Adler's First Day as Acting Chairman to Be October 1

Robert Adler will take over as CPSC acting chairman October 1, current Acting Chairman Ann Marie Buerkle said in a statement to the press. She issued two statements on the matter, the second to agency staff.

The former:

"One of my leadership goals here at CPSC has always been to enable and enhance the excellent work of this agency and its professional staff. As the agency now transitions to a new vice-chairman who will become acting chairman on October 1, I think it is important that the temporary caretaker for the agency be the most experienced, most senior commissioner who has previously served in this role. This interim selection will keep the agency on course while the White House determines and nominates a new candidate for chairman. Consumer protection is not political."

The latter included:

"I recently indicated that I would be stepping down as acting chairman at the end of September and continue in my role as commissioner until the end of October."

"The Commission voted today to elect a new vice-chairman who will become acting chairman on October 1, 2019. Although the vote becomes official when the Record of Commission Action (RCA) is posted next Wednesday, September 18, I am able to tell you there was a majority vote for Commissioner Robert Adler. I look forward to working closely with Commissioner Adler to ensure a smooth transition for the Agency."

"I know there has been much interest in this vote, so I wanted to let you know."

"Have a good weekend and thank you all for your service."

Adler is a Democrat, setting up the odd situation of an agency led by the party not in the White House although that can occur at the beginnings of administrations. However, CPSC will have a 2-2 tie, and he would need to step down if an official chairman is put in place.