Senate Confirms Rosekind to Head NHTSA

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Mark Rosekind as head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NHTSA has been without a top administrator for a year since David Strickland resigned. He will be stepping into controversy over the agency's delayed response to faulty ignition switches from General Motors Co. and exploding airbag inflators from Takata Corp.

In both cases NHTSA has been harshly criticized by Congress for lapses in regulatory oversight, bureaucratic bungling and an inability to keep up with automotive technologies.

Rosekind told the Senate subcommittee handling his nomination that the agency needs more staff and funding to enforce U.S. vehicles safety laws. He also wants Congress to dramatically increase the level of penalties NHTSA may impose.