Senate Confirmation Details and Voting Results
The U.S. Senate confirmed on September 18, 2025, the leadership appointments for three agencies under the Department of Transportation: the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) through a consolidated vote (51-47). Following President Donald Trump's nominations, they will officially assume their positions.
The Three Confirmed New Leaders
The Senate confirmed Sean McMaster for FHWA, Jonathan Morrison for NHTSA, and Paul Roberti for PHMSA. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed confidence that the three appointees will contribute to America's infrastructure rebuilding, transportation safety, and energy transportation enhancement, showing expectations for advancing President Trump's transportation and logistics policies.
NHTSA New Director's Background and Notable Cases
Morrison, who will assume the NHTSA directorship, served as the agency's chief counsel during the first Trump administration, working at the operational level on safety evaluations, and subsequently worked as a lawyer at Apple. With his appointment, he will oversee investigations into defects in Tesla's Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) "Model Y".
Industry Association Welcome Comments
Automotive industry groups have expressed their welcome. John Bozzella, President and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI), commented: "Morrison has experience working at NHTSA and in the technology sector, and understands the value of public-private partnerships. This will be a great asset for transportation safety and vehicle technology policy in the coming years of this administration." The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) also praised the appointment, stating: "Morrison has a proven track record as former NHTSA chief counsel and is an excellent choice."