Senate Confirms Jeffrey Rosen for Deputy Secretary Post at DOT
Amid pushback from Democrats critical of the Trump White House’s proposal to cut transit projects, the Senate on May 16 confirmed Jeffrey Rosen to be deputy Secretary of Transportation.
Fifty-six senators approved the nomination, with 42 voting against.
Rosen will be the top lieutenant for Secretary Elaine Chao, who has been attending to the president’s plans to fund infrastructure projects, as well as overseeing the department.
“I am delighted to welcome Deputy Secretary Jeff Rosen to the department. His extensive background in transportation, budget, regulatory reform and management will be invaluable as we implement the president’s agenda,” Chao said shortly after his confirmation.
Industry groups, such as American Trucking Associations and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, supported Rosen’s confirmation.
“Having held key positions at DOT as well as [Office of Management and Budget] prior to this nomination, Jeff brings tremendous experience and insight to this role and will serve the president, Secretary Chao and our nation well,” ATA President Chris Spear said.
Senate Democrats who opposed Rosen cited their discontent with the White House’s fiscal 2018 budget blueprint that calls for drastic reductions for transit systems and eliminating funding for an Obama-era infrastructure grants program.
“When I have a nominee for an office who can’t even commit to programs that have bipartisan appeal like New Starts [transit grants], bipartisan support from this Congress, from this committee, it’s just simply outrageous to me,” Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) said during a committee hearing in April.
Rosen most recently was a partner at Kirkland & Ellis. Prior to that, he was general counsel at DOT and OMB during the administration of President George W. Bush. He was a consistent donor to Republican candidates, including Gov. Mitt Romney and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).
