Senate Committee Gives Martinez Thumbs Up to Head FMCSA

The Senate Commerce Committee has advanced the nomination of Raymond Martinez as Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to the full Senate for a vote on his confirmation. The committee approved the action by a voice vote on Nov.8.

Martinez, President Trump's pick to head the agency, had acquitted himself well the week before during his confirmation hearing, drawing no opposition from senators on the committee who questioned him.

At that time, the nominee voiced his support for upholding the electronic logging device rule that kicks in starting next month.  He said that “first and foremost” he would “abide by the [ELD] law, but also have an open door policy and work with all the impacted stakeholders.”

Martinez also told the committee that his experience as a motor vehicle and traffic safety official in New York and New Jersey, respectively, has led him to hold the view that “promulgating regulations should be done with the best information available, and must be viewed by stakeholders as reasonable, rational and fair.”

If confirmed, he will succeed Daphne Jefferson as the nation’s top truck-safety official. Jefferson, who holds the post of deputy administrator, has served as FMCSA’s acting administrator since the departure of T.F. Scott Darling III, who served as the agency’s administrator under President Obama.

HDT reported on Nov. 2 that FMCSA is expected to soon name Louisiana Motor Transport Association Executive Director Cathy Gautreaux as the agency’s next deputy administrator.

Related: FMCSA Nominee Martinez Committed to ELD Rule