WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate confirmed two new members for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Tuesday, bringing the investigative agency back to a full board of five members for the first time in several years.

Bruce Landsberg of South Carolina was cleared to serve an NTSB board member term that expires Dec. 31, 2022. Jennifer Homendy of Virginia was confirmed to carry out the rest of a term that expires on Dec. 31, 2019.

President Trump nominated Landsberg to be an NTSB member in September of last year. The president also designated Landsberg to serve as the agency’s vice chairman for two years.

Since 1992, Landsberg has held leadership roles with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Foundation and Air Safety Institute, including executive director, president, and senior safety advisor. He has also served as the industry co-chair of the runway safety program for the Federal Aviation Administration.

President Trump nominated Homendy to be an NTSB member in April. For the past 14 years, Homendy served as Democratic staff director of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials for the U.S. House's Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Prior to that, she worked as a legislative representative for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

NTSB investigates major transportation accidents — including those involving school buses — and issues recommendations aimed at improving safety. The agency does not have regulatory authority.

NTSB's members — five for a full board — are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate for five-year terms, or remaining portions of terms. With their confirmation on Tuesday, Landsberg and Homendy join the three existing NTSB members: Chairman Robert Sumwalt, Earl Weener, and Bella Dinh-Zarr.

About the author
Thomas McMahon

Thomas McMahon

Executive Editor

Thomas had covered the pupil transportation industry with School Bus Fleet since 2002. When he's not writing articles about yellow buses, he enjoys running long distances and making a joyful noise with his guitar.

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