CPSC Restores Quorum Following Senate Confirmation of Two New Commissioners

By Anne Marie Ellis

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) will once again have a quorum following the Senate’s confirmation of Karen Sessions and Brien Lorenze as Commissioners on August 7, 2026. According to a statement issued by Peter A. Feldman, Acting Chairman of the CPSC, the appointments come at a significant time for the agency and will allow the Commission to continue its enforcement and regulatory agenda.

In his statement, Feldman emphasized that the confirmations restore the Commission’s ability to act as a fully functioning agency and highlighted what he described as “record-setting enforcement results” and ongoing operational and technological initiatives at CPSC. He also noted that Brien Lorenze, previously the agency’s Executive Director, brings substantial operational and policy experience, while Karen Sessions adds experience in technology, infrastructure, and regulatory policy.

Why It Matters

For manufacturers, importers, retailers, and product safety professionals, the restoration of a CPSC quorum is an important development. A fully constituted Commission can more readily issue final rules, adjudicate enforcement matters, approve settlements, and advance policy initiatives. While it remains to be seen whether the new Commission will alter enforcement priorities, companies should anticipate continued CPSC scrutiny of consumer product safety, recalls, and regulatory compliance.

PL Insider Takeaway: With the confirmation of Karen Sessions and Brien Lorenze, the CPSC regains a quorum and the operational capacity to move forward with enforcement and regulatory actions. Companies should monitor how the newly constituted Commission shapes future product safety and compliance priorities.

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