Derek Barrs, a seasoned veteran in highway enforcement, spoke in front of the Senate on July 16, 2025, as the nominee for the top spot at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Why it matters: If confirmed, Barrs would be the first Senate-approved leader at FMCSA since 2022, taking over a spot that's been vacant for a while.
- Barrs said his main priority would be improving safety on the roads, but he also promised to work with truckers directly and not leave them out of major decisions.
- He has a background leading the Florida Highway Patrol and running commercial driver training programs.
- Barrs stressed the trucking industry's vital role, saying, "I salute and value the American truck driver and thank them for their work."
What he said: Barrs told the Senate his decisions would be "informed, balanced, and transparent," aiming for more collaboration between government and the trucking industry.
The hearing featured other nominees for transportation safety agencies, with the full Senate vote still to come, according to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.