Austin News

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Senate has voted to reject an amendment proposed by U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz, which aimed to block the Senate-rejected nominee Ann Carlson from serving as the acting administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Senator Cruz expressed his disappointment with the decision, stating, "It's disappointing but unsurprising Senate Democrats were keener on keeping in place an ethically-challenged, environmental zealot who wants to ban gas cars than protecting the Senate's constitutional authority on presidential nominations."

Ms. Carlson was initially nominated by the Biden administration in March of 2023 for the position of NHTSA administrator. However, the administration withdrew her nomination in May after it became evident that she would not be confirmed by the Senate. Despite her rejection, the administration appointed her as the acting administrator, a move that Senator Cruz argues violates the Federal Vacancies Reform Act.

In a letter addressed to President Biden, Senator Cruz and other Committee Republicans criticized the administration for allowing Ms. Carlson to serve as the acting head of the agency, stating that her actions during this time, including the issuance of proposed Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for model years 2027-2032, are invalid.

The amendment proposed by Senators Cruz and Cynthia Lummis would not have eliminated the position of NHTSA administrator or prevented Ms. Carlson from remaining at the agency as chief counsel. Rather, it aimed to address the concerns regarding Ms. Carlson's ethical issues, particularly her ties to Sher Edling, a for-profit climate litigation firm that receives significant funding from dark money groups.

The rejection of the amendment in the Senate has prompted Representative Troy Nehls to lead a companion amendment in the House of Representatives. The fate of the acting administrator position at the NHTSA remains uncertain as the Biden administration continues to face criticism for its decision to appoint Ms. Carlson despite her rejection by the Senate.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/democrats-vote-to-keep-in-place-radical-senate-rejected-highway-safety-nominee