On Tuesday, in an 80 to 19 vote, the Senate confirmed Peter Feldman as CPSC Commissioner – to finish Commissioner Mohorovic’s term ending October 26, 2019. Today, in a narrow 51 to 49 vote, the Senate confirmed him to a full, seven-year term. As we discussed here, Mr. Feldman previously served as Senior Counsel to the Senate Commerce Committee, which has oversight of the CPSC. During his June confirmation hearing, he indicated that his focus as Commissioner would be on modernizing the agency and its increasing its transparency.
Once Mr. Feldman is sworn in, the five-member Commission will have a Republican majority for the first time since 2006, although Acting Chairman Ann Marie Buerkle’s (R) nomination to become Chairman is still pending. Despite this delay, with the Commission back to full strength, we will watch for policy and enforcement developments, particularly as the Commission votes on the FY 2019 Operating Plan next month.