Chairman Inouye, Senator Stevens, Distinguished Members of the Committee, it is a privilege to appear before you today.  I deeply appreciate your time and consideration.

 

I am grateful for the confidence shown in me by the President and Secretary Peters in nominating me for this position.

 

I would like to publicly thank my wife, Carolyn, and our sons, Jackson and Gavin, for supporting my continued interest in government service. 

 

The constant and efficient movement of people and goods across our country, and indeed around the globe, is crucial to sustaining our global economic leadership and ensuring the quality of life for all Americans.  Yet the increasing demands placed on our transportation system to meet the needs of our growing population, changing demographics, and logistical demands of commerce are placing unprecedented stress on our system.    

 

Overcoming these challenges will increasingly rely on the development and deployment of new technologies and solutions.  Because of this, the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) plays an increasingly important role coordinating the research and development activities across the Department in order to maximize the benefit of our multi-billion dollar investment in transportation-related technology.   

 

I believe my government experience at the GAO, the U.S. Senate and the Department of Defense, as well as my private sector experience in the technology industry will serve me well, should I be confirmed as the next RITA Administrator.  Over the past two decades, I have been exposed to the commercialization and application of many transformational innovations and technologies and should I be confirmed, I look forward to working with the Department and stakeholders to introduce new and exciting capabilities. 

 

If confirmed, I welcome the opportunity to work with the Committee to advance our transportation interests and to maximize the benefits of transportation-related innovation and technology to improve the quality of life for all Americans.

 

Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you and I welcome any questions the Committee may have.