are often forced
to deal with large trucks on local roads due to insufficient truck
parking in many areas of this country. NTSB is intentionally generic
when we issue recommendations to give regulators and industry broad
flexibility to adopt our recommendations for different environments--
including rural ones. We have also issued specific recommendations in
the past to various recipients specifically focusing on rural
communities, including one recommendation that the American Bus
Association and United Motorcoach Association have yet to fulfill from
2009 (Recommendation H-09-009) which asks them to each inform their
membership about, among other things, the risks of operating in rural
areas without wireless telephone coverage and advising their members to
carry mobile cellular amplifiers or satellite-based devices to
communicate emergency events. If confirmed to another term, I commit to
working with you, the Nevada Department of Transportation, and any
other stakeholders in your state or nationwide on improvements NTSB can
make to our recommendations to better serve rural communities.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Ben Ray Lujan to
Michael Graham
Question 1. President Trump has, to date, refused to nominate any
Democrats to any open seats on independent boards and commissions--this
is a stark departure from the longstanding practice of pairing the
nominations of a Republican and a Democrat together. Yes or no, based
on your experience at the NTSB over the last five years, do you believe
in the importance of bipartisanship on independent boards and
commissions?
Answer. While I cannot speak for any other boards or commissions in
the Federal government, yes, I have seen the benefits of bipartisanship
and diversity of thought during my first term at the NTSB.
Question 2. Unfortunately, on May 5th of this year, President Trump
illegally fired former National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB),
Vice Chair Alvin Brown--a Democrat--without any explanation. As you
know, NTSB is an independent agency and by statute, the President may
fire a Board member only for quote, ``inefficient, neglect of duty, or
malfeasance.'' Mr. Graham, are you personally aware of any
``inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance'' from former Vice
Chair Alvin Brown?
Answer. While I am not personally aware of any specific
``inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance'' regarding former Vice
Chair Brown, as I mentioned in the hearing, individual Board Members
ultimately have limited interaction with each other by Congress'
design. Because no more than two of us can be in a room at any time
deliberating on matters before the Board without violating the
Government in the Sunshine Act, we each operate our offices fairly
independently, meaning we have limited insights into other Member's
day-to-day operations, thought processes, or actions.
Question 3. Given that President Trump has illegally fired Vice
Chair Brown, how can you ensure me that you will operate independently
without fear of being fired yourself?
Answer. I have always understood that all Board Members at the NTSB
serve at the pleasure of the President. NTSB's independence and
reputation are paramount to what we do, and it is and will continue to
be my top priority to maintain and promote both.
Question 4. The purpose of the National Transportation Safety Board
is to ensure that every form of transportation is safe for Americans.
Yes or No: Would you take an action that is in conflict with those
goals due to political pressure?
Answer. No, I would not. Transportation safety is not political.
The public's safety on a commercial aircraft, in a vehicle, on a boat,
or on a train does not depend on race, ethnicity, religion, or any
factors other than the strength of the safety systems surrounding them.
I have been focused on analyzing, evaluating, and improving these
safety systems in all modes of transportation throughout my tenure at
the NTSB, and that is what I will continue to do if confirmed.
Question 5. Yes or No: Would you go against a direct order from the
President or his cabinet if you believed it put lives at risk or was
illegal? ``I do not believe the President would ever give such an
order'' or any similarly evasive statement is not an acceptable answer.
Answer. I have always acted independently throughout my tenure at
the Board, and I will continue to do the same if confirmed for a second
term.
Question 6. Yes or No: Did Joe Biden lawfully win the 2020
presidential election?
Answer. President Biden was elected President, and I continued to
serve at his pleasure throughout the duration of his term in office.
There is no greater honor and responsibility than to be a public
servant, and I have always upheld that standard no matter which
administration is in the White House.
Question 7. Yes or No: Did Donald Trump lawfully win the 2024
presidential election?
Answer. Yes.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. John Hickenlooper to
Michael Graham
Incident Investigations
When tragedies and crises strike, National Transportation Safety
Board's (NTSB) personnel work tirelessly to investigate incidents to
find a root cause and produce recommendations to save lives.
Transportation systems underpin our economy-from aviation to rail
and beyond.
Question 1. Mr. Graham, in your time at NTSB, have you noticed any
trends or patterns in the types of incidents the agency has to
investigate?
Answer. In just the last five years, we have seen an incredible
explosion of new technologies across all modes of transportation. When
I came to the Board, autonomous vehicles were still a relatively new
phenomenon; now, not only are driverless cars deployed in several major
cities nationwide, but autonomous aircraft and marine vessels are
entering the market. While many of these new technologies have
incredible promise, they also impact our investigations. I have noticed
our investigations have become much more complex as new technologies
are introduced across all modes of transportation, and as an agency we
must carefully evaluate how these technologies impact the accidents we
investigate--for better or for worse.
Question 2. Mr. Graham, considering that NTSB investigations
currently average 12 to 18 months to complete, what could Congress
provide the NTSB to help shorten the time it takes to produce
investigative findings?
Answer. As an agency, we have struggled to meet our authorized
staffing levels for years because of the immense knowledge and
technical expertise that is necessary to fill many roles at the NTSB. I
believe taxpayers get an incredible return on their investment in our
agency, and that investment has only yielded better returns as the
NTSB's mandates have grown over the last two decades while our budget
has not. I am grateful for Congress' continued investment in and
support of the NTSB, but as our mandates continue to grow, we must
either grow with them or sacrifice other things like timeliness on
certain investigations.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. John Fetterman to
Michael Graham
Question 1. Last Congress, I co-led the Railway Safety Act with
several of my Republican colleagues, including the current Vice
President. We wrote this bill to help make sure that tragedies like the
derailment in East Palestine, Ohio would never happen again. This was a
solid bill that would improve railway safety.
You led the NTSB's response to the East Palestine derailment and
following this response, the NTSB issued 34 recommendations to make
rail safer. Unfortunately, many of these recommendations are still open
and they haven't been addressed by the Department of Transportation or
our railroads.
Do you believe the NTSB's recommendations following the East
Palestine derailment should be fully implemented?
Answer. Absolutely, I do. Being the Board Member on scene for this
accident, no community should ever have to suffer as much as East
Palestine did from what was an entirely preventable accident. Each one
of our 34 recommendations stemmed from specific findings and evidence
we uncovered throughout the course of our investigation, which means I
believe all 34 recommendations are essential to ensuring this type of
accident never happens again.
Will the NTSB re-issue or reiterate these recommendations in the
future?
Answer. In the very near future, NTSB will be responding to the
first round of responses we received from the FRA, PHMSA, and Norfolk
Southern. We have already received and responded to information we have
received from DOT, Ohio, the Columbiana County Emergency Management
Agency, the Association of American Railroads, the National Volunteer
Fire Council and other firefighting organizations, the Chlorine
Institute, the American Chemistry Council, and Oxy Vinyls, LP. Each
time we receive a response from each of these entities to our
recommendations, the Board considers whether or not to reclassify each
recommendation. Once the Board has determined what classification the
recommendation will receive, a response from the entire Board is sent
to the recipient reiterating the recommendation and explaining the
Board's rationale behind our classification determination.
Additionally, if in the course of an investigation we encounter a
safety issue we have seen before and there is an open recommendation
that addresses that same issue, we will reiterate the open
recommendation, rather than issuing a new recommendation on the same
topic. This gives weight to the urgency and importance of addressing
the recommendation. In short--yes, we will be constantly following up
on these recommendations to all recipients as per our normal processes.
I am happy to work with you and any other stakeholders in helping all
of these recipients complete our recommended actions.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Maria Cantwell to
Dr. Ethan A. Klein
AI Regulation. On September 10, 2025, the Senate Commerce Committee
heard from the Office of Science and Technology Policy's (OSTP)
Director, Michael Kratsios, on the White House AI Action Plan and from
Chair Cruz on his `light touch' approach, which includes creating an AI
sandbox where the OSTP Director could waive Federal regulations on AI.
I agree that America must move quickly to maintain our edge in AI and
stay ahead of China in this race.
History shows that simply sweeping aside rules without putting a
real framework in place is not pro-innovation. A `wild west' approach
does not give industry the standards, test beds, or certainty it needs
to build trust and encourage long-term adoption.
Question 1. Yes or No: Do you believe it is appropriate for the
OSTP Director to have unilateral authority to waive Federal regulations
in an AI sandbox, as Chair Cruz has proposed?
Answer. Regulatory sandboxes are an invaluable tool to enable the
deployment and testing of technologies in real-world settings to
collect the data needed to update regulatory regimes, without
compromising safety. OSTP does not read the legislation to provide the
Director unilateral authority to waive Federal regulations, but rather
to give the Director a leading role in advancing innovative uses of
emerging technologies to support their responsible deployment. I
believe it is essential for OSTP to work with the relevant agencies to
examine existing rules and regulations and identify needed changes that
will help us to maintain our Nation's edge in AI and foster
innovations.
Question 2. Yes or No: Do you agree that preempting state laws
without simultaneously building a Federal framework with real
guardrails would leave both consumers and industry at risk? Why or why
not?
Answer. President Trump has made clear his concerns about how a
patchwork of state AI laws will compromise U.S. leadership.
Applications of AI are today already regulated at the sector-specific,
use-case-specific level by relevant Federal bodies, including the
Federal Aviation Administration, the Food and Drug Administration,
etc., with appropriate guardrails consistent with those bodies'
statutory missions. Where appropriate, greater regulatory clarity, or
in some cases, new regulations may be needed at the Federal level to
enable responsible AI innovation. If confirmed, I look forward to
working with you and your colleagues to ensure sufficient Federal
frameworks for AI applications are in place.
Question 3. What minimum protections do you think Congress should
ensure are in place before preemption is even considered?
Answer. As discussed above, applications of AI are already
regulated at the sector-specific, use-case-specific level by relevant
Federal bodies. If confirmed, I look forward to working with you and
your colleagues to ensure sufficient Federal frameworks for AI
applications are in place.
Question 4. Last Congress, this Committee introduced several bills
that are consistent with the White House AI Action Plan. For example,
the Future of AI Innovation Act, NSF AI Education Act, and Small
Business AI Training Act all encourage AI innovation by creating AI
standards, testbeds, R&D, workforce development, and AI adoption in
small businesses. Would you support those bills for this Congress?
Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to working with you and your
colleagues on any legislation that promotes and protects continued
American leadership in AI innovation.
Spectrum Management and National Competitiveness. OSTP has
historically played a crucial role in advising the President on
spectrum policy--one of the most valuable resources in our digital
economy.
Previous Chief Technology Officers (CTO) have been instrumental in
shaping America's wireless future, coordinating between agencies to
balance competing demands from aviation safety, national defense,
commercial carriers, and innovation. The office that you are nominated
to, and that you have been serving in, helps determine whether America
leads in 6G, whether critical safety systems operate without
interference, and whether American innovators have the spectrum they
need to build the next generation of innovations. These aren't just
technical decisions--they're choices about what we value as a nation.
Question 1. Knowing that Wi-Fi carries more than 70 percent of
mobile data traffic, would you support policies that could degrade Wi-
Fi performance for millions of Americans by reducing unlicensed
spectrum allocations?
Answer. While the President's statutory telecommunications advisor
is the NTIA Administrator and the unlicensed non-federal spectrum that
Wi-Fi uses is administered by the FCC, OSTP can provide technical
leadership to ensure that America's airwaves are used effectively and
efficiently. If confirmed, I look forward to collaborating with your
office so that our spectrum policy remains predicated on sound
technical decisions that ensures this precious resource is stewarded in
a manner consistent with the national interest.
Question 2. The World Radiocommunication Conference happens every
four years and is the venue where countries and regions around the
world determine global and regional spectrum policy. OSTP has long
played a significant role in coordinating the U.S. positions for this
conference. Are you concerned about securing international support for
U.S. spectrum priorities when the Administration's trade wars may have
alienated our allies and partners?
Answer. The Trump Administration remains committed to delivering
spectrum leadership at WRC-27 that advances American interests. Because
of President Trump, we have never been in a stronger negotiating
position to deliver wins for the American people. If confirmed, I look
forward to working with you and your office on supporting American
technology interests at WRC and other important standards fora.
Spectrum and Reconciliation. OSTP plays an important role in
providing technical advice and counsel to the President about
technology issues, including on issues impacting a range of
stakeholders across government and industry. The recently passed
reconciliation bill requires that critical bands of Federal spectrum be
sold for commercial use, which could compromise mission-critical safety
functions.
Question 1. Yes or No: Should we put aviation safety at risk for
marginal improvements in 5G speeds?
Answer. I believe you are referencing the FCC's intention to study
portions of the Upper C band (3.98-4.2 GHz) for future auction, which
is adjacent to spectrum used by aircraft radio altimeters. I have been
following this issue closely and am optimistic that a combination of
technology and policy innovations can deliver a win-win outcome where
new spectrum resources are unlocked for advanced mobile communications
while also ensuring aviation safety. While spectrum issues are often
considered zero-sum, I believe that collaboration between the telecom
and aviation industries, their regulators, and stakeholders--in
combination with rigorous technical analysis--can deliver outcomes that
keep America leading the 6G race, protect travelers, and enhance
national security. If confirmed, I look forward to working with you and
your office on this matter.
Question 2. Yes or No: Should we degrade our ability to predict
hurricanes, fires, floods, or tornadoes by reallocating spectrum that
enables these radar and satellite systems?
Answer. Spectrum resources--both on the Federal and non-Federal
table of allocations--are used to support a number of vital national
missions, including weather prediction, satellite communications, and
national defense. There are a number of spectrum resources used for
weather satellites and terrestrial radars across a wide range of bands,
and each individual allocation has unique technical challenges and
opportunities. I agree that these national missions are vital. If
confirmed, I commit to ensuring that OSTP remains positioned as a
technical leader to support the President and the interagency on
spectrum matters.
Experience. The U.S. CTO plays a pivotal role in setting the
Nation's science and technology priorities, coordinating across Federal
agencies, and advising the President directly. It is a position that
requires both deep technical expertise and experience navigating the
complex machinery of government. Others that have held this role
include a former Virginia Secretary of Technology, Vice President of
Business Development at Google, and CTO of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services.
Question 1. Please outline the relevant experience you bring to the
CTO role specifically.
Answer. I agree that the USCTO role within OSTP requires deep
technical expertise and experience navigating the complex machinery of
government. I am the first CTO nominee with a PhD, having spent years
exploring the frontiers of scientific understanding and engineering
novel nuclear technologies, working with both international research
institutes and leading national laboratories. I am also the nominee
with the most experience working in OSTP, having worked in or supported
the office under three Administrations and for nearly six years in
varying capacities.
During my first stint as a tech policy advisor at OSTP in the first
Trump Administration, I worked on a broad range of emerging technology
initiatives, drafting executive actions across AI, nuclear, biotech,
and drones. I led interagency policy development efforts on critical
technologies like nuclear fusion, drafted guidance on Federal research
and development budget priorities, and coordinated Presidential
convenings with Fortune 100 CEOs on topics including ``American
Leadership in Emerging Technologies'' and ``AI for American Industry.''
Outside of government, I have held varied roles advising ``little
tech'' on engaging with government as a venture fellow at a deep-tech
incubator; providing American aerospace manufacturing companies with
financial advisory at an investment bank; and organizing national
security technology career fairs, hackathons, and policy events as the
co-founder of a mission-focused organization. These experiences across
the science and technology ecosystem have given me a unique vantage
point on the government policies needed to support continued American
innovation.
Question 2. What is the largest team of employees you have managed?
Answer. I have led diverse and interdisciplinary teams in multiple
contexts. During my Ph.D. at MIT, I worked on large, collaborative
projects involving national laboratories, academic researchers, and
junior graduate students, efforts that required coordination across
institutional boundaries and mentorship of early-career scientists. At
OSTP, I led multi-month policy development efforts that involved a
dozen different department and agency representatives. In a small but
high-impact office like OSTP, effective management is less about top-
down direction and more about enabling experts to excel. Portfolio
areas are led by technical policy advisors who are the subject-matter
authorities in their domains. If confirmed, I will seek to play a
supportive and amplifying role--removing obstacles, aligning
priorities, and ensuring OSTP's technical policy advisors have the
resources and visibility they need to drive ambitious interagency
policy efforts.
Sexual Harassment at Research Institutions. GAO recently sent out
for agency comment a report entitled ``Actions Needed to Ensure
Consistent Agency Policies for Research Institutions.'' The report
found that although it is OSTP's responsibility to monitor how other
agencies develop their policies to address sexual harassment at
federally funded research institutions, they do not have staff in place
to lead this effort, and that their imposed guidelines omit key
elements required under the Research and Development, Competition, and
Innovation Act (enacted as a part of the CHIPS Act in 2022).
Question 1. If confirmed, will you prioritize bringing on staff to
address this important matter, if OSTP has not yet?
Answer. Those guidelines were developed during the Biden
Administration, as I understand OSTP has noted to GAO. In addition, I
understand OSTP staff communicated to GAO that OSTP is actively working
to recruit subject matter experts in multiple disciplines and are
looking forward to re-convening the National Science and Technology
Council, which brings together interagency experts to address key
topics, such as this one. If confirmed, I will support OSTP efforts to
coordinate Federal research agency efforts to reduce the prevalence of
sex-based and sexual harassment involving award personnel.
Question 2. One of the key elements required by the Act that was
omitted in OSTP's policy guidelines was the need for recipients to
report initiated investigations and for agencies to share harassment
reports. GAO has warned this creates a gap that may enable repeat
offenders to continue receiving Federal support. If confirmed, will you
advocate for a change to address this discrepancy?
Answer. If confirmed, I will support OSTP efforts to coordinate
Federal research agency efforts to reduce the prevalence of sex-based
and sexual harassment involving award personnel, including ensuring
repeat offenders do not continue receiving Federal support.
Fusion. Fusion energy has the potential to provide a virtually
limitless source of clean, safe, and reliable power, and Washington
State is home to some of the most advanced private fusion companies in
the country. OSTP will have an important role in coordinating Federal
research and supporting pathways for commercialization.
Question 1. What specific actions should the Federal government be
taking to accelerate fusion energy development and deployment, and how
can OSTP best support both public-private partnerships and research
initiatives in this field?
Answer. The government can pursue prizes challenges, public-private
partnerships, and other novel funding mechanisms to pursue fusion and
other emerging technologies. Federal support for accelerating fusion
energy development deployment can include continued support for fusion
R&D, use of experimental facilities and data, and pro-innovation policy
to promote a global fusion market. Programs such as the Fusion
Innovation Research Engine (FIRE) Collaboratives and the Innovation
Network for Fusion Energy (INFUSE) awards can encourage collaboration
between the private fusion industry, DOE national labs, and
universities.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Amy Klobuchar to
Dr. Ethan A. Klein
AI Rules of the Road. I am working to make sure we have stronger
rules of the road in place when it comes to AI use. My bill with
Majority Leader Thune--the AI Research, Innovation, and Accountability
Act--for example, would improve testing and evaluation for critical-
impact AI systems used to make decisions about critical infrastructure.
If confirmed, will you work with me to develop thoughtful
Federal standards that can help drive the adoption of AI across
industries?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work with you and your colleagues on
any legislation that promotes and protects continued American
leadership in AI innovation.
Data Center Energy Demands. A December 2024 report from the North
American Electric Reliability Corporation indicated Minnesota's
regional energy grid is at high risk for a shortfall in electricity
supply over the next five years. I am concerned that the increased
demand for electricity from AI data centers will only make this worse,
leaving Americans with rising utility bills and unpredictable
blackouts.
How are you working to ensure that American households do
not shoulder the cost of energy shortfalls?
Answer. President Trump has been clear about the need for American
energy dominance. We know that more energy generation must be connected
to the grid. Expanding centralized energy generation across a range of
sources, including advanced nuclear, remains critical to maintaining
grid reliability and affordability. If confirmed, I look forward to
working with you to advance policies that preserve affordability for
ratepayers.
How can the Federal government help industry improve the
load balancing capabilities of data centers to prevent
blackouts?
Answer. President Trump has also been clear that for American
energy dominance companies must be able to supply their own power. If
confirmed, I look forward to working with you to advance policies that
preserve affordability for ratepayers and ensure stable load for all
consumers, including data center operators, achieving energy dominance
without compromising American leadership in AI.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Ben Ray Lujan to
Dr. Ethan A. Klein
Question 1. Yes or No: Do you believe that the Federal government
should push for more transparency in the scientific process?
Answer. I agree that science should be transparent and constantly
challenged in order to advance the scientific process. Transparency in
science enables researchers to build off of one another's results,
which is why transparency is one of the nine tenets specifically called
out in President Trump's executive order on ``Restoring Gold Standard
Science.''
Question 2. Yes or No: Do you believe that Federal decision-making
should be grounded in science?
Answer. Federal decision-making should be informed by the best
available science, with full recognition of its uncertainties,
alongside other considerations such as legal, economic, and security
factors. That is why in May, President Trump signed Executive Order
14303 ``Restoring Gold Standard Science,'' and in June, the OSTP
Director issued guidance to agencies on how to implement gold standard
science across their agency activities.
Question 3. Yes or No: Do you believe scientific endeavors should
be free from political influence?
Answer. I believe that scientific research and discovery should be
free from political influence. At the same time, scientific endeavors,
such as setting priorities for R&D funding or launching national
initiatives, should align with the administration's broader priorities
and must serve the public interest.
Question 4. What will you do if you are asked or instructed to make
a decision that is directly contrary to the scientific evidence?
Answer. The role of OSTP is to ensure that the best available
scientific understanding is clearly represented in interagency
discussions and in advice to the President and senior decisionmakers.
Scientific evidence is rarely the only factor, with legal, economic,
and security considerations factoring into policy decisions. If
confirmed, I will ensure that the scientific evidence is accurately
represented and adequately considered in its proper role within the
broader decision-making process.
Question 5. What is your strategy for pushing for greater reliance
on scientific findings within the current administration?
Answer. In May 2025, President Trump signed an executive order to
restore gold standard science, and in June, the OSTP Director issued
guidance to agencies on how to implement gold standard science across
their activities. If confirmed, I will work with agencies to ensure
that they are implementing gold standard science in accordance with
these directives.
Question 6. Yes or No: Would you go against a direct order from the
President or his cabinet if you believed it put lives at risk or was
illegal? ``I do not believe the President would ever give such an
order'' or any similarly evasive statement is not an acceptable answer.
Answer. The President would never give such an order, and I would
not do anything unlawful or put lives at risk.
Question 7. Yes or No: Did Joe Biden lawfully win the 2020
presidential election?
Answer. Joe Biden was certified as the winner of the 2020
presidential election.
Question 8. Yes or No: Did Donald Trump lawfully win the 2024
presidential election?
Answer. Donald Trump was certified as the winner of the 2024
presidential election.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. John Hickenlooper to
Dr. Ethan A. Klein
Artificial Intelligence--Road Ahead
AI is a transformative technology that is kickstarting another
industrial revolution.
The recent AI Action Plan calls for new investments in R&D to
enable researchers to experiment with AI models in the cloud-based
National AI Research Resource (NAIRR), better understand how AI model
outputs are created based on user inputs--AI interpretability, and
increase investments to help users identify and detect AI-generated
content.
More work needs to be done to establish new standards for issues
such as independent evaluations for AI model development and use and
copyright protections for the creative works of artists.
Question 1. Mr. Klein, how would you work to ensure the
perspectives of companies, academics, consumers, and states are
incorporated into OSTP's coordination of the AI Action Plan?
Answer. The role of OSTP is to coordinate implementation of the AI
Action Plan across the Federal Government, while ensuring that the
perspectives of all relevant stakeholders are meaningfully represented.
The RFI issued by OSTP in formulating the AI Action Plan received
nearly 10,000 responses from across society. If confirmed, I will work
to ensure that engagement mechanisms, such as public comment
opportunities and stakeholder roundtables, are used to their full
effect to solicit a broad and myriad set of perspectives that can
meaningfully inform the Action Plan's implementation and achievement of
the objectives detailed therein.
Quantum
Quantum Information Science (QIS) is another disruptive technology
that will transform our world. Quantum sensing technologies can help us
better detect critical mineral deposits and methane emissions. Quantum
computing will revolutionize how we analyze large datasets and design
pharmaceuticals.
The National Quantum Coordination Office sits within OSTP and
oversees the Federal government's efforts to lead the world in quantum.
Colorado's Elevate Quantum Regional Tech Hub is working with
industry, academia, and Federal agencies to bring quantum technologies
to real life commercial scale.
Question 2. Mr. Klein, what priorities would you recommend Congress
consider as part of the reauthorization of the National Quantum
Initiative? How could a reauthorized NQIA coordinate with existing
federally-funded innovation hubs focused on quantum research,
commercialization, manufacturing, or workforce development?
Answer. Thank you for your commitment to American leadership in
QIS. With the NQI reauthorization, Congress can act to strengthen the
commitment to U.S. leadership, through promoting additional research
and continuing to grow the quantum workforce. Given the increasing
maturity of the technology, an increased focus on engineering, enabling
technologies, and commercialization is now needed to ensure the
technology advances to the point that end-users will recognize the
impact of the technology, the markets will develop, and the technology
will become profitable. If confirmed, I look forward to working with
you and your office on supporting continued American leadership in QIS.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. John Fetterman to
Dr. Ethan A. Klein
Question 1. We agree that if any nation is to win the AI race, it
must be the United States. And we agree that the build out of
artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and the energy production
to sustain data centers is critical for the United States to win this
race.
But I share the concerns of many Pennsylvanians who have already
seen their electricity bills rise between 23-40 percent over the past
five years. The same is true for other residents within the PJM grid
across Ohio, West Virginia, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Washington,
D.C., and parts of Virginia. Pennsylvania residents will eventually be
sharing the grid with even more data centers set to be built across the
commonwealth in the coming years.
Do you believe that more energy generation needs to be connected to
our energy grid, rather than facilitating behind the meter agreements,
to preserve affordability for ratepayers and ensure stable load for
data center operators?
Answer. We absolutely need more energy generation to be connected
to the grid and Pennsylvania will play an indispensable part in
increasing that capacity. Expanding centralized energy generation
across a range of sources, including advanced nuclear, remains critical
to maintaining grid reliability and affordability. President Trump has
been clear about the need for American energy dominance and also for
companies to be able to supply their own power. If confirmed, I look
forward to working with you to advance policies that preserve
affordability for ratepayers and ensure stable load for all consumers,
including data center operators, achieving energy dominance without
compromising American leadership in AI.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Eric Schmitt to
Joyce Meyer
Question 1. The 2020 Census faced unprecedented challenges,
including the early closure of field operations in September due to
COVID-19, several weeks ahead of the originally planned October 31
deadline. Given your emphasis on data integrity and leveraging
technology:
Once confirmed, how would you work to identify specific
geographic areas where census operations were truncated or
potentially incomplete?
Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to exploring a couple of
options. First, I plan to work with the Census team to take a closer
look at the 2020 post-enumeration survey and identify smaller
geographical areas that may have been subject to undercount. Second, I
look forward to focusing on the Census Bureau's administrative records
infrastructure and identify areas where in-field enumeration may have
shown insufficient coverage.
What strategies would you use to coordinate with state and
local governments to address areas with suspected undercounts,
and how would you ensure the resulting data is reliable for
policymaking and resource allocation?
Answer. I share the priority of ensuring reliable, accurate data
for policy makers and resource allocation. If confirmed, I look forward
to working closely with state and local governments about taking an
active role in 2030 Census planning including campaigns to encourage
self-response in the 2030 Decennial, and exploring data-sharing
agreements to enhance the quality of enumeration within their
jurisdictions.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Maria Cantwell to
Joyce Meyer
Politicization of Government Data. Your nomination comes amid
growing concerns about the integrity of government economic data and a
chilling effect on our economic statistical agencies. President Trump's
recent firing of the BLS Commissioner over the release of a new and
revised jobs report is a deeply troubling development. I fear this is
an intimidation tactic that could extend to other agencies, like BEA,
which you would oversee if confirmed.
Question 1. Yes or No: Would you refuse to fire the BEA Director
for producing an accurate report?
Answer. The President and Secretary Lutnick have outlined that
accuracy and integrity of data will continue to be the standard of
performance across statistical agencies. If confirmed, I look forward
to carrying out this shared commitment with the BEA team.
Question 2. During an interview in March, Secretary Lutnick said
``governments historically have messed with GDP.'' He went on to say
that he planned to change how we calculate U.S. GDP by ``separating''
government spending from the calculation. So far, it does not appear
that has happened. Yes or No: Do you support changing how GDP is
calculated? Why or why not?
Answer. Every month, BEA produces a detailed report, outlining the
components of GDP, and many distinct measures of economic output. Under
my leadership, if confirmed, I look forward to working with BEA to
build upon the variety, detail, and quality of their published data. I
am not aware of any proposal to discontinue using the current
methodology for GDP.
Question 3. Has anyone at the Commerce Department or White House
had a conversation with you about changing how GDP is calculated? If
yes, please specify the date, participants, and circumstances for each
interaction.
Answer. I am not in the role of Undersecretary of Economic Affairs,
and I am not aware of discussions underway on this topic.
Disbandment of Commissions. In February, Secretary Lutnick
disbanded two economic advisory committees, the Federal Economic
Statistics Advisory Committee and the Bureau of Economic Analysis
Advisory Committee, that had been advising the Commerce Department for
over two decades. This includes advising on ways to best collect,
tabulate, and analyze Federal economic statistics amid new and rapidly
growing economic activities. But the e-mail announcing the disbandment
stated that the committees' purposes ``have been fulfilled.''
Question 1. Do you think disbanding these advisory committees helps
improve the accuracy of BEA's data?
Answer. It is my understanding that BEA engages with many outside
stakeholder voices including the academic, business, and public-sector
communities. If confirmed, I look forward to supporting their ongoing
efforts to receive input.
Question 2. Yes or No: Would you support legislation codifying
these advisory committees into law? Why or why not?
Answer. The Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 finds that
advisory committees should only be established when essential and that
such committees should be terminated when they are no longer carrying
out their purpose. If confirmed, I look forward to complying with the
law.
Undermining statistics. Politicizing government data and disbanding
advisory committees are mechanisms this Administration is using to
undermine statistics.
Question 1. Please outline specific steps that can be taken to
prevent this Administration from further undermining statistics.
Answer. This Administration is prioritizing timely, accurate data
at Federal statistical agencies and leveraging new technology and
methods for data collection and distribution. This includes enhancing
direct data feeds for large respondents, using public-sector and
private-sector data sets to lessen the burden of survey data collection
on American businesses and American households, and relying on advanced
computing capacity to disseminate more information in a timelier
fashion. We owe it to the American taxpayer to leverage all tools to
provide timely, accurate data. If confirmed, I look forward to carrying
out the commitment for timely, accurate data and complying with the
law.
Question 2. Yes or No: If you were asked to produce inaccurate
statistics or data by the Secretary or the President, would you refuse?
Answer. The President and Secretary Lutnick would never ask me to
produce inaccurate statistics or data. Additionally, the President and
Secretary Lutnick have made clear their priority for Americans to have
accuracy and integrity in statistics and data. If confirmed, I look
forward to carrying out this shared commitment with the teams at BEA
and the Census Bureau and I will comply with the law.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Gary Peters to
Joyce Meyer
The role you are nominated for oversees the Bureau of Economic
Analysis (BEA), which relies on data from the Bureau of Labor
Statistics (BLS) when it produces its estimates of Gross Domestic
Product (GDP).
Question 1. Do you believe there was any political interference
when BLS revised the jobs numbers in July?
Answer. I don't have visibility into this, and it would be
inappropriate for me to speculate on this topic.
a. If so, did that political interference affect any estimates of
GDP produced by BEA?
Answer. I am not in the role for which I have been nominated, and I
do not have visibility into BEA's good work. If confirmed, I will
comply with the law.
Question 2. Do you believe that there is political interference in
the statistics produced at the Census Bureau or Bureau of Economic
Analysis?
Answer. I don't have visibility into this given I am not in the
role. That said, I have no information that would lead me to believe
there is political interference.
Question 3. How do you plan on ensuring that BEA and the Census
Bureau continue to produce unbiased data and statistics that can be
trusted by the public?
Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to fostering a culture of
rigor, integrity and accuracy within BEA and the Census Bureau. I also
look forward to building upon work underway on transparency and
relevancy of data so the details can be understood by a wider public
audience, including those who might not be specialists in economics or
statistics.
Question 4. What would you do if the President asked you to change
statistics produced by BEA or the Census Bureau?
Answer. The President and Secretary Lutnick have made clear their
priority for Americans to have accuracy and integrity in Federal
statistics and data. If confirmed, I look forward to carrying out this
shared commitment with the teams at BEA and the Census Bureau and I
will comply with the law.
The Bureau of Economic Analysis produces the Federal Reserve's
preferred data source for measuring inflation, the Personal Consumption
Expenditures, or PCE index, which influences monetary policy. Since the
start of the year, the President and his Administration have made it
clear of their desires to influence the decision making of the Federal
Open Market Committee, as shown by their public pressure campaign
against Chair Powell and their attempted removal of Lisa Cook from her
role on the Board of Governors.
Given the role that BEA plays in the Fed's decision making, I worry
that the President will attempt to influence the BEA's inflation
reporting in an effort to obtain his desired outcome on interest rates.
Question 5. Do you agree that erosion of the Fed's independence
would jeopardize the long-run stability of our economy?
Answer. The Department of Commerce, and the Census Bureau and BEA,
provide detailed measurements of economic indicators used for policy
decisions and decisions in the business community. Questions about the
Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions are outside the Department
of Commerce and the role for which I have been nominated.
Question 6. Will you commit to overseeing fair and impartial PCE
calculations and reporting at the BEA?
Answer. The President and Secretary Lutnick have made clear their
priority for Americans to have accuracy and integrity in Federal
statistics and data. If confirmed, I look forward to carrying out this
shared commitment with the BEA team and I will comply with the law.
President Trump proposed in his budget request to Congress to
consolidate the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Census Bureau, and the
Bureau of Labor Statistics into a single statistical agency under the
Commerce Department.
Question 7. Do you support consolidating these three agencies? If
so, please explain why they should be consolidated.
Answer. It is my understanding that President Trump's proposed
FY2026 budget reorganizes the BLS, BEA, and the Census Bureau at the
Department of Commerce.
Question 8. Do you acknowledge that only Congress can reorganize
and consolidate these agencies by passing a new law?
Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to working with you and the
committee on this important issue.
Question 9. Do you commit to working with this Committee and my
Committee, the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, on
any proposal to reorganize these statistical agencies?
Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to working with the committees
of jurisdiction on this important issue.
In June, the Commerce Department terminated all of its Federal
advisory committees on statistics--including committees that advise on
trade statistics, manufacturing statistics, and the 2030 Census. These
terminations have disrupted planning for surveys like the Census, and
this threatens the trustworthiness of all data collected by the
Commerce Department relied on by businesses and the public. The
Commerce Department said these committees had been terminated because
their ``purposes . . . had been fulfilled''--even as the Department is
still in a critical planning moment for the 2030 Census.
Question 10. If confirmed, do you commit to restoring these
terminated advisory committees?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the teams at the Census
Bureau and BEA to continue their engagement with outside stakeholders.
Question 11. How will you ensure that Department is receiving high
quality public input as it conducts its surveys?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work with and support the teams at the
Census Bureau and BEA in their ongoing efforts to innovate and refine
survey design to maximize response quality and expand opportunities to
acquire alternative data sources.
Question 12. Does the Constitution require that ``whole number of
persons in each state'' be used to apportion Congressional seats?
Answer. Yes, this text is found in the Fourteenth Amendment,
Section 2.
Question 13. Can noncitizens be excluded from Census counts for the
purposes of apportioning Congressional seats?
Answer. The Census Bureau's important work, including the Decennial
Census, focuses on providing high-quality data for a range of users and
purposes. If confirmed, my focus will be on supporting the Census
Bureau's commitment to the accuracy and integrity of this data.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Jacky Rosen to
Joyce Meyer
Question Topic: Supporting Rural and Tourism-Related Business through
Export Data
Rural businesses face unique challenges in accessing export
markets--many times there's a lack of awareness, insufficient technical
assistance, and an absence of infrastructure like ports, broadband, or
transportation. One way we can support these businesses is through
access to timely, accurate data that can help them make smart
decisions.
Question 1. Ms. Meyer, if confirmed, what role do you see the
Bureau of Economic Analysis playing in supporting data collection and
dissemination that helps rural businesses more successfully engage in
international trade? How would you coordinate with the International
Trade Administration to ensure rural exporters are not left behind?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work to build upon BEA's longstanding
commitment to improve access to its data and making its information
more actionable for all American businesses, including rural
businesses, in partnership with ITA.
Question 2. How will you ensure that export data analyzed by the
Department of Commerce accurately reflects the impact of not only goods
exported overseas, but also visitors from abroad coming here to the
United States to spend their money in our country?
Answer. It is my understanding that BEA's international transaction
accounts currently include services related to foreign travel in its
export totals, and, if confirmed, I look forward to working with BEA to
ensure that this data collection continues to innovate.
Question Topic: Accuracy and Timeliness of Economic Data
Timely and accurate economic data is essential for good
policymaking, especially in fast-changing sectors like tourism. When we
face events like public health emergencies, natural disasters, or even
major transportation disruptions, local economies can be impacted
almost overnight.
However, the data that drives Federal response--whether it's
emergency relief, infrastructure support, or workforce development--can
lag behind what is actually happening on the ground, particularly in
sectors that are seasonal, event-driven, or heavily reliant on visitor
spending like tourism.
Question 1. Ms. Meyer, if confirmed, how would you work to improve
the timeliness of economic data and modernize forecasting tools so that
communities, especially those that rely on tourism, receive the support
they need, based on up-to-date and complete information? And what role
do you see for new technologies or data sources in helping fill those
gaps?
Answer. This Administration has a clear commitment to modernizing
and improving the accuracy of data collection for a wide range of end-
users and purposes. If confirmed, under my leadership, Census and BEA
will continue to work towards earlier data release times and more
detailed regional data.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Ben Ray Lujan to
Joyce Meyer
Question 1. On August 1, 2025, President Trump fired the
Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) hours after the
agency released weak monthly jobs numbers. Without any evidence,
President Trump claimed the BLS numbers were ``rigged'' and ``phony''
to make him look bad. If confirmed, you would oversee another national
statistics agency--the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) in the
Department of Commerce.
Yes or no, will you commit to refusing an order from
President Trump or Secretary Lutnick to fire the BEA Director
for releasing economic data they did not like?
Answer. The President and Secretary Lutnick have made clear their
priority for Americans to have accuracy and integrity in Federal
statistics and data. If confirmed, I look forward to carrying out this
shared commitment with the BEA team.
Question 2. Ms. Meyer, During an August 12, 2025, town hall with
BEA employees, Secretary Lutnick said the importance of statistical
independence at Federal agencies was quote, ``nonsense'' and should
focus only on getting quote, ``the right answer.''
Yes or no, do you agree with Secretary Lutnick that
independence of federal statistical agencies is ``nonsense''?
Answer. Secretary Lutnick has made clear his priority for Americans
to have accuracy and integrity in Federal statistics and data. If
confirmed, I look forward to carrying out this shared commitment with
the BEA and the Census Bureau.
Question 3. Yes or No: Did Joe Biden lawfully win the 2020
presidential election?
Answer. Joe Biden was certified by Congress as President.
Question 4. Yes or No: Did Donald Trump lawfully win the 2024
presidential election?
Answer. Donald Trump was certified by Congress as President.
______
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. John Hickenlooper to
Joyce Meyer
Tariffs and Economic Data
If confirmed, you will oversee the Department of Commerce's engine
that analyzes how our economy is performing. The Bureau of Economic
Analysis constantly monitors new data and publishes transparent reports
for the public to review.
Currently, President Trump's reciprocal tariffs are heading toward
a review by the Supreme Court.
All across America, consumers and businesses on Main Street are
monitoring the outcome of the litigation over the President's tariff
authority.
Question 1. Ms. Meyer, will you commit to ensuring the Bureau of
Economic Analysis, under your leadership, publishes data impartially
and without political influence?
Answer. The President and Secretary Lutnick have made clear their
priority is for Americans to have accuracy and integrity in Federal
statistics and data. If confirmed, I look forward to carrying out this
shared commitment with the BEA team.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Amy Klobuchar to
Joyce Meyer
Trade & Regional Economic Impact. Right now, trade tensions and
tariffs are creating real uncertainty for farmers, manufacturers, and
consumers across the country, including in Minnesota. Policymakers rely
on your office's data to assess these impacts in real time.
What role do you see for the Under Secretary in providing
transparent, reliable data to evaluate how trade and tariff
policies are affecting local and regional economies?
Answer. The President and Secretary Lutnick have made clear their
priority for Americans to have accuracy and integrity in Federal
statistics and data. If confirmed, I see the Under Secretary role as
one that carries out this shared commitment with the BEA team and I
will comply with the law.
Inflation and Economic Data. The Bureau of Economic Analysis
produces the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index, which is
the Federal Reserve's preferred measure of inflation. That statistic
directly informs decisions on interest rates that affect families,
businesses, and markets across the country. We have also seen concerns
raised recently about political pressure on other statistical agencies.
Given the importance of the PCE Price Index to economic
policymaking, how will you safeguard the independence and
integrity of this data so that it can continue to be trusted by
decisionmakers and the American public as a neutral, accurate
reflection of inflation?
Answer. The President and Secretary Lutnick have made clear their
priority for Americans to have accuracy and integrity in Federal
statistics and data. If confirmed, I look forward to carrying out this
shared commitment with the BEA team and I will comply with the law.
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