CPSC nominees Brien Lorenze and Karen Sessions fielded four questions at their June 24 confirmation hearing. Senate Commerce Committee members directed most questions at the three other nominees reviewed at the hearing.
The CPSC questions involved:
- Independence: Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) asked if they would take directives from the White House or use their "independent judgment." Both said the latter.
- AI as Tool: Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) asked about using technology for CPSC's mission. Lorenze, who currently is CPSC executive director, pointed to already occurring work like addressing the lag in death certificates and targeting online take downs. Sessions called the topic important and looked to using AI in targeting enforcement and inspections.
- AI as Risk: Sen. Ted Cruz (D-Texas) asked Lorenze if CPSC attention to AI is limited to physical risks from physical components. Lorenze said that is where CPSC authorities lies, and he added that if CPSC finds hazards in products with AI, it would work with the committee.
- Cooperation: Cruz asked all five nominees what he referred to as a required question – whether they pledged to work collaboratively with the committee and appear before it when requested. All said yes.
Prepared opening statements also were brief:
- Lorenze: His remarks (bit.ly/4oNYX6k) included that his priorities would involve "hidden and complex product hazards," strengthening CPSC data use, and staying atop innovative products and related emerging risks.
- Sessions: She linked (bit.ly/4vF2tlW) her experience to being able to address supply chain complexities, e-commerce growth, and emerging products.
