Cory Booker: “I strongly support the nomination of Christopher A. Hart to serve as Chairman of the National Transportation Safety…”

“I strongly support the nomination of Christopher A. Hart to serve as Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, NTSB. Today I joined the Commerce Committee's unanimous approval of his nomination and urge my colleagues to move quickly to confirm Mr. Hart as Chair of the NTSB. The NTSB plays a critical role in objectively evaluating accidents in aviation, railroad, highway, marine, and pipeline transportation services. The NTSB forms extensive recommendations on future enhancements in transportation safety and is a great asset in improving the national standard for transportation security. Given how critical the NTSB is to public safety, I cannot stress enough the importance of the full Senate approving this role. As Chairman, Mr. Hart will provide needed leadership to guide the NTSB's work. In New Jersey, the NTSB serves an essential role in improving public safety. Just last year, the NTSB moved quickly to launch a thorough investigation of a high-profile truck accident in June 2014. In addition, in response to the 2012 Paulsboro, NJ train derailment, the NTSB issued a comprehensive report with a number of needed safety recommendations. The NTSB's thorough analysis and review of these accidents significantly aids local governments, first responders, and Federal lawmakers in making important policy decisions to avoid future catastrophes.…”