[Senate Hearing 117-844]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
S. Hrg. 117-844
NOMINATION TO THE CONSUMER PRODUCT
SAFETY COMMISSION AND THE U.S. DEPARTMENT
OF COMMERCE
=======================================================================
HEARING
BEFORE THE
COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE,
SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
UNITED STATES SENATE
ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
__________
JULY 28, 2021
__________
Printed for the use of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation
[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Available online: http://www.govinfo.gov
__________
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
54-919 PDF WASHINGTON : 2024
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
MARIA CANTWELL, Washington, Chair
AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota ROGER WICKER, Mississippi, Ranking
RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, Connecticut JOHN THUNE, South Dakota
BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii ROY BLUNT, Missouri
EDWARD MARKEY, Massachusetts TED CRUZ, Texas
GARY PETERS, Michigan DEB FISCHER, Nebraska
TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin JERRY MORAN, Kansas
TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska
JON TESTER, Montana MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee
KYRSTEN SINEMA, Arizona TODD YOUNG, Indiana
JACKY ROSEN, Nevada MIKE LEE, Utah
BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico RON JOHNSON, Wisconsin
JOHN HICKENLOOPER, Colorado SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West
RAPHAEL WARNOCK, Georgia Virginia
RICK SCOTT, Florida
CYNTHIA LUMMIS, Wyoming
David Strickland, Staff Director
Melissa Porter, Deputy Staff Director
George Greenwell, Policy Coordinator and Security Manager
John Keast, Republican Staff Director
Crystal Tully, Republican Deputy Staff Director
Steven Wall, General Counsel
C O N T E N T S
----------
Page
Hearing held on July 28, 2021.................................... 1
Statement of Senator Cantwell.................................... 1
Statement of Senator Wicker...................................... 3
Statement of Senator Blackburn................................... 51
Statement of Senator Thune....................................... 53
Statement of Senator Klobuchar................................... 56
Statement of Senator Markey...................................... 58
Statement of Senator Rosen....................................... 59
Statement of Senator Blumenthal.................................. 61
Statement of Senator Peters...................................... 63
Statement of Senator Hickenlooper................................ 65
Witnesses
Alexander D. Hoehn-Saric, Nominee to be Chair and Commissioner,
Consumer Product Safety Commission............................. 4
Prepared statement........................................... 5
Biographical information..................................... 6
Mary T. Boyle, Nominee to be Commissioner, Consumer Product
Safety Commission.............................................. 14
Prepared statement........................................... 15
Biographical information..................................... 16
Richard Trumka Jr., Nominee to be Commissioner, Consumer Product
Safety Commission.............................................. 24
Prepared statement........................................... 25
Biographical information..................................... 26
Grant T. Harris, Nominee to be Assistant Secretary for Industry
and Analysis, Department of Commerce........................... 31
Prepared statement........................................... 33
Biographical information..................................... 34
Appendix
List of organizations with letters of support for Mary Boyle..... 69
Support letter dated July 13, 2021 to Hon. Maria Cantwell and
Hon. Roger Wicker from Peter Tichansky, President & CEO,
Business Council for International Understanding............... 71
Support letter dated July 26, 2021 to Hon. Maria Cantwell and
Hon. Roger Wicker from Scott Eisner, President, U.S.-Africa
Business Center, Senior Vice President, U.S. Chamber of
Commerce....................................................... 72
Support letter dated March 1, 2022 to Hon. Maria Cantwell and
Hon. Roger Wicker from Jay Timmons, President and CEO, National
Association of Manufacturers................................... 73
Support letter dated March 17, 2022 to Hon. Chuck Schumer and
Hon. Mitch McConnell from Matt Blunt, President, American
Automotive Policy Council...................................... 74
Support letter dated March 31, 2022 to Hon. Chuck Schumer, Hon.
Mitch McConnell, Hon. Maria Cantwell and Hon. Roger Wicker from
the American Hotel and Lodging Association, Airlines for
America, American Society of Travel Advisors, Cruise Lines
International Association, Global Business Travel Association,
Near Airport Parking Industry Trade Association, and the U.S.
Travel Association............................................. 75
Support letter dated March 23, 2022 to Senator Marco Rubio and
Senator Rick Scott from Suzanne NeufangCEO, Global Business
Travel Association (GBTA); Shanna Gregg, President, Central
North Florida Chapter; Alyssa Young, President, South Florida
Chapter; and Fabiano Laux, President, Tampa Bay Chapter........ 77
Response to written questions submitted to Alexander D. Hoehn-
Saric by:
Hon. Kyrsten Sinema.......................................... 79
Hon. Tammy Baldwin........................................... 79
Response to written questions submitted to Mary T. Boyle by:
Hon. Tammy Baldwin........................................... 80
Hon. Kyrsten Sinema.......................................... 81
Response to written questions submitted to Richard Trumka Jr. by:
Hon. Kyrsten Sinema.......................................... 81
Hon. Tammy Baldwin........................................... 81
Response to written questions submitted to Grant T. Harris by:
Hon. Tammy Baldwin........................................... 82
Hon. Kyrsten Sinema.......................................... 82
Hon. Amy Klobuchar........................................... 83
Hon. Roger Wicker............................................ 83
Hon. Dan Sullivan............................................ 86
Hon. Ron Johnson............................................. 87
NOMINATION TO THE CONSUMER PRODUCT
SAFETY COMMISSION AND THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
----------
WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2021
U.S. Senate,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10 a.m., in room
SR-253, Russell Senate Office Building, Hon. Maria Cantwell,
Chairman of the Committee, presiding.
Present: Senators Cantwell [presiding], Klobuchar,
Blumenthal, Markey, Peters, Rosen, Hickenlooper, Wicker, Thune,
Moran, and Blackburn.
OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. MARIA CANTWELL,
U.S. SENATOR FROM WASHINGTON
The Chair. The Commerce committee will come to order. We
have a distinguished list of nominees before our committee
today to fill roles critical to the safety of all American
consumers and security of our Nation's supply chain. We welcome
the nominees and their families today. Three have been
nominated to serve as Commissioners of the Consumer Product
Safety Commission.
The CPSC is very important to our Nation on various
missions, particularly risks posed by products that consumers
buy. In recent years, the CPSC and its leadership has
unfortunately failed to meet this mission and hold
manufacturers accountable for endangering American consumers
and their families. In 2019, I released a report documenting
concerns about the CPSC's lack of effective enforcement on
defective infant sleepers, jogging strollers, and residential
elevators.
Just two weeks ago, another child was crushed in an
elevator in a vacation home, just as the report had documented
on the problems. This could have been prevented if the CPSC had
taken more swift action to remedy this problem. We recently
wrote to the CPSC to demand immediate action on these issues.
It--this includes issuing mandatory safety standards for both
new and existing residential elevators. And I will continue to
ask questions about this today.
The CPSC is particularly important in protecting the most
vulnerable among us, especially children from unsafe products,
whether it is unsafe crib bedding, unstable dressers, unsafe
exercise equipment, high powered magnets embedded in toys. We
need the CPSC to do their job and be a strong, independent
voice. The Commission's first priority should be to American
consumers and to providing information they need to make
important decisions. But the CPSC too often gives deference to
manufacturers, which means Americans don't learn about these
hidden dangers until they are on the store shelves.
With the rise in online shopping, consumers face entirely
new sets of product safety and import surveillance issues.
Often, an online platform will serve as a distributor of a
product and manage the relationship with the consumer. Bad
actors shouldn't be able to hide behind an online platform to
escape accountability. Today, again, I will write to the CPSC
to implore them to take actions and to ensure that e-commerce
platforms are doing all they can to make sure that unsafe items
are not sold on their platform.
Finally, the prevalence of online consumer and small third
party sellers on U.S. online marketplace, the way we
traditionally conduct import surveillance to catch dangerous
products is no longer effective. The CPSC needs to do a better
job of monitoring this harmful projects. Today, we will
consider three nominees to make the CPSC a stronger cop on the
beat. I am very pleased to see Alex Hoehn-Saric, nominated to
the Commission and Chair of CPSC. Welcome to you and your
family. Mr. Hoehn-Saric currently serves as the Chief Counsel
for Communications and Consumer Protection for the U.S. House
Committee on Energy and Commerce.
In addition, he works on legislation and oversight related
to product safety. Mr. Hoehn-Saric has worked on consumer
product and safety programs for many years, and I know you will
do an outstanding job as Chair. Next, we will consider the
nomination of Mary Boyle to be Commissioner of CPSC. Ms. Boyle,
welcome to you and to your family. She currently serves as the
Executive Director at the CPSC. And in her 10 years as the
senior position at the agency, she has worked on a broad range
of issues.
In particular, I applaud her commitment to strengthening
the infant safety sleep standards. And I look forward to
hearing from you on what more we need to do in this area. And
finally, the CPSC nominee, Mr. Richard Trumka Jr., currently
serves as the General Counsel and safety--and Staff Director of
the Economic and Consumer Policy Subcommittee of the U.S. House
Committee on Oversight and Reform. Mr. Trumka has a strong
consumer protection record in both, as in Maryland at the
Attorney General's Office and in the House of Representatives.
So I look forward to hearing more about your views.
Switching gears, we will consider today the nomination of Grant
Harris, welcome, who is nominated to be Assistant Secretary for
Industry and Analysis at the Department of Commerce. Mr.
Harris, welcome to you and your family. The Assistant Secretary
for Industry and Analysis plays an important role on supply
chain issues.
We just had a big hearing last week about supply chain
issues, and we want to make sure that we are taking ready
advantage of understanding, mapping an analysis of our supply
chain and what safety needs are there. That is why I support
establishment of a Department of Commerce Supply Chain
Resiliency and Crisis Response Office under the United States
Innovation and Competitive Act.
So we will look forward to hearing your thoughts on these
key issues. And thank you all to all of you for your
willingness to serve in these critical roles for our
Government. Now, I will turn it over to my colleague, Senator
Wicker, for his statement.
STATEMENT OF HON. ROGER WICKER,
U.S. SENATOR FROM MISSISSIPPI
Senator Wicker. Thank you, Madam Chair, for convening this
hearing to consider the nominations of Mr. Alex Hoehn-Saric to
be Chairman and Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety
Commission; Ms. Mary Boyle and Mr. Richard Trumka Jr. to be
Commissioners of the CPSC; and Mr. Grant Harris to the
Assistant Secretary for Industry and Analysis at the Department
of Commerce.
These positions are vitally important to the safety of
consumers and in keeping American industries competitive
internationally. I want to welcome Mr. Hoehn-Saric back to our
committee, where he once served as a professional staff member,
handling consumer protection and product safety issues among
other responsibilities. He has numerous professional
credentials, and it is noteworthy that he currently serves as
Chief Counsel for the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and
Commerce for the House Energy and Commerce committee.
I have been engaged on matters under the CPSC's
jurisdiction since I arrived in Congress, particularly because
of its impact on the furniture industry of Mississippi. I look
forward to hearing from him about his plans and goals for the
agency should he be confirmed. Ms. Boyle has served at the CPSC
for more than a decade. She has been Executive Director of the
CPSC since 2018, after previously serving as Senior Counselor
for Policy and Planning, Deputy General Counsel and General
Counsel. Her long tenure at the CPSC gives her a unique vantage
point to speak with insight about the significant recent
administrative failures at the agency, including the improper
disclosure of unredacted manufacturer and consumer data, which
occurred for an extended period of time.
I conducted an investigation into these unauthorized data
disclosures while I was Chairman of this committee. We
determined that these disclosures, which violated Section 6(b)
of the Consumer Product Safety Act, resulted from a lack of
training, ineffective management, and poor information
technology implementation. I am also troubled by reports that
the CPSC curtailed port inspections for several months last
year. This indicates a strong probability that many more
hazardous products slipped into the domestic market than in
previous years.
In fact, just yesterday I sent a letter with Senator
Blackburn to the Government Accountability Office requesting a
thorough, independent analysis of the CPSC's action. I am very
interested in the information Ms. Boyle will provide to the
Committee on these and other important topics. Mr. Trumka
currently serves as General Counsel and Staff Director for the
House Committee on Oversight and Reform's Subcommittee on
Economic and Consumer Policy. That is a mouthful. Before this
role, he worked in the Maryland Office of Attorney General and
the Consumer Product Safety--and the Consumer Protection
Division.
I am hopeful his experience with consumer protection issues
will be beneficial to the nation, if he is confirmed. Mr.
Harris has worked in various public service roles, including
Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for
African Affairs during the Obama Administration. He has also
worked as a consultant in the private sector and has taught
courses at the university level on strategy and political risk
in emerging markets.
I look forward to hearing from him about how his experience
would strengthen the efforts of the Industry and Analysis Unit
at the International Trade Administration as I seek to make
U.S. industries more competitive and abroad. And I thank all of
the nominees for their willingness to serve and their
willingness to appear before the Committee today. Thank you,
Madam Chair.
The Chair. Thank you, Senator Wicker. We will now proceed
to the nominees. Mr. Hoehn-Saric, you are up first. Thank you,
and again, welcome.
STATEMENT OF ALEXANDER D. HOEHN-SARIC,
NOMINEE TO BE CHAIR AND COMMISSIONER,
CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
Mr. Hoehn-Saric. Thank you. Good morning, Chair Cantwell,
Ranking Member Wicker, and distinguished members of the
Committee. It is an honor to be nominated by President Biden to
serve as Chair of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is
a privilege to appear before the Senate Commerce Committee. For
5 years, I worked as a staffer on the Committee and had the
pleasure and honor of working with many of you and your staff,
supporting you.
Sitting on this side of the table is humbling as I have the
greatest respect for the Committee and the work that you do.
Before going forward, I would like to introduce my wife Lauren
and my son Arden, and sad that my daughter Daria is not here
today, but she is away at camp. My wife has always been my
strongest supporter, my partner, and the love of my life.
And I count myself blessed every day. Our children, our
greatest pride and joy. And not here today, but always close in
spirit, my parents Evanne and Rudolph. My mother at the age of
12, fled China shortly before the Communists took over. She
grew up in Blacksburg, Virginia, in the only Chinese family for
miles. My father grew up in Austria after leaving what was then
Yugoslavia, where his stepfather was executed by the Nazis
during the waning days of the war for helping the resistance.
They met in the U.S., they fell in love, and then we are told
that they weren't allowed to get married because mixed
marriages weren't allowed in Virginia.
Fortunately, they were able to go to neighboring Maryland,
where they did get married and lived for decades before moving
to D.C. recently. Their tenacity, caring, and work that they
have done for the community as doctors have been touchstones
for me throughout my life. Now, for nearly 50 years, the CPSC
has been tasked with a vital mission, it is to protect
consumers, the public, from unreasonable risk of injury and
death associated with the use of consumer products. This
description, however, fails to capture the lives that are saved
when the agency does its job well or the tragic consequences
when it falls short.
When non-compliant products make it into consumers' homes,
harms suffered can be immense. As you said, defective elevators
can crush infant children. Infants can die as a result of
poorly designed products, and shoddily made electronics can
burn homes to the ground. I have been fortunate to work with
the members of the Committee on a range of laws implemented by
the CPSC, including the Consumer Product Safety Improvement
Act, the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool Spa Safety Act, the COVID-
19 Relief and Work from Home Safety Act, and the Portable Fuel
Containers Safety Act, to name a few. And these laws have saved
lives, prevented property damage and prevented the heartbreak
that happens when a child or a loved one is lost.
I have also had the privilege of working with the staff of
the CPSC and witnessed their dedication to the mission of the
agency. And I worked with consumer groups and industry to
address difficulties facing the Commission in today's rapidly
changing marketplace. If confirmed, I commit to working with
the Committee, other Commissioners, and staff to protect the
public and help to take the agency into the modern age.
Specifically, the CPSC must meet consumers where they are, and
more and more, that is the online world. The public has a right
to expect that the products they buy online are as safe as the
ones they buy at the corner store.
Unfortunately, that is not always the case. The CPSC also
must do a better job with the ports. You know, approximately 50
percent of the products available are imports, but an estimated
75 percent--they identified a lot of products are imported
products. So if confirmed, I will use CPSC's resources
strategically, coordination with other Government agencies to
slow and try and reduce the flow of violent products coming
into the country.
And finally, the CPSC must work deliberately but quickly in
all of its endeavors. This includes working with industry to
develop voluntary, strong, voluntary safety standards and,
where appropriate, adopt CPSC developed standards consistent
with the law. Uncertainty in the marketplace doesn't benefit
consumers and doesn't benefit industry.
If confirmed, I will work with staff and fellow
Commissioners to make CPSC more efficient and engage with
stakeholders. In closing, I want to assure you that if
confirmed, I will be your partner in protecting the health and
well-being of consumers. Thank you for your consideration. I
look forward to answering your questions.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr.
Hoehn-Saric follow:]
Prepared Statement of Alexander D. Hoehn-Saric, Nominee to be Chair and
Commissioner, Consumer Product Safety Commission
Good morning Chair Cantwell, Ranking Member Wicker, and
distinguished members of the Committee. It is an honor to have been
nominated by President Biden to Chair the Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC).
And it is a special privilege to appear before the Senate Commerce
Committee. For five years, I worked as a staffer on the Committee and
had the pleasure of supporting many of you and your staff. Sitting on
this side of the table is humbling as I have the greatest respect for
the Committee and the work that you do.
Before going forward, I'd like to introduce my wife, Loren, and my
son, Arden. I'm sad that my daughter, Daria, is not here, but she is
away at camp. My wife has always been my strongest supporter, my
partner, and the love of my life. Every day, I count myself blessed.
And our children are our greatest joy and accomplishments.
Not here today, but always close in spirit, are my parents, Evanne
and Rudolf. My mother, at the age of 12, fled from China shortly before
the Communists took over. She grew up in Blacksburg, Virginia, in the
only Chinese family for miles. My father grew up in Austria after
leaving then-Yugoslavia where his step-father was executed by the Nazis
in the waning days of the war for helping the resistance. They met in
the U.S., fell in love, and then were told that mixed marriages were
not allowed in Virginia. These were the days before Loving v. Virginia.
Luckily, they were able to get married in neighboring Maryland where
they lived for decades before moving to D.C. Their tenacity, caring,
and dedication as doctors serving their community have been touchstones
throughout my life.
For nearly 50 years, the CPSC has been tasked with a vital mission:
protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death
associated with the use of consumer products. This description,
however, fails to adequately capture the lives saved when the
Commission does its job well or the tragic consequences when it falls
short. When noncompliant products make it into consumers' homes, the
harms suffered can be immense. Defective elevators can crush small
children, infants can die as result of using poorly designed products,
and shoddily made electronics can burn houses to the ground.
I have been fortunate to work with members of this Committee on a
range of laws implemented by the CPSC, including the Consumer Product
Safety Improvement Act, the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety
Act, the COVID-19 Regulatory Relief and Work from Home Safety Act, and
the Portable Fuel Container Safety Act. These laws have saved lives,
reduced property damage, and prevented the heartbreak that comes when a
child or loved one is lost.
I also have had the privilege of working with the staff of the CPSC
and witnessed their dedication to the agency's mission. And I have
worked with consumer groups and industry to address difficulties facing
the Commission in today's rapidly changing marketplace.
If confirmed, I commit to working with the members of this
Committee, the other Commissioners, and CPSC staff to protect the
public and help the agency take on the challenges of the modern age.
Specifically, the CPSC must meet consumers where they are. More and
more this means the online world. The public has a right to expect that
the products they buy online are as safe as those they buy at the
corner store. Unfortunately, that is not always true.
The CPSC also must do a better job at the ports. Imports represent
less than half of the consumer products available in the country, but
they constitute approximately 75 percent of identified noncompliant
products. If confirmed, I will use CPSC's resources strategically, in
coordination with other government agencies, to reduce the flow of
violative products entering the country.
Finally, the CPSC must work deliberatively but quickly in all its
endeavors. This includes working with industry to develop strong
voluntary safety standards, and where appropriate, adopt CPSC developed
standards, consistent with the law. Uncertainty in the marketplace does
not benefit consumers or industry. If confirmed, I will work with the
staff and my fellow Commissioners to make the agency more efficient and
engaged with stakeholders.
In closing, I want to assure you that, if confirmed, I will be your
partner in protecting the health and well-being of consumers.
I thank you for your consideration of my nomination and would be
happy to answer your questions.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used):
Alexander Dennis Hoehn-Saric (Alex).
2. Position to which nominated: Chair and Commissioner, Consumer
Product Safety Commission.
3. Date of Nomination: July 13, 2021.
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: 2125 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC
20515.
5. Date and Place of Birth: June 2, 1969; Baltimore, Maryland.
6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
spouse (if married) and the names and ages of your children (including
stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
Spouse: Loren Mayor, Chief Operating Officer World Wildlife
Fund.
7. List all college and graduate degrees. Provide year and school
attended.
JD, UCLA School of Law, 1995
AB, University of Chicago, 1991
8. List all post-undergraduate employment, and highlight all
management level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
the position for which you are nominated.
U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee*
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\*\ Denotes management-level jobs
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chief Counsel, Communications and Consumer Protection,
2019 to present
Chief Counsel for Subcommittee on Communication and
Technology, 2018-2019
Charter Communications
Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, 2013-2018
Federal Communications Commission,
Policy Director (Office of Commissioner Rosenworcel),
2012-2013
Department of Commerce*
Deputy General Counsel for Strategic Initiatives, 2011-
2012
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation*
Senior Counsel for Subcommittee on Consumer Protection,
Product Safety and Insurance, 2010-2011
Counsel for the Subcommittee on Communications, 2008-
2010
Counsel for Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs, Insurance
and Automotive Safety, 2007-2008
Office of Senator Barbara Boxer, Counsel, 2005-
2006
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\\ Denotes non-management jobs that related to the position
for which I am nominated.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Latham & Watkins, Associate, 1999-2005
Sullivan & Cromwell, Associate, 1996-1999
U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland,
Law Clerk to the Honorable Benson Everett Legg, 1995-1996
Jenner & Block,
Paralegal Assistant, 1991-1992
9. Attach a copy of your resume.
Attached.
10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
than those listed above, within the last ten years. None.
11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
educational, or other institution within the last ten years.
Senior Vice President, Charter Communications.
12. Please list each membership you have had during the past ten
years or currently hold with any civic, social, charitable,
educational, political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or
religiously affiliated organization, private club, or other membership
organization. (For this question, you do not have to list your
religious affiliation or membership in a religious house of worship or
institution.) Include dates of membership and any positions you have
held with any organization. Please note whether any such club or
organization restricts membership on the basis of sex, race, color,
religion, national origin, age, or disability.
DC Bar Association
Role and tenure: Member, 1998 to present
VA Bar Association
Role and tenure: Associate Member, 2001 to present
Glen Echo Height Citizens' Association
Role and tenure: Member, 2012 (est.) to present
Description: Neighborhood association that organizes community
events and shares local information. I have a general
membership.
Mohican Swimming Pool Association
Role and tenure: Member, 2013 (est.) to present
Description: Neighborhood pool. I have a general membership.
Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC)
Role and tenure: Member of Board of Advisors, 2017-18 (est.)
Description: MMTC is a non-profit organization dedicated to
promoting equal access and representation in tech, media, and
telecommunications through opportunity creation, awareness
building, and advocacy. As an employee of Charter
Communications, I was designated to represent the company on
MMTC's board of advisors.
Federal Communications Bar Association
Role and tenure: I have been a member off and on over the past
10 years. I have no record of exact years. I am not currently a
member.
No club or organization listed herein restricts membership on
the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age
or disability.
13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office
(elected, non elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are
personally liable for that debt.
I have not been a candidate for or held public office.
14. List all memberships and offices held with and services
rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or
election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities.
Volunteer, Democratic Congressional Campaign, Committee phone
banking effort (October 17, 2018)
Volunteer, Hillary Clinton, Tech & Innovation Policy Working
Group, (summer-fall 2016)
Volunteer, Senator Pryor reelection campaign (fall 2014)
15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $200 or more for the past ten years.
Attached
16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements. None.
17. Please list each book, article, column, Internet blog posting,
or other publication you have authored, individually or with others.
Include a link to each publication when possible. Also list any
speeches that you have given on topics relevant to the position for
which you have been nominated. Do not attach copies of these
publications unless otherwise instructed.
I have not published books, articles, columns, or Internet blog
posts.
In my capacity as a Federal employee, while I have not given formal
speeches, I have spoken on conference panels and to outside parties on
a variety of matters, including consumer protection issues.
18. List all digital platforms (including social media and other
digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated
an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your
name or an alias. Include the name of an ''alias'' or ``handle'' you
have used on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account
is active, deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if
possible.
LinkedIn: Alexander Hoehn-Saric (active)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-hoehn-saric-7851a265
Instagram: hoehnsaric (active)
Facebook: Alex Hoehn-Saric (dormant)
Twitter: @hoehnsaric (active)
https://twitter.com/hoehnsaric?lang=en
Reddit: GrunkleStanley and hoehnsaric (active)
Clubhouse: Alex Hoehn-Saric (dormant)
19. Please identify each instance in which you have testified
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date and subject matter of each
testimony. None.
20. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
operational objectives of the department/agency to which you have been
nominated, what in your background or employment experience do you
believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment to the position for
which you have been nominated, and why do you wish to serve in that
position?
If confirmed, my government background will serve me well. My
career in government service has focused on consumer protection issues,
including consumer product safety. I have had the privilege of working/
or and with Members of Congress in both the U.S. House of
Representatives and the U.S. Senate as the lead committee counsel
responsible for the oversight of the Consumer Product Safety Commission
(CPSC), consumer product safety matters, and legislative efforts to
reform the agency and address specific unreasonably dangerous products.
As a result, I am extremely familiar with the issues and obstacles that
the CPSC faces today.
As chief counsel for the U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee, I
meet with a wide range of stakeholders, including consumer groups,
companies, associations, regulators, and individuals who have been
personally harmed by consumer products. I lead a team that follows
consumer product trends in the marketplace, examines agency resources,
and considers the legal authority currently available to the CPSC. At
the direction of the Chairman, I have organized Congressional hearings,
conducted oversight, and worked on legislation regarding consumer
product safety matters.
My work at the Department of Commerce (Commerce) and the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) also help qualify me for the position.
At the FCC, I worked with commissioners and staff to advance the
mission of the agency. I learned the importance of working with closely
with staff as well as the importance of building working relationships
among commissioner offices. At Commerce, I worked to ensure that the
department operated consistent with its legal authority while advancing
its mission. I believe my experience in the executive branch, on
Capitol Hill, and in an independent agency prepare me for the important
work of the CPSC.
I am interested in serving on the CPSC because of the passion I
have for consumer protection and product safety. I am dedicated to
public service and the CPSC's mission to protecting consumers from
unreasonably dangerous products. I deeply believe that my prior service
and commitment to consumer protection provide me an important
perspective on the challenges facing the CPSC. If confirmed, I hope to
improve consumer product safety for all Americans and make a lasting
impact on the CPSC.
21. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed to
ensure that the department/agency has proper management and accounting
controls, and what experience do you have in managing a large
organization?
If confirmed as Chairman, my role will be to ensure that the
commission has proper management and accounting controls, including
appropriate checks and transparency. I have experience working in large
organizations, at independent agencies and in conducting oversight of
government agencies so I understand the fundamentals of what is needed.
I will work with my fellow commissioners to ensure appropriate
operational, financial oversight and reporting mechanisms are in place.
My experience on Capitol Hill involved significant oversight of
independent agencies, including the CPSC. I believe that this
experience can be applied to the practical management of the CPSC.
I fully understand the need for accountability and transparency in
the management of an independent agency, which is authorized by
Congress and supported by public funds.
22. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency, and why?
I believe the top three challenges facing the CPSC are as follows:
1. The growth of online shopping for consumer products. There is an
ongoing shift from the traditional model of retailers who buy
and resell to consumers to the online sale of consumer products
sold directly to consumers from manufacturers or through online
shopping platforms. CPSC has a long history of working with
brick-and-mortar retailers and manufacturers to effectuate
recalls and prevent the sale of recalled products. Processes to
effectively monitor online sales for unreasonably dangerous
consumer products and effectuate recalls are still evolving in
the online world. Sellers on online platforms are often based
overseas and there is less accountability for the quality of
the products. Moreover, because such sellers may ship directly
to customers, it is more difficult for the CPSC to identify and
stop unreasonable dangerous products from reaching consumers.
It is estimated that e-commerce shipments regulated by CPSC
will reach $425 billion by 2023. The agency must have the tools
and capabilities to manage this shift in the way consumers
purchase goods.
2. Strengthening the woriforce. Without a knowledgeable, motivated,
diverse, and flexible woriforce, it is difficult to advance
CPSC's safety mission, particularly in the areas of compliance,
prevention, stakeholder outreach, rulemaking, and enforcement.
Woriforce development is a challenge because of the relatively
small size of the agency compared to the breadth of its
mandate. The woriforce must have the knowledge, training,
skills, and resources to manage a changing marketplace with
evolving risks. Moreover, as priorities change, management must
encourage and leverage employees from different backgrounds to
maximize their potential and achieve the agency's goals.
Without building and retaining a skilled, motivated, and
diverse woriforce that has the necessary tools and resources,
ongoing voluntary and mandatory rulemaking efforts will be
delayed, unreasonably dangerous consumer products will remain
in the market longer than necessary, and companies may not have
the information or incentives to prioritize product safety.
3. Communications. Effective communications that engages consumers,
stakeholders, and the safety community is critical for the
success of the agency. As discussed above, the rise of e-
commerce has created more opportunities for manufacturers,
including overseas manufacturers, to sell directly to
consumers. CPSC needs to work on improving communication with
consumers purchasing online, small manufacturers, and online e-
commerce platforms. In addition, reaching at risk populations,
including traditionally disadvantages communities, as well as
gathering injury data relevant to these populations is
difficult but necessary to advance CPSC's safety mission. Tools
need to be developed to better engage communities that
historically have not received the appropriate level of
attention to ensure consumers are informed and the agency takes
those populations into consideration during rulemakings and
other activities. Finally, communicating unreasonable risk of
injury or death related to specific products can be a challenge
depending on the willingness of a manufacturer to engage with
the CPSC. Working with stakeholders, including manufacturers,
retailers, and online platforms to expedite meaningful warnings
to consumers where appropriate will reduce the risk of injuries
and deaths to consumers.
b. potential conflicts of interest
1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement
accounts.
I have a rollover IRA and Federal retirement account. My wife has a
rollover IRA and defined contribution retirement accounts with World
Wildlife Fund.
2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,
association or other organization during your appointment? If so,
please explain. No.
3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in
the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will
resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the CPSC's DAEO to identify
potential conflicts of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest
will be resolved in accordance with the terms of the ethics agreement I
have entered into with CPSC's DAEO and that has been provided to this
Committee. I am not aware of any other potential conflicts of interest.
4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve
each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the CPSC's DAEO to identify
potential conflicts of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest
will be resolved in accordance with the terms of the ethics agreement I
have entered into with CPSC's DAEO and that has been provided to this
Committee. I am not aware of any other potential conflicts of interest.
5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest, and explain
how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the CPSC's DAEO to identify
potential conflicts of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest
will be resolved in accordance with the terms of the ethics agreement I
have entered into with CPSC's DAEO and that has been provided to this
Committee. I am not aware of any other potential conflicts of interest.
6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the
names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the
purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or
modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and
execution of law or public policy.
In my positions working on the US. House Energy and Commerce
Committee, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation, and in the office of Senator Boxer, my professional
responsibilities included working directly on the drafting and
disposition of legislation and the oversight of the agencies within the
jurisdiction of the respective committees.
While at Charter Communications, I worked on a number of
proceedings before the Federal Communications Commission, including two
merger proceedings in which Charter was a party. In addition, I worked
on numerous proceeding including proceedings related to closed
captioning, the implementation of Section 103 of the STELA
Reauthorization Act, the reclassification of broadband, the
modernization of the E-rate program, and business data services. I was
not a lobbyist. I did provide support to the government affairs team on
legislative issues as requested, including related to tax reform
legislation, retransmission consent reform, and set-top box
requirements.
c. legal matters
1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special
Counsel, professional association, disciplinary committee, or other
professional group? No.
a. Provide the name of agency, association, committee, or group;
b. Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action was issued or initiated;
c. Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action;
d. Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,
complaint, or personnel action.
2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
State, county, or municipal entity, other than for a minor traffic
offense? If o, please explain. No.
3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please
explain. No.
4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain. No.
5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual
harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, or
any other basis? If so, please explain. No.
6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination.
No additional information.
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with
deadlines for information set by congressional committees, and that
your department/agency endeavors to timely comply with requests for
information from individual Members of Congress, including requests
from members in the minority? Yes.
2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can
to protect congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal
for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with
firsthand knowledge. of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.
4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
______
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
The Chair. Thank you, Mr. Hoehn-Saric. And thank you to
your family and for their perseverance as well. Ms. Boyle,
welcome. Thank you for being here.
STATEMENT OF MARY T. BOYLE, NOMINEE TO BE A COMMISSIONER,
CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
Ms. Boyle. Good morning, Chair Cantwell, Ranking Member
Wicker, and distinguished members of the Committee. As the
current Executive Director of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission and a member of the Senior Executive Service, I am
deeply honored to be considered for an appointment as a
Commissioner of the CPSC, and I thank you for giving me the
opportunity to testify today. I also want to thank my husband
of 30 years, EJ Dionne, for his unwavering support, as well as
my three adult children, James, Julia and Margot.
I was a stay at home mom for many years, the job I consider
to be the most important one I have held. Their love and
enthusiastic support of my professional career is a source of
great joy to me. I also want to thank and recognize the current
members of the Commission, Acting Chairman Robert Adler, Elliot
Kaye, Dana Baiocco, and Peter Feldman.
I have seen up close their commitment to advancing the
critical CPSC safety mission, and if I am fortunate enough to
receive confirmation, I look forward to working with
Commissioners Biacco and Feldman and my fellow nominees Alex
Hoehn-Saric and Richard Trumka Jr.--to continue advancing that
mission on behalf of the American people. I have had a lifelong
commitment to public service and a strong belief in the power
of our Government to protect the public, particularly the most
vulnerable. Let me briefly explain why.
I grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and I am the fifth of six
children, all brothers, I might add. My father died when I was
7 years old, and I grew up in a single parent household raised
by my mother. Through her incredible strength and love, my
siblings and I thrived despite difficult circumstances and few
resources. All of us attended college, the first generation in
our family to do so. If she were here today, my mother would
downplay everything she did to nurture our success. Instead,
she would point to all of the help we received from our
community, from our church, and she would always say from the
Government pointing to Social Security, Pell Grants, and other
assistance we received along the way.
My mother, who worked for many years as a hospital
Secretary to support us, would have been very wrong to downplay
her role. She was a remarkable person, but very much right
about the importance of the Government in providing a safety
net for my family. And to me, that is exactly what the CPSC
does. It provides a safety net for the public. I have served in
a variety of roles since coming to the CPSC more than 10 years
ago, as Deputy General Counsel, General Counsel, and now as
Executive Director. And I have been working to help ensure that
that safety net is in place as broadly as possible.
I strongly believe the consumers need to be able to go
about their daily lives without worrying that products they
interact with every day, washing machines, cell phones,
batteries, toys and treadmills, to name a few, do not injure,
maim, or kill them. My experience as a mother has taught me the
particular importance of the CPSC's role in protecting children
and helping parents avoid the heartbreaking consequences caused
by unsafe products.
If I am confirmed, I am committed to bringing special focus
to protecting this vulnerable population. Consumers expect
products to be safe. They deserve products to be safe. It is
our responsibility to make sure that happens using all of the
tools at our disposal to do so, through recalls, rulemaking,
litigation, regulatory enforcement, work with voluntary
standards organizations, and timely communication of
information to the public.
In closing, I would like to pay tribute to the CPSC career
staff of which I have had the privilege of being a part for
more than a decade. Their professionalism, commitment to public
service, and dedication to the CPSC mission inspire me every
day. It has been my honor to work by their side, and if I am
confirmed, I hope to make them proud. Thank you, and I look
forward to your questions.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Ms.
Boyle follows:]
Prepared Statement of Mary T. Boyle, Nominee to be a Commissioner,
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Good morning Chair Cantwell, Ranking Member Wicker, and
distinguished members of the Committee. As the current Executive
Director of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and a
member of the Senior Executive Service, I am deeply honored to be
considered for an appointment as a Commissioner of the CPSC, and I
thank you for giving me the opportunity to testify today.
I also want to thank my husband of 30 years, EJ Dionne, for his
unwavering support as well as my three adult children, James, Julia,
and Margot. I was a stay--at--home mom for many years, the job I
consider to be the most important one I have held. Their love and
enthusiastic support of my professional career is a source of great joy
to me.
I also want to thank and recognize the current members of the
Commission: Acting Chairman Robert Adler, Elliot Kaye, Dana Baiocco,
and Peter Feldman. I have seen up close their commitment to advancing
the critical CPSC safety mission, and if I am fortunate enough to
receive confirmation, I look forward to working with Commissioners
Baiocco and Feldman, and my fellow nominees, Alex Hoehn--Saric and
Richard Trumka, Jr. to continue advancing that mission on behalf of the
American people.
I have had a lifelong commitment to public service and a strong
belief in the power of our government to protect the public,
particularly the most vulnerable. Let me briefly explain why.
I grew up in Brooklyn, New York and am the fifth of six children.
All brothers, I might add. My father died when I was seven years old
and I grew up in a single parent household, raised by my mother.
Through her incredible strength and love, my siblings and I thrived
despite difficult circumstances and few resources: All of us attended
college, the first generation in our family to do so.
If she were here today, my mother would downplay everything she did
to nurture our success. Instead, she would point to all of the help we
received from our community, from our church--and, she would always
say--from the government, pointing to social security, Pell grants, and
other assistance we received along the way. My mother, who worked for
many years as a hospital secretary to support us, would have been very
wrong to downplay her role--she was a remarkable person--but very much
right about the importance of the government in providing a safety net
for my family.
And to me, that is exactly what the CPSC does: it provides a safety
net for the public. I have served in a variety of roles since coming to
the CPSC more than ten years ago--as Deputy General Counsel, General
Counsel, and now as Executive Director--and I have been working to help
ensure that that safety net is in place as broadly possible. I believe
strongly that consumers need to be able to go about their daily lives
without worrying that products they interact with every day--washing
machines, cell phones, batteries, toys, and treadmills to name just a
few--do not injure, maim, or kill them. My experience as a mother has
taught me the particular importance of the CPSC's role in protecting
children and in helping parents avoid the heartbreaking consequences
caused by unsafe products. If I am confirmed, I am committed to
bringing special focus to protecting this vulnerable population.
Consumers expect products to be safe. They deserve products to be
safe. It is our responsibility to make sure that happens, using all of
the tools at our disposal to do so: through recalls, rulemaking,
litigation, regulatory enforcement, work with voluntary standards
organizations, and timely communication of information to the public.
In closing, I would like to pay tribute to CPSC career staff, of
which I have had the privilege of being a part for more than a decade.
Their professionalism, commitment to public service, and dedication to
the CPSC mission inspire me every day. It has been my honor to work by
their side, and if I am confirmed, I hope to make them proud. Thank you
and I look forward to your questions.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used):
Mary T. Boyle (occasionally known by married name: Mary Dionne
or Mary Boyle Dionne).
2. Position to which nominated: Commissioner, U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission.
3. Date of Nomination: July 2, 2021.
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814.
5. Date and Place of Birth: March 9, 1963; Brooklyn, NY.
6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
spouse (if married) and the names and ages of your children (including
stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
Spouse: EJ Dionne
Employment: Professor, Georgetown University; Senior fellow,
The Brookings Institution; Op-Ed Columnist, The Washington
Post; Professor, Harvard University.
Children: Eugene James Dionne, age 28; Julia Lucy Dionne, age
26; Margot Driscoll Dionne, age 23.
7. List all college and graduate degrees. Provide year and school
attended.
Bachelor of Arts, Georgetown University, 1981-85
Juris Doctor, University of Virginia, 1988-91
8. List all post-undergraduate employment, and highlight all
management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
the position for which you are nominated.
District Office Scheduler, Office of Congressman Stephen J.
Solarz (1985-86)
Staff Assistant, Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Affairs,
House Foreign Affairs Committee (1986-88)
Law Clerk, United Mine Workers Health and Retirement Funds,
Summer 1989
Summer Associate, Paul Hastings Law Firm, Summer 1990
Associate, Paul Hastings Law Firm, 1991-1992
Contract Attorney, Paul Hastings Law Firm, 2003-04.
Grants Administrator; Affordable Housing Coordinator, City of
Gaithersburg, 2005-2008
Executive Director; Consumer Product Commission, 2018 to
present. Prior to this position, I served in a variety of
senior roles at CPSC since 2010 including as General Counsel
and Deputy General Counsel. My role at the Commission over the
course of more than a decade, in both managerial and non-
managerial roles, relates directly to the position for which I
am being nominated.
9. Attach a copy of your resume.
Attachment 1
10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
than those listed above, within the last ten years. None.
11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
educational, or other institution within the last ten years.
I hold a 5 percent passive investment interest as a limited partner
in Be Rockaway Enterprises, an LLC that owns a commercial property in
Rockaway, NY.
12. Please list each membership you have had during the past ten
years or currently hold with any civic, social, charitable,
educational, political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or
religiously affiliated organization, private club, or other membership
organization. (For this question, you do not have to list your
religious affiliation or membership in a religious house of worship or
institution.). Include dates of membership and any positions you have
held with any organization. Please note whether any such club or
organization restricts membership on the basis of sex, race, color,
religion, national origin, age, or disability.
Member of the Bar, Maryland (1991 to present) and the
District of Columbia (1993 to present)
Member, Many Hands Grant Making Organization (2017 to
present)
Palisades swim and tennis club (2005-2021)
13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are
personally liable for that debt. No.
14. List all memberships and offices held with and services
rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or
election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities. None.
15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $200 or more for the past ten years. None.
16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
Special Act Award, CPSC, 2020, for Outstanding Leadership
during pandemic
Chairman's Award, CPSC, 2015, Leadership in Administrative
Litigation
Chairman's Award, CPSC, 2013, Leadership as Acting General
Counsel
Special Act Award, CPSC, 2012, Leadership as Acting General
Counsel
Meritorious Service Award, CPSC, 2012, Public Database
Rulemaking
Outstanding Service Award, City of Gaithersburg, 2008,
Affordable Housing
17. Please list each book, article, column, Internet blog posting,
or other publication you have authored, individually or with others.
Include a link to each publication when possible. Also list any
speeches that you have given on topics relevant to the position for
which you have been nominated. Do not attach copies of these
publications unless otherwise instructed.
No books, articles, columns or other publications to report
I have given brief introductory remarks at the CPSC Day at
the annual International Consumer Product Health and Safety
Organization conference in 2019, 2020, and 2021 in my capacity
as Executive Director.
In July, 2016, I spoke via webinar to the Retail Industry
Association's Products Safety Committee about CPSC reporting
obligations, civil penalties, and effective compliance
programs.
In September 2016, I spoke to the International Bar
Association Annual conference, providing an overview of CPSC
functions, jurisdiction, reporting obligations, and recall
authority, among other general topics related to the agency.
18. List all digital platforms (including social media and other
digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated
an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your
name or an alias. Include the name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'' you
have used on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account
is active, deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if
possible.
https://twitter.com/MaryTBrooklyn (dormant)
I have no other social media accounts, currently or in the past.
19. Please identify each instance in which you have testified
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date and subject matter of each
testimony.
I testified before the Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education,
Committee on Labor, U.S. House of Representatives, on May 13, 1985. I
was a college senior and the testimony related to the impact of
education cuts.
20. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
operational objectives of the department/agency to which you have been
nominated, what in your background or employment experience do you
believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment to the position for
which you have been nominated, and why do you wish to serve in that
position?
My more than a decade of service at the CPSC across multiple
organizational units, including as General Counsel, and currently as
Executive Director, equips me with a depth of knowledge and expertise
on consumer safety issues that uniquely qualifies me to serve as a
Commissioner at the agency. As General Counsel, I served as chief legal
officer of the agency, providing legal, policy, and strategic advice on
complex regulatory, statutory, fiscal, litigation, and enforcement
issues. Additionally, I evaluated the legal sufficiency of proposed
product safety standards, rules, regulations, petition actions, and
substantial product hazard determinations and, in conjunction with the
Department of Justice, was responsible for all Federal court litigation
to which the Commission was a party.
In my current capacity as Executive Director, I serve as the Chief
Operating Officer of the agency and am responsible for executing its
programmatic, operational, and administrative functions, including
development of the budget and management of the agency regulatory
portfolio, hazard identification and reduction, laboratory sciences,
regulatory compliance, nation-wide field operations, import
surveillance, human resources management, information technology,
outreach to small businesses and consumer organizations, and
administration of facilities services. In addition to being steeped in
the substantive issues central to the agency mission, from rulemaking
to enforcement, I am well versed in agency operations, processes, and
procedures and that knowledge enhances my ability to effectively
accomplish objectives within that environment.
I wish to serve in this position because I have a deep belief in
the agency mission as evidenced by my more than ten years of service at
CPSC. I am committed to continuing to advance that mission and believe
my work to date will provide an invaluable foundation for fulfilling
Commissioner responsibilities.
21. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
ensure that the department/agency has proper management and accounting
controls, and what experience do you have in managing a large
organization?
If confirmed, I believe my responsibility would be to ensure that
the agency implemented proper management and internal controls through
evaluation of agency programs, their implementation, and metrics of
their success. In addition, my responsibility would extend to ensuring
that deficiencies identified through agency self-audits or through IG
reviews are addressed and remediated. As the Executive Director of the
CPSC, in which I serve as the Chief Operating Officer of the agency, I
have well developed experience managing a large organization.
22. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency, and why?
A. Imports and E-Commerce: Improving the agency's ability to
detect and prevent entry of dangerous products into the United
States stands as a continuing challenge for the agency. In
particular, the agency needs to continue addressing the
challenges created by online shopping, a growing pre-pandemic
trend that took solid root across the country when consumers
turned in droves to online shopping during the pandemic. As a
result, a large volume of low-value, potentially noncompliant
or hazardous shipments of foreign-manufactured products are
being shipped directly to consumers in the United States.
Enforcement of the sale and distribution of goods on eCommerce
platforms is one of the biggest challenges facing the agency
and will require a multi-pronged approach to ensure consumer
safety.
B. Strengthening Compliance and Enforcement: In conjunction
with efforts to stop the introduction of noncompliant products
at the ports and eCommerce hubs (efforts that focus on
regulatory violations), CPSC faces an equally important
challenge in ensuring that it executes a robust compliance and
enforcement program to ensure defective products not subject to
regulation are removed through recalls or other corrective
actions.
C. Improving Data Analysis and Hazard Identification: The
voluminous amount of data that CPSC receives each year presents
a significant challenge to the agency's crucial hazard
identification function. The collection and analysis of data to
identify hazards and hazard patterns, particularly new and
emerging hazards, is central to CPSC's mission to protect
consumers from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated
with consumer products. High quality data must inform agency
decision-making and the agency faces the challenge of keeping
pace with technology advances.
b. potential conflicts of interest
1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement
accounts.
I receive a salary from the Federal government and hold a Federal
TSP account. I hold a 5 percent passive investment interest as a
limited partner in Be Rockaway Enterprises, an LLC that owns a
commercial property in Rockaway, NY. I do not have any role in the
operations of the building.
I do not have any other financial arrangements, deferred
compensation agreements, or other continuing dealings with business
associates, clients, or customers.
2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,
association or other organization during your appointment? If so,
please explain.
I plan to maintain the 5 percent interest as a limited partner
described above in response to question number B1.
3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in
the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will
resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the CPSC's DAEO to identify
potential conflicts of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest
will be resolved in accordance with the terms of the ethics agreement I
have entered into with CPSC's DAEO and that has been provided to this
Committee. I am not aware of any other potential conflicts of interest.
4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve
each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the CPSC's DAEO to identify
potential conflicts of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest
will be resolved in accordance with the terms of the ethics agreement I
have entered into with CPSC's DAEO and that has been provided to this
Committee. I am not aware of any other potential conflicts of interest.
5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest, and explain
how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the CPSC's DAEO to identify
potential conflicts of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest
will be resolved in accordance with the terms of the ethics agreement I
have entered into with CPSC's DAEO and that has been provided to this
Committee. I am not aware of any other potential conflicts of interest.
6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the
names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the
purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or
modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and
execution of law or public policy. None.
c. legal matters
1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special
Counsel, professional association, disciplinary committee, or other
professional group? No.
If yes:
a. Provide the name of agency, association, committee, or group;
b. Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action was issued or initiated;
c. Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action;
d. Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,
complaint, or personnel action.
2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
State, county, or municipal entity, other than for a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain. No.
3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please
explain. No.
4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain. No.
5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual
harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, or
any other basis? If so, please explain. No.
6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination.
I have no additional information to provide.
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with
deadlines for information set by congressional committees, and that
your department/agency endeavors to timely comply with requests for
information from individual Members of Congress, including requests
from members in the minority? Yes.
2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can
to protect congressional witnesses and whistle blowers from reprisal
for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.
4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
______
Attachment 1
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
The Chair. Thank you, Ms. Boyle, and thank you for
mentioning that and the career stuff. It is so important for
continuity of all of these issues and in history. And there is
a lot of people who just have to take brave action every day.
So thank them for all of us. Mr. Trumka, welcome. Thank you for
being here. I thought you were going to be the famous name on
the roster, but Ms. Boyle has now told us that her famous
connection. So it is all good. Thank you.
STATEMENT OF RICHARD TRUMKA JR., NOMINEE TO BE COMMISSIONER,
CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
Mr. Trumka Jr. Thank you. Chair Cantwell, Ranking Member
Wicker, members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity
to be here today. I am both grateful and honored to be
nominated. And I am here because I think all people deserve to
be protected from the harms they don't see coming. Both of my
grandfathers were proud coal miners. They worked hard every
day.
And like too many coal miners of their generation, they
both died of black lung. It is a painful disease that they got
from years of breathing in coal dust. It is a harm they didn't
see coming until it was too late. I remember a conversation I
had with my grandfather. I asked him what career path I should
take, and he turned his experience into some sage advice to me.
He said that to get a good education because nobody can take
that away from you and you should use it to try to help people,
protect them from the harms they see and the ones they don't
see coming, and to give them a voice.
And that advice has always stuck with me. It is what led me
to protect people's retirement security when I was in private
practice, and it is what drew me to the consumer protection
division of the Maryland Attorney General's Office. There, I
was able to protect consumers. I remember speaking to one
mother who had hired a moving company and they lured her in
with a lowball quote and then held all of her belongings
hostage, trying to extract four times that amount. When she
couldn't afford to pay, the moving company drove off with all
of her possessions, including necessary medical devices for her
disabled daughter. They slept on the cold floor that night
because even their mattresses and blankets were on the truck.
Fortunately, within days we were able to secure an injunction
and get her things back.
And then we set about making things right for all the other
people that this company had victimized. I also worked on
cybersecurity and privacy matters, including data breach issues
of national scope, like the Equifax data breach. And in those
cases, the offices of many attorneys general conduct multi-
state investigations. They team up to do those investigations.
And those allowed me to work with colleagues in states across
the political spectrum and demonstrated to me that consumer
protection is not partisan.
I know we all want to keep consumers safe. And the desire
to protect people from harms, both seen and unseen, is also why
I came to the House Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer
Policy. It was clear from my first conversation with Chairman
Raja Krishnamoorthi that he treasured those same ideals. And
together we have worked hard to address some significant
consumer product safety issues. We focused much of our
attention on products that hurt kids. As a father of two young
kids who I didn't bring here today, just to spare us all, the
issues are close to home for me. Earlier this year, the
Subcommittee issued a staff report revealing that baby foods
contain high levels of toxic heavy metals like arsenic, lead,
cadmium, and mercury. These are unseen dangers to infant
neurological development.
It is beyond encouraging that FDA has since taken up the
issue as a Commissioner level priority and created the Closer
to Zero Action Plan with the goal of reducing these neurotoxins
in baby foods to the lowest levels possible. And FDA set
timelines for doing that. The subcommittee also published a
staff report on children's car booster seats and the risk that
they pose to children who are transitioned to those
prematurely. There has been a longstanding consensus among
NHTSA and other experts that it is not safe for kids to be in
car booster seats if they are under 40 pounds.
Despite that, a lot of products were still being marketed
as safe for kids as late as 30 pounds, and that posed a very
serious risk of injury. Thankfully, after the Subcommittee's
investigation, all of the manufacturers that we talked to have
since voluntarily moved to a 40 pound standard. I have also
investigated the youth vaping epidemic, the presence of
carcinogenic asbestos in consumer products like Johnson and
Johnson's talc baby powder, which has since been discontinued,
and pet products that have allegedly caused harm not only to
dogs and cats, but also to the kids that play with them.
When I told my wife and kids--and my wife Jessica is here,
thank you for being with me. When I told them that President
Biden had nominated me to be a Commissioner at the CPSC, they
were thrilled. My son, who is--he is about to turn five next
week. He said, ``Dad, I am so excited.'' And after a short
pause, he added, ``. . . but I don't know what that means.''
For me, it was the perfect opportunity to impart my
grandfather's wisdom on my own son. And I said that it means
that I will get to work every day trying to protect people from
the harms they don't see coming. I ask that you give me that
opportunity. Thank you.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr.
Trumka follows:]
Prepared Statement of Richard Trumka Jr., Nominee to be a Commissioner,
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Chair Cantwell, Ranking Member Wicker and members of the Committee.
Thank you for the opportunity to appear here. I am grateful and honored
to be nominated as a Commissioner at the Consumer Product Safety
Commission.
I am here today because I believe that all people deserve to be
protected from the dangers they can't see. Both of my grandfathers were
proud coal miners. They worked hard every day. And like too many miners
of their generation, they both died of black lung, a painful disease
that they got from years of breathing in coal dust. It was a danger
they couldn't see until it was too late.
I remember a conversation I had with my grandfather. I asked him
about what career path I should take. He turned his experience into
sage advice. He told me to get a good education, because no one can
take that away from you. And he told me to use that education to try to
protect people from the dangers they know, and the ones they can't see.
To give them a voice.
That advice has always stuck with me. It's why I worked to protect
people's retirement security while I was in private practice. And it's
what drew me to the Consumer Protection Division of the Maryland
Attorney General's Office. There, I was able to protect consumers. I
remember speaking to one mother who hired a moving company that lured
her in with a lowball quote and then held all her belongings hostage in
an attempt to extract four times that amount. When she couldn't afford
to pay, the moving company drove off with all of her possessions,
including necessary medical devices for her disabled daughter. They
slept on the cold floor that night because even their mattresses and
blankets were on the moving truck. Fortunately, within days we were
able to secure an injunction and get back her possessions. And then we
worked to make things right for all the other people this company had
victimized. I also worked on cybersecurity and privacy matters,
including data breach cases of national scope, like the Equifax data
breach. In those cases, the offices of many attorneys general teamed up
to conduct ``multistate investigations.'' Those investigations allowed
me to work with colleagues in states across the political spectrum, and
demonstrated that consumer protection is not partisan--we all want to
keep consumers safe.
The desire to protect people from harms, seen and unseen, is also
why I came to the House Oversight Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer
Policy. It was clear from my first conversation with Chairman Raja
Krishnamoorthi that he was passionate about the same ideals. And
together, we have worked to address some significant consumer product
safety issues. We have focused much of our attention on products that
hurt children. As a father of two young kids, the issues are close to
home for me. Earlier this year, the Subcommittee issued a staff report
revealing that many baby foods contained high levels of toxic heavy
metals like arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury. These are unseen
dangers to infant neurological development. It's beyond encouraging
that the Food and Drug Administration has since taken up the issue as a
Commissioner-level priority, creating the ``Closer to Zero'' Action
Plan. Closer to Zero's goal is to reduce the levels of these
neurotoxins in baby foods to the lowest levels possible, and FDA has
issued timelines for setting maximum limits. The Subcommittee also
published a staff report on children's car booster seats and the risk
that they pose to children who are placed in them prematurely. There is
a long-standing consensus, among the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration and other experts, that car booster seats are unsafe for
children under 40 pounds. Despite that, many products were still being
marketing as safe for children as light as 30 pounds, which presented a
very serious risk of injury. After the Subcommittee's investigation,
all of the manufacturers that we communicated with have since
voluntarily moved to a 40-pound standard.
I have also investigated: the youth vaping epidemic; the presence
of carcinogenic asbestos in products like Johnson and Johnson's talc
Baby Powder, which has since been discontinued; and pet products that
have allegedly caused harm to not only dogs and cats, but also to the
children that play with them.
When I told my wife and kids that President Biden had nominated me
to be a Commissioner on the Consumer Product Safety Commission, they
were thrilled. My son, who is about to turn five, said: ``Dad, I'm so
excited.'' And after a short pause, he added, ``. . . but I don't know
what that means.'' It was the perfect opportunity to share my
grandfather's wisdom with my young son. And I told him it means that
his dad will get to work every day protecting people from the dangers
they don't see coming. I ask that you give me that opportunity.
Thank you.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Richard Louis
Trumka Jr.
2. Position to which nominated: Commissioner, Consumer Product
Safety Commission.
3. Date of Nomination: July 15, 2021.
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: 200 C Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20024.
5. Date and Place of Birth: July 11, 1984; Silver Spring, MD.
6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
spouse (if married) and the names and ages of your children (including
stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
Spouse: Jessica Trumka, Stay-At-Home Parent.
7. List all college and graduate degrees. Provide year and school
attended.
Cornell University. B.S. in Industrial and Labor Relations,
2006
Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., 2009
8. List all post-undergraduate employment, and highlight all
management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
the position for which you are nominated.
a. House Committee on Oversight and Reform, Subcommittee on Economic
and Consumer Policy--General Counsel & Staff Director
b. Maryland Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection
Division--Assistant Attorney General
c. Steptoe & Johnson LLP--Associate
d. United States District Court for the Eastern District of
Pennsylvania, Judge Berle Schiller--Judicial Law Clerk
e. Steptoe & Johnson LLP--Summer Associate
f. Bredhoff & Kaiser, P.L.L.C.--Summer Associate
g. Mascaro Construction--Laborer
9. Attach a copy of your resume.
Attached.
10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
than those listed above, within the last ten years. None.
11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
educational, or other institution within the last ten years. None.
12. Please list each membership you have had during the past ten
years or currently hold with any civic, social, charitable,
educational, political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or
religiously affiliated organization, private club, or other membership
organization. (For this question, you do not have to list your
religious affiliation or membership in a religious house of worship or
institution.). Include dates of membership and any positions you have
held with any organization. Please note whether any such club or
organization restricts membership on the basis of sex, race, color,
religion, national origin, age, or disability. None.
13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are
personally liable for that debt. No.
14. List all memberships and offices held with and services
rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or
election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities. None.
15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $200 or more for the past ten years. None.
16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
a. Maryland State Delegate Scholarship
b. Rapoport Fellowship
c. Sigma Alpha Lambda
17. Please list each book, article, column, Internet blog posting,
or other publication you have authored, individually or with others.
Include a link to each publication when possible. Also list any
speeches that you have given on topics relevant to the position for
which you have been nominated. Do not attach copies of these
publications unless otherwise instructed. None.
18. List all digital platforms (including social media and other
digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated
an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your
name or an alias. Include the name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'' you
have used on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account
is active, deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if
possible.
a. LinkedIn: Richard Trumka Jr. (current) https://www.linkedin.com/
in/richard-trumka-jr-979b9al88/
b. Facebook: Rich Trumka Jr. (deleted)
19. Please identify each instance in which you have testified
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date and subject matter of each
testimony. None.
20. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
operational objectives of the department/agency to which you have been
nominated, what in your background or employment experience do you
believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment to the position for
which you have been nominated, and why do you wish to serve in that
position?
Consumer protection is my passion and I have been fortunate enough
to make it my career. As the General Counsel & Staff Director of the
House Oversight Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy, I have
been working at the intersection of consumer protection and public
health, focusing much of my work on products that hurt children. As a
father of two yom1g kids, the issues are close to home. Earlier this
year, the Subcommittee issued a staff report about the presence of
toxic heavy metals in baby food (inorganic arsenic, lead, cadmium, and
mercury). Tue Food and Drug Administration has since taken up the issue
as a Commissioner-level priority, creating the ``Closer to Zero''
Action Plan. Closer to Zero's goal is to reduce the levels of these
neurotoxins in baby foods to the lowest levels possible, and it sets
timelines by which FDA will issue maximum allowable limits for each
metal. The Subcommittee also published a staff report on children's car
booster seats and the risk that they pose to children who are placed in
them prematurely. There is a long standing consensus, among the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and other experts, that
car booster seats are unsafe for children under 40 pounds. Despite
that, many products were still being marketing as safe for children as
light as 30 pounds, which presented a very serious risk of injury.
After the Subcommittee's investigation, all of the manufacturers that
we investigated have since voluntarily moved to a 40-pound standard.
A number of the other health and safety-related investigations that
I have worked on have focused on children. Examples include
investigations into: the presence of carcinogenic asbestos in products
like Johnson and Johnson's talc Baby Powder; pet products that have
allegedly caused harm to not only dogs and cats, but also to the
children that play with them; the youth vaping epidemic; dating apps;
and children's online safety and wellbeing.
Prior to my role on the Oversight Committee, I was an Assistant
Attorney General in the Consumer Protection Division of the Maryland
Office of the Attorney General. In that role, I enforced Maryland's
consumer protection laws on behalf of consumers. My cases ranged from
scams like moving companies that gave lowball quotes then held
consumers' belongings hostage to extract higher prices, to data breach
cases of national scope, like the Equifax data breach. In data breach
cases, many state attorneys general team up and conduct ``multistate
investigations'' into the suspected consumer protection violations. I
served in leadership roles on many of those multistate data breach
investigations. In doing so, I had the pleasure of working with
colleagues from a large and diverse group of states. The experience
proved to me that when we focus on protecting consumers, partisanship
does not come into play--we all want to keep consumers safe.
I wish to serve as a Commissioner on the Consumer Product Safety
Commission because protecting consumers is my passion, it is CPSC's
mission, and it would be my privilege to help CPSC fulfill that
mission.
21. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
ensure that the department/agency has proper management and accounting
controls, and what experience do you have in managing a large
organization?
A primary responsibility would be to ensure that taxpayer dollars
are used effectively to carry out CPSC's core mission of protecting
consumers. Coming from the House Oversight Committee, I take waste,
fraud, and abuse very seriously. If confirmed as a Commissioner, I
would bring my oversight mentality to CPSC. I would also support the
Chairman in every way possible, including by lending my experience
examining agency programs for efficiency and effectiveness. On the
Economic and Consumer Policy Subcommittee, I lead a small team with a
big mission, and I will bring that mindset to CPSC.
22. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency, and why?
One challenge is ensuring that bad actors are not selling recalled
products and that safety issues are reported to CPSC expeditiously.
Sale through e-commerce platforms requires CPSC's continued attention
and enforcement.
Another challenge is working to take speedy action to address
pressing consumer threats. Establishing that the Commission is willing
to use all of the tools that Congress has given it will help meet that
challenge. And we should ensure that investigations into defective
products are proactively identifying concerns.
Another challenge is effectively delivering our message to
consumers. It is critical to convey important information to consumers
succinctly and understandably. If a low percentage of consumers are
exercising the options offered in particular recalls, I would like to
examine why.
b. potential conflicts of interest
1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement
accounts.
a. I have an unvested cash balance in a pension account from my
former employer, the State of Maryland. I do not receive
distributions, and the account will not vest.
b. I have a 401(k) account through my former employer, the State of
Maryland. I do not receive distributions.
2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,
association or other organization during your appointment? If so,
please explain. No.
3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in
the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will
resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the CPSC's DAEO to identify
potential conflicts of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest
will be resolved in accordance with the terms of the ethics agreement I
have entered into with CPSC's DAEO and that has been provided to this
Committee. I am not aware of any other potential conflicts of interest.
4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve
each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the CPSC's DAEO to identify
potential conflicts of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest
will be resolved in accordance with the terms of the ethics agreement I
have entered into with CPSC's DAEO and that has been provided to this
Committee. I am not aware of any other potential conflicts of interest.
5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest, and explain
how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the CPSC's DAEO to identify
potential conflicts of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest
will be resolved in accordance with the terms of the ethics agreement I
have entered into with CPSC's DAEO and that has been provided to this
Committee. I am not aware of any other potential conflicts of interest.
6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the
names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the
purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or
modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and
execution of law or public policy.
On behalfofthe Maryland Office of the Attorney General, I testified
in support of a number of bills in public hearings before committees of
the Maryland General Assembly.
c. legal matters
1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special
Counsel, professional association, disciplinary committee, or other
professional group? No.
If yes:
a. Provide the name of agency, association, committee, or group;
b. Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action was issued or initiated;
c. Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action;
d. Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,
complaint, or personnel action.
2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
State, county, or municipal entity, other than for a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain.
a. A 2006 charge of driving while intoxicated/driving under the
influence/operating while impaired was dismissed or Nolle
Prosequi.
b. A 2006 non-criminal citation for disorderly conduct. Resolved
with payment of $100 fine.
3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please
explain. No.
3. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain. No.
4. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual
harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, or
any other basis? If so, please explain. No.
5. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination. None.
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency complies with
deadlines for information set by congressional committees, and that
your department/agency endeavors to timely comply with requests for
information from individual Members of Congress, including requests
from members in the minority? Yes.
2. Will you ensure that your department/agency does whatever it can
to protect congressional witnesses ano whistle blowers from reprisal
for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee? Yes.
4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
______
Resume of Richard L. Trumka Jr.
EXPERIENCE
General Counsel & Staff Director March 2019 to Present
U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform, Economic and Consumer
Policy Subcommittee
Conduct investigations, draft public reports, and plan
Subcommittee hearings
Prepare Subcommittee members for hearings, draft opening
statements and questions, for witnesses
Supervise and manage Subcommittee staff
Focus on the intersection of consumer protection and public
health:
Investigation into toxic heavy metals in baby foods
helped spur the creation of FDA's ``Closer to Zero''
program to reduce arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury
levels in baby foods
Investigation into the youth vaping epidemic revealed
evidence of JUUL's wrongdoing and youth targeting; led to
FDA issuing warning letters to JUUL and Puff Bar for
improper marketing; and helped prompt FDA to issue a
guidance document barring many kid-friendly e-cigarette
flavors
Children's booster seat safety investigation led to
U.S. manufacturers voluntarily adopting safer minimum
occupant weight standards, increasing the minimum weight
from 30 pounds to 40 pounds
Investigated asbestos in Johnson & Johnson talc-based
Baby Powder; the company has since discontinued sales of
the product
COVID-19 oversight has resulted in:
Exposure of waste, fraud, and abuse in a ventilator
procurement contract that resulted in taxpayer savings of
over $400 million
Oversight of FDA's early COVID-19 antibody testing
policy resulted in FDA improving the policy
Other investigations have included: organ procurement,
financial products, higher education, cybersecurity, food
insecurity, online dating apps, and children's online safety
Assistant Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division October 2015-
March 2019
Maryland Office of the Attorney General
Prosecuted violations of Maryland's consumer protection laws
Privacy and Cybersecurity: Helped lead multi-state data
breach investigations (joint investigations on behalf of
coalitions of 35-48 state Attorneys General), including cases
against Equifax ($600 million settlement), Uber ($148 million
settlement), Target, Adobe, and Nationwide Insurance
Drafted legislation on consumer protection issues, including
successful amendments to the Personal Information Protection
Act
Testified before committees of the Maryland legislature on
consumer protection and economic issues
Member of the Attorney General's Diversity Committee, Hiring
and Retention Subcommittee
Associate, Litigation Group August 2010-0ctober 2015
Steptoe & Johnson LLP
Focused on ERISA litigation and advice, representing Taft-
Hartley plans and their trustees
Participated in a range of litigation matters
Served on Hiring Committee; as Associate Mentor; and as
Summer Associate Mentor
Judicial Law Clerk August 2009-August 2010
Honorable Berle M. Schiller, U.S. District Court for the Eastern
District of Pennsylvania
Drafted opinions and orders on docket of 35-40 civil cases
and 10-15 criminal cases
Counseled the Judge on matters pending before the Court
EDUCATION
Georgetown University Law Center, J.D. 2009, Cum Laude
American Criminal Law Review, Articles and Notes Editor
Clinics: Institute for Public Representation: Civil Rights
Division; and Street Law
Cornell University B.S. in Industrial and Labor Relations, 2006
Member of the football team
The Chair. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Trumka. I think it is
so important that people do know more about the Consumer
Product Safety Commission and its mission because it is
critical to our Nation. Mr. Harris, welcome. Thank you for
being here. The anomaly here this morning. But I guarantee you
supply chains do fit into this equation. So thank you very
much.
STATEMENT OF GRANT T. HARRIS, NOMINEE TO BE
ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR INDUSTRY AND ANALYSIS,
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Mr. Harris. Chair Cantwell, Ranking Member Wicker, and
members of the Committee, I am honored and humbled to appear
before you today as President Biden's nominee for Assistant
Secretary for Industry and Analysis at the U.S. Department of
Commerce. I also want to thank Secretary Raimondo for her
support for my nomination. I want to especially thank my family
for their love and support. My wife, Jasmine, and our two
children are watching from California with my parents.
In my personal life and professional work, my highest goal
is to make them proud, and I strive every day to do so. My
parents, Tom and Lenny, are retired public servants. I was born
and raised in California, where my mom was recognized as the
State school nurse of the year for her help for kids. And my
dad led city and district attorney's offices to help cities and
counties serve their citizens and combat crime. My parents
instilled in me a profound sense of gratitude for the
opportunities afforded to me and that this country presents, as
well as a deep responsibility to serve.
If confirmed, I would draw on my background in both the
public and private sectors. In my previous Federal Government
service, I was honored to work at the White House and State
Department. This meant working across a broad range of
security, economic, and political issues. The work included
initiatives to advance U.S. trade and investment, as well as
leading and coordinating national security decisionmaking
processes, coordinating--responding to international incidents,
supporting international peace negotiations, and negotiating
with foreign Governments on a range of issues.
At the same time, I have direct experience helping American
companies and their businesses compete in global markets as the
CEO of a strategy and political risk company that I founded and
previously as a transactional attorney at a global law firm. I
have worked with companies ranging from startups to large
multinationals and witnessed the opportunities that exist. At
the same time, I have seen firsthand how other countries are
using both fair and unfair tactics to promote their own
companies and the challenges this poses to the international
competitiveness for U.S. industries.
For instance, I have seen China's unfair business practices
in trying to push a U.S. company out of a project in favor of a
Chinese State owned enterprise. I have also had the privilege
of teaching on strategy and risk in emerging markets as an
adjunct professor at Kellogg School of Management at
Northwestern University, Haas School of Business, University of
California, Berkeley and Elliott School of International
Affairs at the George Washington University.
As a country, I believe that we have major opportunities,
even as we confront important challenges. As we seek to address
the economic damage caused by COVID-19, we can rebuild a
stronger and more resilient economy. We can do so by investing
in our people, businesses, and communities. We can redouble our
efforts to ensure that prosperity in our country is broad based
and that all communities have resources and pathways to good
jobs.
And as we directly confront threats to our economic
competitiveness and values, we can make smart investments in
innovation and push for a level playing field for American
companies. Championing U.S. firms is vital to U.S. economic
competitiveness and national security. This is precisely why I
hope to serve in the U.S. Department of Commerce. Countless
jobs and communities depend on American companies and workers
being able to compete on a level playing field.
If confirmed, my top priority would be to support the
international competitiveness of U.S. industries. Industry and
analysis produces critical analysis to support both public and
private sector decisionmaking. The brainpower and experience of
the career staff and industry and analysis are indispensable to
strengthening our global supply chains, combating predatory and
unfair trade practices that undercut American manufacturing,
and promoting travel and tourism to name but a few key areas.
If I have the honor of being confirmed and am entrusted
with leading the industry and analysis team, I would be a
strong advocate for and partner to American industry. I would
also be a strong partner to this committee, to you, and to your
staffs to advance American business, workers, jobs, and
economic security.
In closing, thank you very much for your consideration and
the opportunity to appear before you. I look forward to your
questions.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr.
Harris follows:]
Prepared Statement of Grant T. Harris, Nominee to be Assistant
Secretary for Industry and Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce
Chair Cantwell, Ranking Member Wicker, and Members of the
Committee, I am honored and humbled to appear before you today as
President Biden's nominee for Assistant Secretary for Industry and
Analysis at the U.S. Department of Commerce. I want to thank Secretary
Raimondo for her support of my nomination.
I want to especially thank my family for their love and support. My
wife, Jasmine, and our two children are watching from California with
my parents. In my personal life and professional work, my highest goal
is to make my family proud--and I strive every day to do so.
My parents, Tom and Lennie, are retired public servants. I was born
and raised in California, where my mom was recognized as the state's
``School Nurse of the Year'' for her work supporting kids. My dad led
city and district attorneys' offices to help cities and counties serve
their citizens and combat crime. My parents instilled in me a profound
sense of gratitude for the opportunities that I have been afforded and
that this country presents, and a deep sense of responsibility to
serve.
If confirmed, I would draw on my background in both the public and
private sectors to serve as Assistant Secretary for Industry and
Analysis. In my previous Federal government service, I was honored to
work at the White House and State Department. This meant working across
a broad range of security, economic, and political issues. The work
included initiatives to advance U.S. trade and investment as well as
leading and coordinating national-security decision-making processes,
supporting international peace negotiations, helping lead crisis
response efforts in the face of emergency situations such as coups and
terrorist incidents, working with governments in emerging markets to
improve investment climates, and negotiating with foreign governments
on a range of issues.
At the same time, I have direct experience helping American
companies expand their business and compete in global markets, as the
CEO of a strategy and political risk consulting company that I founded,
and previously as a transactional attorney at a global law firm. I have
worked with companies ranging from start-ups to large multinationals
and witnessed the opportunities that exist. At the same time, I have
seen firsthand how other countries are using both fair and unfair
tactics to promote their own companies, and the challenges this poses
to the international competitiveness of American industries. For
instance, I have seen China's unfair business practices in seeking to
push a U.S. company out of a project in favor of a Chinese state-owned
enterprise. I have also had the privilege of teaching on strategy and
risk in emerging markets as an adjunct professor at Kellogg School of
Management at Northwestern University, Haas School of Business at the
University of California, Berkeley, and the Elliott School of
International Affairs at George Washington University.
As a country, I believe that we have major opportunities, even as
we confront important challenges. As we seek to address the economic
damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we can rebuild a stronger and
more resilient economy. We can do so by investing in our people,
businesses, and communities. We can redouble our efforts to ensure that
prosperity in our country is broad-based and that all communities have
resources and pathways to good jobs. And as we directly confront
threats to our economic competitiveness and values, we can make smart
investments in innovation while tenaciously pushing for a level playing
field for American companies.
Championing U.S. firms is vital to U.S. economic competitiveness
and national security. This is precisely why I hope to serve at the
U.S. Department of Commerce. Countless jobs and communities depend on
American companies and workers being able to compete on a level playing
field. If confirmed, my top priority would be to support the
international competitiveness of U.S. industries. Industry and Analysis
produces critical analysis to support public and private sector
decision-making. The brain power and experience of the career staff in
Industry and Analysis are indispensable to strengthening our global
supply chains, combating predatory and unfair trade practices that
undercut American manufacturing, and promoting travel and tourism, to
name but a few key areas.
If I have the honor of being confirmed and am entrusted with
leading the Industry and Analysis team, I would be a strong advocate
for, and partner to, American industry. I would also be a strong
partner to this Committee, you, and your staffs, to advance American
business, workers, jobs, and economic security. In closing, thank you
very much for your consideration and the opportunity to appear before
you. I look forward to your questions.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Grant T.
Harris.
2. Position to which nominated: Assistant Secretary for Industry
and Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce.
3. Date of Nomination: June 8, 2021.
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Information not provided.
5. Date and Place of Birth: October 19, 1976; Ventura, CA.
6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
spouse (if married) and the names and ages of your children (including
stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
Jasmine E. Harris, Professor of Law, University of Pennsylvania
(as of July 1, 2021) and, previously, Professor of Law,
University of California, Davis (until June 30, 2021)
7. List all college and graduate degrees. Provide year and school
attended.
Yale Law School, JD, 2005 Princeton University, MPA, 2005
University of California, Berkeley, BA (Political Science),
1998
8. List all post-undergraduate employment, and highlight all
management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
the position for which you are nominated.
Connect Frontier LLC (previously named Harris Africa Partners
LLC), Chief Executive Officer (2015-2021)--management level
Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, Adjunct
Professor of Global Management (2019-2021)--taught on doing
business in emerging markets
Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley,
Lecturer (2020-2021)--taught on doing business in emerging
markets
Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington
University, Professorial Lecturer of International Affairs
(2020)--taught on political risk analysis and strategies
The National Security Council, The White House, Special
Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African
Affairs (2011-2015)--managed presidential initiatives and
policy processes relevant to the Commerce Department
United States Mission to the United Nations, Deputy Chief of
Staff and Counselor (previously, Senior Advisor) (2009-2011)--
management level
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, Associate (2005-2009)--
transactional attorney working with companies on international
business transactions
JoongAng Ilbo Education Business/Kaplan, English Teacher (2005)
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, Summer Associate in New
York and Hong Kong offices (2004)--worked with companies
conducting business globally, particularly in East Asia
Department of Justice, Office of Intelligence Policy & Review,
Law Clerk (2003)
U.S. Attorney's Office, Office of Transnational and Major
Crimes, Law Clerk (2003)
Mario Santo Domingo Foundation, Adviser to the President (2002)
The National Security Council, The White House, Associate
Director for African Affairs (2000-2001)--worked on policy
issues relevant to the Commerce Department
United States Mission to the United Nations, Special Assistant
(1999-2000)--worked on policy issues relevant to the Commerce
Department
U.S. Embassy Guatemala, Intern (1999)--worked on policy
positions relevant to the Commerce Department
Smith, Hampton & Devlin Temporary Agency, Multimedia Assistant
at Stockpower (1999)
University of California, Berkeley, Department of Political
Science, Senior Clerk (1999)
9. Attach a copy of your resume.
Attached as Appendix A.
10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
than those listed above, within the last ten years.
United States Holocaust Memorial Council (2017-2019)
11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
educational, or other institution within the last ten years.
Connect Frontier LLC, CEO and Owner (2015 to present)
World Learning Inc., Global Advisory Council (2017 to
present)
Africa Finance Corporation, Board of Directors (2016-2018)
12. Please list each membership you have had during the past ten
years or currently hold with any civic, social, charitable,
educational, political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or
religiously affiliated organization, private club, or other membership
organization. (For this question, you do not have to list your
religious affiliation or membership in a religious house of worship or
institution.). Include dates of membership and any positions you have
held with any organization. Please note whether any such club or
organization restricts membership on the basis of sex, race, color,
religion, national origin, age, or disability.
Dialog, Member (2020 to present)
Pacific Council on International Policy, Member (2015 to
present)
New York State Bar, Member (2006 to present)
California Alumni Association, Lifetime Member (2005 to
present)
Council on Foreign Relations, Term Member (2009-2014)
13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are
personally liable for that debt. No.
14. List all memberships and offices held with and services
rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or
election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities.
Biden for President Campaign, Policy Volunteer
(International Economic Policy Working Group) and member of
Finance Committee, 2020
Kamala Harris for the People, Policy Volunteer (Africa
Policy Working Group), 2020
Hillary for America, Policy Volunteer (Africa Policy Working
Group), 2016
15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $200 or more for the past ten years.
The list below is based on a search of personal and public records:
Biden for President, multiple commitments totaling $4,370 in
2020 made to several entities including Biden for President,
Biden Victory Fund, and Biden Action Fund
Steve Bullock for Senate, $250 in 2020
Elissa Slotkin for Congress, multiple commitments totaling
$500 in 2018
Tom Malinowski for Congress, multiple commitments totaling
$375 in 2018
Andy Kim for Congress, multiple commitments totaling $375 in
2018
Jenny Wong for Berkeley City Auditor, $250 in 2018
Hillary for America, multiple commitments totaling $3,150 in
2016
Obama for President, multiple commitments totaling $450 in
2012
16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
Inducted into Lincoln High School Hall of Fame, 2018
Outstanding Young Alumnus Award, University of California,
Berkeley, Institute of Governmental Studies, 2010
Francis Lieber Prize for outstanding scholarship, American
Society of International Law, 2009
Ambrose Gherini Prize for best paper in field of
International Law, Yale Law School, 2005
Graduated with Distinction, Princeton University, 2005
John Gardner Public Service Fellow, 1999-2000
Graduated summa cum laude, University of California,
Berkeley, 1998
University Medal Finalist, University of California,
Berkeley, 1998
University of California Alumni Association Leadership
Scholarship, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
Student Body President, University of California, Berkeley,
1996-1997
Pacific Association of College and University Residence
Halls Award, 1996
National Association of College and University Residence
Halls Award, 1995
Edward Frank Kraft Award, University of California,
Berkeley, 1994
Phi Beta Kappa, elected 1996
Golden Key National Honors Society, elected 1995
17. Please list each book, article, column, Internet blog posting,
or other publication you have authored, individually or with others.
Include a link to each publication when possible. Also list any
speeches that you have given on topics relevant to the position for
which you have been nominated. Do not attach copies of these
publications unless otherwise instructed.
Publications
Links are provided where available.
``To Grow Jobs, Washington Must Fight for U.S. Companies
Abroad,'' Atlantic Council (2020)
``How to Brief a Senior Executive,'' Harvard Business Review
(2020)
``How Investors Can Navigate Pandemic-Related Risk in
Emerging Markets,'' Harvard Business Review (2020)
``Leaders of Developing Countries Are Particularly
Vulnerable During this Pandemic,'' The Washington Post (2020)
``The Mixed Record of U.S. Commercial Diplomacy,'' Wilson
Center (2020)
``How Vladimir Putin is Outplaying the U.S. in Africa,'' The
Washington Post (2019)
``Why Every University Needs an Africa Strategy,'' Inside
Higher Ed (2019)
``The Perils of Chinese Debt Diplomacy,'' Wilson Center
(2019)
``How Trump's `Victory' Became Kim's Triumph,'' Project
Syndicate (2019)
``Trump's Africa Policy Is Destined for Failure,'' Foreign
Affairs (2019)
``U.S. is Punishing Rwanda for Rejecting Old Jeans and T-
Shirts,'' The Washington Post (2018)
``China Is Loaning Billions of Dollars to African Countries.
Here's Why the U.S. Should Be Worried,'' TIME (2018)
``In Africa, It's Not Just China Eating America's Lunch,''
Wilson Center (2018)
``Trump's Militaristic Africa Policy Will Backfire,''
Foreign Policy (2018)
``The Key to Stopping an Outbreak,'' U.S. News & World
Report (2018)
``Why U.S. Companies Need to Include Africa in Their Global
Growth Strategies,'' Initiative for Global Development (2018)
``Stop the Ghost of ISIS from Haunting Africa,'' U.S. News &
World Report (2018)
``Challenging North Korea,'' Wilson Center (2018)
``End Africa's Lifeline to North Korea,'' U.S. News & World
Report (2018)
``The U.S. Needs Real Diplomacy to Counter North Korea in
Africa,'' Foreign Policy (2017)
``Ignoring Africa Endangers America,'' U.S. News & World
Report (2017)
``By Ignoring Africa, U.S. Cedes Jobs to China,'' Forbes
(2017)
``Where Trump Fails on U.S.-Africa Policy, Congress Must
Step In,'' The Hill (2017)
``Will African Leaders Allow Youth to Make the World a
Better Place?'' HuffPost SA (2017)
``Why Africa Matters to U.S. National Security,'' The
Atlantic Council (2017)
``Obama Stakes His Africa Legacy on Economic Growth,''
Forbes (2017)
``U.S. Investors Are Missing Out on Africa's Economic
Growth,'' Forbes (2016)
``It's Time for U.S. Companies to See Africa as an
Investment Destination,'' Initiative for Global Development
(2016)
``A Global Stage for Africa's Rising Tech Entrepreneurs,''
Wilson Center (2016)
``A Legacy in the Making: Obama's Approach to Security
Sector Assistance,'' The Cipher Brief (2016)
``The Imperative of African Leadership,''
``Human Rights, Israel, and the Political Realities of
Occupation,'' Israel Law Review (2008) (also available at
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsBy
Auth.cfm?per_id=621360)
``The Era of Multilateral Occupation,'' Berkeley Journal of
International Law (2006) (also available at https://
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?
per_id=621360)
``The CIA Mandate and the War on Terror,'' Note, Yale Law &
Policy Review (2005) (also available at https://
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?
per_id=621360)
``Balm for Rose Bowl Blues,'' San Francisco Chronicle (2004)
``Student Government Under Siege,'' San Francisco Chronicle
(1996)
White House Blogs
During my time working at the National Security Council at the
White House from 2011-2015, I authored or co-authored various blog
posts related to my duties. Below is a list of blogs which I have been
able to identify from my records and electronic searches. If additional
blogs are identified, they will be provided to the committee promptly.
Links are provided.
President Obama's Meeting with Nigerian President Muhammadu
Buhari, July 2015
National Security Advisor Rice Offers a Message on South
Sudan Independence, July 2015
Reinforcing the U.S.-Africa Partnership, March 2015
President Obama's Message to the Nigerian People, March 2015
Launching the Plan to Combat Wildlife Trafficking, February
2015
Standing with the People and Transitional Government of the
CAR, September 2014
Further U.S. Efforts to Protect Human Rights in Uganda, June
2014
Ambassador Rice Meets with Governors from Nigeria, March
2014
A New National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking,
February 2014
Briefing on the Young African Leaders Initiative, January
2014
Urging Peace in South Sudan, December 2013
President Obama's Message to the People of the Central
African Republic, December 2013
White House Hosts Forum to Counter Wildlife Trafficking and
Announces Advisory Council, September 2013
A New Presidential Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, August
2013
The AGOA Forum: Promoting Sustainable Growth in Africa,
August 2013
Addressing the Crisis in South Sudan's Jonglei State, July
2013
President Obama Meets with Leaders of Sierra Leone, Senegal,
Malawi, and Cape Verde, March 2013
President Obama's Message to the People of Kenya, February
2013
The Future of America's Partnership with Sub-Saharan Africa,
June 2012
President Obama's Message to the People of Sudan and South
Sudan, April 2012
Remarks/Interviews
During my tenure at the White House and while in private life, I
have delivered remarks, both formally and informally, in a variety of
fora that have centered or touched on issues related to U.S. economic
competitiveness, economic growth, international business, and other
topics related to the work of the U.S. Department of Commerce. To the
best of my ability, I have provided a list of relevant speeches,
remarks, and interviews that I have been able to identify from my
records and electronic searches. If any additional speeches are
identified, they will be provided to the committee promptly.
Links are provided where available.
George Washington University, guest lecture in a course at
the Elliott School of International Affairs, June 3, 2021
CNBC International, January 20, 2021
Benedictine University, keynote speaker as part of a lecture
series on leadership (2021), December 2, 2020
Concordia, panel participant at Concordia Africa Initiative,
November 17, 2020
Syracuse University, guest lecture at Maxwell School of
Citizenship & Public Affairs, November 10, 2020
CNBC Africa, November 10, 2020
Cornell, guest lecture in a course at Cornell SC Johnson
School of Business, November 9, 2020
CNBC Africa, November 9, 2020
eNCA TV, November 7, 2020
Yale University, guest lecture in a course at the Yale
Jackson Institute for Global Affairs, November 6, 2020
CNBC Africa, November 4, 2020
567 Cape Talk Radio, November 3, 2020
CNBC Europe, November 3, 2020
University of Chicago, workshop at the Harris School of
Public Policy, October 27 and 29, 2020
University of California, Berkeley, guest lecture in an
undergraduate course, October 26, 2020
CNBC Africa, October 23, 2020
Sciences Po Paris and Sciences Po Saint-Germain-en-Laye,
guest lecture, October 21, 2020
CBS News, October 20, 2020
Carthage College, keynote speaker at Aspire conference,
October 16, 2020
CNBC International, October 8, 2020
Horasis Extraordinary Meeting, panelist, October 1, 2020
Concordia, moderated roundtable at the Concordia Annual
Summit 2020, September 25, 2020
CNBC, September 17, 2020
University of California, Berkeley, guest lecture in an
undergraduate course, September 15, 2020
Johns Hopkins University, guest lecture in a course at
School of Advanced International Studies, September 9, 2020
KPMG Assurance and Consulting Services, panelist, August 18,
2020
MiDA Advisors International Retreat, July 6, 2020
Los Angeles World Affairs Council, panelist on panel co-
sponsored by the Los Angeles World Affairs Council and World
Trade Center LA, June 24, 2020
Cal Maritime, panelist, June 13, 2020
University of Johannesburg, panelist, May 20, 2020
Northwestern University, guest lecture at Kellogg School of
Management, April 29, 2020
CNBC Africa, April 8, 2020
CNBC Africa, April 3, 2020
TV47, February 20, 2020
Pan-African Business Forum Annual Trade Conference in
California, keynote, October 15, 2019
Johns Hopkins University, guest lecture in a course at
School of Advanced International Studies, October 10, 2019
National Defense University, guest lecture at National War
College, October 7, 2019
Pacific Council on International Affairs PolicyWest
Conference, panelist, October 4, 2019
Concordia, panelist at the Concordia Annual Summit 2019,
September 23, 2019
AfricCanDo Interview, September 23, 2019
BBC World News television, August 1, 2019
University of California, Davis, guest lecture in a course
at UC Davis Graduate School of Management, July 26, 2019
Pacific Council on International Policy, moderator of panel,
July 25, 2019
University of California, Davis, Mandela Washington Fellows
program, July 5, 2019
BBC World Service radio, May 29, 2019
Business Council for International Understanding, moderator
of conference call discussion, May 14, 2019
Berkeley-Haas Africa Business Forum, panelist, April 6, 2019
Sagamore Institute in Indianapolis, Indiana, talk hosted by
Malichi Group Worldwide, March 21, 2019
Indiana University, ``America's Role in the World''
conference at Indiana University Bloomington, panelist, March
22, 2019
Illinois District Export Council, March 5, 2019
Northwestern University, guest lecture at class at Kellogg
School of Management, March 5, 2019
Business Council for International Understanding, moderator
of conference call discussion, February 26, 2019
CNBC Africa, January 20, 2019
CNBC Africa, January 14, 2019
University of California, Davis, moderated a discussion on
``The Collective Memory of Genocide'' with the Minister of
Justice and Attorney General of Rwanda at the University of
California, Davis Law School, November 5, 2018
International Trade Association of Greater Chicago,
Executive Roundtable, November 2, 2018
University of Chicago, remarks at the Harris School of
Public Policy, November 2, 2018
Northwestern University, panelist at event at Kellogg School
of Management, November 1, 2018
NPR, October 8, 2018
University of Chicago, Pearson Global Forum, October 5, 2018
Kuramo Capital Annual ``Sub-Saharan Africa Day'' at the
Harvard Club of New York, September 25, 2018
TRT World Television, September 4, 2018
France 24, September 4, 2018
Johns Hopkins University, guest lecture in a course at
School of Advanced International Studies, September 20, 2018
Voice of America, ``Africa 54,'' August 27, 2018
BBC World News, August 27, 2018
CNBC Africa, August 23, 2018
Voice of America, ``Africa 54,'' July 17, 2018
CNBC Africa, July 25, 2018
CNBC Africa, July 24, 2018
CNBC Africa, July 10, 2018
Princeton University Junior Summer Institute, July 9, 2018
Voice of America, ``Africa 54,'' June 18, 2018
Channels TV, June 8, 2018
CNBC Africa, June 1, 2018
CNBC Africa, May 24, 2018
``Why Africa Should Matter to All of Us, Interview with
Former Presidential Advisor, Grant Harris,'' Everyday Power,
May 11, 2018
SEED Project, panelist, Hoop Forum Conference in Senegal,
May 12, 2018
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce video, May 10, 2018
New York City Bar Association, remarks on a ``Strategic
Approach to Mitigating Business Risk in Africa, April 25, 2018
Initiative for Global Development's ``Africa Investment
Rising'' Roadshow Tour, fireside chat, April 24, 2018
New York University, guest lecture in graduate international
relations course, April 24, 2018
Lincoln High School Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, April
21, 2018
American University, guest lecture, April 18, 2018
University of Wisconsin-Madison, ``Africa at Noon'' Lecture,
March 21, 2018
University of Wisconsin-Madison, ``Africanists@Work'' Panel,
March 21, 2018
University of California, Berkeley, Center for African
Studies, keynote, March 1, 2018
Chatham House, remarks on ``North Korea-Africa Relations:
Engagements and International Tensions,'' February 7, 2018
BBC World Service radio ``Newsday'' Program, February 7,
2018
Voice of America, February 22, 2018
Business Council for Africa and Invest Africa Roundtable,
February 8, 2018
Columbia Business School, guest lecture, January 30, 2018
Pacific Council on International Policy, moderator of
fireside chat, October 25, 2017
Voice of America, December 19, 2017
Lagos Business School, remarks on ``An American Perspective
on Investing in Africa: Trends, Political Risk and
Opportunities,'' December 14, 2017
Web Summit in Lisbon, Portugal, panelist, November 8, 2017
Princeton University's Business Today Executive Seminar,
November 20, 2017
The Cipher Brief, November 19, 2017
Chicago Council on Global Affairs, panelist, November 15,
2017
Global Midwest Alliance Roundtable in Chicago, Illinois, co-
sponsored by K&L Gates, November 15, 2017
Oregon World Affairs Council Event, keynote remarks Harris
Keynotes Oregon World Affairs Council Event on U.S.-Africa
Policy, November 1, 2017
U.S. Air Force Academy, 59th Academy Assembly, panelist,
October 18, 2017
Eastern Congo Initiative event moderator, September 19, 2017
University of California, Davis, Mandela Washington Fellows
program, June 28, 2016
Pacific Council on International Policy, panelist, October
5, 2017
Sunday Talk Show on ``Africa Today TV'', June 9, 2017
Atlantic Council event on release of ``Why Africa Matters to
U.S. National Security'' report, May 25, 2017
Facebook Live Interview on release of ``Why Africa Matters
to U.S. National Security'' report, May 25, 2017
Africa Finance Corporation, AFC Live Summit, panelist, May
16, 2017
Stanford Graduate School of Business hosted by Seed, the
Stanford Institute for Innovation in Developing Economies, May
22, 2017
Atlantic Council Summit in Turkey, panelist, April 26, 2017
BBC World Service radio ``Newsday'' Program, January 25,
2017
African Diplomatic Corps in Washington, DC, November 18,
2016
George Washington University, fireside chat at the Elliott
School of International Affairs, November 16, 2016
Pacific Council on International Policy, PolicyWest
Conference, panelist, October 15, 2016
Pacific Council on International Policy, panelist, September
14, 2016
American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) National
Conference keynote, April 21, 2016
Powering Africa Summit keynote, January 28, 2016
Powering Africa Summit, panelist, January 28, 2016