Senate Confirms Scott Darling as FMCSA Administrator
Before adjourning for seven weeks, the Senate on July 14 confirmed Scott Darling to lead the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Darling had been the agency’s acting administrator.
He was confirmed by unanimous consent. Darling had waited about half a year for the chamber to take up his nomination.
“I am pleased that the Senate confirmed Darling to be the next administrator of FMCSA. As the acting administrator over the last 11 months, Scott has been laser-focused on the agency’s mission of reducing large bus and truck crashes and fatalities,” said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.
“He goes the extra mile to engage actively and personally with the agency’s stakeholders. His collaborative approach has moved the ball forward on commercial motor vehicle safety. I look forward to our continued work together and congratulate him on his confirmation,” Foxx added.
Statement by @SecretaryFoxx on the confirmation of Scott Darling as @FMCSA Administrator https://t.co/C3Mxe2mCbt pic.twitter.com/BCqUk8bcil — TransportationGov (@USDOT) July 15, 2016
American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear said the organization "congratulates Administrator Darling on his well-deserved confirmation."
"Throughout his tenure at FMCSA, we have had a strong working relationship and we look forward to continuing to work with him to promote safety on our nation’s highways," Spear said.
Darling is leading myriad proposals this year ranging from a reform of safety performance scores for truck carriers to regulation that would address health concerns such as sleep apnea. At a hearing in the beginning of the year, Darling told senators a proposed safety fitness determination rule would help clarify which carriers would be deemed suitable to operate.
RELATED: Obama Taps Darling to Be FMCSA Administrator
Norita Taylor, spokeswoman at the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, said the group looks forward to continuing to work with Darling.
President Obama nominated Darling to lead FMCSA last summer. He had been the agency’s general counsel before propelled to the leadership post.
Prior to FMCSA, Darling was the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s deputy chief of staff and assistant general counsel.
