Senate Committee Reviews Nomination of Derek Barrs for FMCSA Leadership
Derek Barrs, a veteran law enforcement and transportation safety leader, advanced in the nomination process to become Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) following a recent hearing before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. His nomination continues to gain strong support from industry stakeholders, including the American Bus Association (ABA), which represents the motorcoach and group travel industry.
The hearing marked a critical milestone in filling FMCSA’s top post, which has remained without a Senate-confirmed administrator since 2022.
ABA Praises Barrs’ Experience and Approach
In a letter to the committee ahead of the hearing, ABA expressed strong support for Barrs, citing his background as former chief of the Florida Highway Patrol, his role within national transportation organizations, and his pragmatic approach to stakeholder engagement.
“Derek Barrs brings the right mix of experience and temperament to lead FMCSA,” said Fred Ferguson, President & CEO of the American Bus Association. “He understands the complexity of our transportation system and the importance of tailoring safety policy to reflect the distinct needs of both freight and passenger carriers.”
ABA emphasized its readiness to collaborate with Barrs on key industry priorities, including regulatory clarity, operational safety, and workforce development. The association highlighted its longstanding partnership with FMCSA on issues such as emergency coordination, training standards, and compliance outreach.
Passenger Carrier Priorities in Focus
During the hearing, Barrs focused on industry safety, which ABA shares as an important policy commitment. Barrs noted that during his 34-year law enforcement career, 25 years were spent dedicated to commercial motor vehicle safety.
“My work has always emphasized open communication and collaboration — with industry, law enforcement, and safety organizations,” Barrs said in his opening statement. “I understand that FMCSA’s actions impact an entire industry, and I am committed to ensuring that agency decisions are informed, balanced, and transparent. If confirmed, I will continue to strengthen relationships between government and stakeholders, working together on our shared goal of improving roadway safety, as well as addressing critical safety issues.”
The ABA shares this commitment to safety and looks forward to working closely with Barrs to advance this priority, should he be confirmed for the position.
The Association’s July 9 letter outlined additional priorities it hopes Barrs will also champion as administrator:
- Distinct Regulatory Treatment: Recognizing the operational and safety differences between motorcoach and freight trucking.
- Preservation of Federal Preemption: Ensuring consistent nationwide hours-of-service rules to avoid conflicting state mandates.
- Reassessment of Speed Limiter Proposals: Support full withdrawal of proposal for blanket speed mandates designed for trucks that could hinder motorcoach safety.
- Clarity in English Proficiency Enforcement: Supporting more consistent implementation that avoids creating unnecessary barriers for qualified drivers.
- Reinvestment in FMCSA’s Passenger Carrier Division: Expanding agency leadership and staff dedicated to the motorcoach sector.
“Mr. Barrs knows firsthand that effective regulation starts with listening and industry engagement,” said Callie Hoyt, ABA Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations. “We’re encouraged by his commitment to collaboration and his understanding of the nuanced role motorcoach operators play in the nation’s transportation landscape.”
Broad Industry Support
In addition to ABA, several transportation organizations have backed Barrs’ nomination. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), which represents over 150,000 small-business truckers, expressed support in a letter submitted July 14, citing Barrs’ practical experience and commitment to combating freight fraud and unnecessary regulation.
The Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) have also endorsed Barrs, applauding his leadership in promoting Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) standards and advancing highway safety enforcement.
Confirmation Vote Ahead
Barrs now awaits a full Senate vote. If confirmed, he will become the first Senate-approved FMCSA administrator in three years, bringing long-needed stability to the agency that oversees over 500,000 interstate motor carriers.
The American Bus Association reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with Barrs and his team to promote a safer, more efficient, and equitable regulatory environment for motorcoach operators.
Photo at top: FMCSA Administrator nominee Derek Barrs (left) with ABA’s Fred Ferguson, outside of USDOT headquarters in Washington, DC.
