[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 128 (Wednesday, August 5, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S4464]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                              S. Res. 817

  Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, I rise in opposition to the en bloc 
nominations process and in opposition to almost all of these nominees.
  While the en bloc process unfortunately means that I have to cast a 
single vote for or against all 74 nominees today, I do want to reaffirm 
my strong support of both Democratic nominees that were reported with 
unanimous approval out of the Commerce Committee, Thomas Chapman and 
Karen Hedlund.
  Thomas Chapman was renominated to the National Transportation Safety 
Board. He is an industry veteran who previously served on Commerce 
Committee staff and has a demonstrated commitment to fact-based 
investigations into aviation and other transportation disasters.
  Karen Hedlund was renominated to serve on the Surface Transportation 
Board. She has served with distinction since 2022. The Surface 
Transportation Board is currently evaluating the largest proposed rail 
merger in our Nation's history. Given her prior experience at STB and 
years of service at USDOT, I am confident Ms. Hedlund will continue 
putting the public's interest first and foremost.
  While I strongly support these Democratic nominees, I have more 
significant concerns about other nominations in the bloc.
  Unfortunately, the en bloc process means that I have to cast a single 
vote today. Even though I support some of the nominations in the bloc, 
I must stand up today to speak against the other nominations and the 
lack of bipartisan representation at independent agencies.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure qualified 
candidates from both parties are appointed in the future.