Michael A. Khouri Confirmed as FMC Commissioner by Senate

Contact: Karen V. Gregory, Secretary (202-523-5725)

The United States Senate confirmed President Obama’s nomination of Michael A. Khouri on November 18, 2011 as Federal Maritime Commissioner for a term to expire on June 30, 2016. Commissioner Khouri will be sworn in for his second term as Commissioner in the next several weeks.

Prior to his appointment to the FMC, Commissioner Khouri served for 40 years in the maritime industry and held senior positions in vessel operations, legal, and executive staff assignments. He also served on the boards of directors at the American Waterways Operators Association and the Waterways Council, Inc.

During his first term, Commissioner Khouri was an active participant in issues facing the Commission and the maritime industry. He recently served as Fact Finding Officer for the Commission’s investigation into Potentially Unlawful, Unfair or Deceptive Ocean Transportation Practices Related to the Movement of Household Goods or Personal Property in U.S.-Foreign Oceanborne Trades. Commissioner Khouri serves as the Commission’s representative on the Committee on the Marine Transportation System (CMTS), a partnership of Federal departments and agencies working together to ensure the development and implementation of national marine transportation system policies that are consistent with national needs, and he serves as the CMTS Task Team leader to examine potential interagency work to support the President’s National Export Initiative (NEI) to double U.S. exports in five years to strengthen the economy and create jobs.

Commissioner Khouri stated, “I am honored that the President nominated and the U.S. Senate confirmed me to serve another term on the Federal Maritime Commission. I look forward to continuing to work with the Chairman, my fellow Commissioners, the Commission staff and the shipping public to foster and maintain an efficient and competitive international ocean transportation system while protecting the American shipping public from unlawful, unfair and deceptive transportation practices.”

FMC Chairman Richard A. Lidinsky, Jr. stated: “Commissioner Khouri plunged right in and made significant contributions during his first term at the Commission. I very much look forward to working with him to continue a competitive ocean shipping system for the benefit of U.S. exporters, importers, and consumers. I also thank President Obama, Chairman Rockefeller, Ranking Member Hutchison, and the U.S. Senate for their efforts to ensure the FMC continues with Commissioner Khouri’s valuable service.”

The Federal Maritime Commission is the federal agency responsible for regulating the nation’s international ocean transportation for the benefit of exporters, importers, and the American consumer. The FMC’s mission is to foster a fair, efficient, and reliable international ocean transportation system while protecting the public from unfair and deceptive practices.