Senate Confirms Three to Serve on Federal Maritime Commission

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

The United States Senate last night confirmed the nominations of three individuals to serve as Federal Maritime Commissioners.

Those confirmed are: Rebecca F. Dye, Michael A. Khouri, and Daniel B. Maffei.

Dye and Khouri, both of whom currently serve as Commissioners, were re-nominated by the President to serve in terms that will last until 2020 and 2021 respectively. Maffei is new to the Commission and will serve a term that expires in 2017.

“I applaud the action taken by the Senate yesterday. Each of these individuals is not only committed to public service, they also take the core mission of the Commission seriously,” said Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Mario Cordero. “The shipping industry is going through a period of significant change that dictates our close attention. As a body, we are going to have as much work to do as ever before, and I am grateful we have a full complement of Commissioners.”

Dye has worked on maritime policy issues throughout her career, beginning with her service in the United States Coast Guard. She subsequently held senior positions in the Maritime Administration, and on the former House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, as well as the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure.

Khouri has broad experience in the maritime industry including service on marine vessels from deck crew to Pilot and Captain; and, shoreside assignments in law, administration, marine operations, and general management.

Maffei, a native of Upstate New York, served two non-consecutive terms in the United States House of Representatives. His professional experience prior to being a Member of Congress includes working as a journalist and a Congressional aide. He replaces Richard Lidinsky, who became a Commissioner in 2009.

“As a former Congressman, Dan Maffei brings a unique perspective to Federal Maritime Commission. I am looking forward to officially welcoming him aboard and working with him to serve the interests of the American shipping public,” noted Cordero. “His predecessor, Richard A. Lidinsky, has had a long career in ports and shipping. I hope that he found his experience as a Commissioner and Chairman of the Commission to be rewarding and gratifying. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

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