The Senate October 7 by voice votes confirmed the nominations of Alexander Hoehn-Saric to become CPSC chairman as well as a commissioner until 2027. It did not act on the commissioner nomination of Richard Trumka although the Senate Commerce Committee favorably reported both to the full Senate last month (PSL, 9/27/21). Further behind in the process is Mary Boyle, who has not received a committee vote.
Hoehn-Saric's two nominations were separate because the President can name a chairman, but commissioners cannot be removed until the ends of their terms except in rare circumstances like malfeasance. Thus, a Republican victory in the 2024 presidential election would allow for a new chairman, but Hoehn-Saric could remain a commissioner.
This is what happened with former commissioner Elliot Kaye after the 2016 election. He stepped down as chairman but remained as a commissioner until just recently (PSL, 9/6/21). Kaye kept his seat almost a year beyond the October 2020 official end of his term under the CPSA provision meant to limit vacancies.
If Boyle and Trumka join Hoehn-Saric, the makeup of the commission will become (potential extra years in parentheses):
- Dana Baiocco (R) to 2024 (2025)
- Mary Boyle (D) to 2025 (2026)
- Peter Feldman (R) to 2026 (2027)
- Alexander Hoehn-Saric (D) to 2027 (2028)
- Richard Trumka (D) 2028 (2029)