On June 21, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a hearing on Peter Feldman’s nomination for Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Mr. Feldman was initially nominated on June 4th only to finish Commissioner Mohorovic’s term, which ends in October 2019, but was re-nominated on June 7th for a separate term to end in 2026. At the hearing, Mr. Feldman stated his intent to focus on “modernizing the agency and increasing its transparency.” He specifically addressed the need to modernize CPSC’s data capabilities, especially in regards to identifying emerging hazards, determining the CPSC’s role in evolving e-commerce distribution models, and improving outreach and transparency to stakeholders.
If he is confirmed, the Republicans will return to the majority after almost 12 years. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance and Data Security, has stated that he hopes the Committee will move “expeditiously” with Feldman’s confirmation and that his “expertise in regards to the issues before the Commission and extensive qualifications will be an asset as the Commission gets back on track in advancing product safety policies that reflect the principles of sound regulation.” Similarly, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH), Chairman of the Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection Subcommittee, has urged the Commerce Committee to move forward with not only Feldman’s confirmation, but also Acting Chair Ann Marie Buerkle’s confirmation. Buerkle’s (R) nomination to become Chairman has been pending for 10 months with no indication of when a vote will be scheduled.
Prior to his nomination, Mr. Feldman spent the past seven years as Senior Counsel on the Commerce Committee, where he focused on privacy, technology, data security, motor vehicle safety, product liability, and sports law. Before graduating from American University Washington College of Law in 2010, Feldman oversaw media operations for John McCain’s presidential campaign and worked as an associate with the National Republican Congressional Committee.