FMC Reaches Full Strength with Florida Commissioner's Swearing In

Key Details Robert J. Harvey of Florida was sworn in Monday as a Federal Maritime Commission commissioner, restoring the five-member regulatory panel to full capacity. Harvey fills the seat vacated when Carl Bentzel departed in December 2024. The former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and securities litigation expert was nominated by President Trump in September 2025 and confirmed by the Senate on May 18. Why It Matters With Harvey's appointment, Republicans now hold a 3-2 majority on the FMC. The commission controls critical maritime policy affecting port operations, shipping rates, and cargo handling procedures that directly impact trucking logistics and intermodal operations. A fully staffed agency means faster regulatory decisions on matters affecting freight movement. Background Harvey brings extensive economic development experience, having served as president of the Florida Opportunity Fund and executive director of the Florida Development Finance Corporation. He is the third recent Trump appointee from Florida to join the FMC, alongside chair Laura DiBella and former chair Louis Sola. The commission now includes Democrats Daniel Maffei and Max Vekich, a former International Longshore and Warehouse Union officer, alongside Republican Rebecca Dye.