Senate aide to be tapped to lead NHTSA

Published: Dec. 1, 2009 at 1:27 PM

Comment WASHINGTON, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama was expected to nominate soon a Senate aide as the top U.S. auto regulator, several officials said.

David L. Strickland, 41, was expected to be announced as Obama's choice to lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Detroit News reported Tuesday.

The announcement could come as early as Tuesday.

Strickland, senior Democratic counsel to the Senate Commerce Committee since August 2001, had a major role in pressing for environmental rules fought by the U.S. auto industry, the newspaper said. He also helped to craft auto safety legislation and the "Do Not Call" registry law.

While the White House did not comment Monday on Strickland's potential nomination, it didn't dispute media reports either, the News said. A spokeswoman for Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., also declined comment. Senate confirmation is required for this position.

NHTSA worked on a number of important auto safety issues so far in 2009, including running the $3 billion "cash for clunkers" program and conducting an investigation into issues surrounding the recall of 4.3 million Toyota vehicles for sudden acceleration problems and faulty floor mats.

Obama's first NHTSA nominee, Charles Hurley, withdrew during the spring under pressure from environmental groups.

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