Deputy Secretary of Transportation

Deputy Secretary of Transportation is the second-highest-ranking official in the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). Appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate, the Deputy Secretary assumes the duties of the United States Secretary of Transportation in the Secretary's absence. The position was established to manage the department's day-to-day operations and oversee its vast portfolio of agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Highway Administration.

History and establishment

The position was created by the United States Congress with the establishment of the United States Department of Transportation in 1966, which was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The department began operations in 1967, with the first Deputy Secretary, John E. Robson, being appointed that same year. The role was designed to provide essential managerial support to the Secretary in coordinating the diverse array of pre-existing transportation agencies brought under the new cabinet department, such as the United States Coast Guard and the Federal Railroad Administration.

Appointment and role

The Deputy Secretary is nominated by the President of the United States and must be confirmed by a majority vote in the United States Senate, following a hearing before the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. The role serves as the department's chief operating officer, with broad authority to execute policies set by the Secretary and the White House. In the line of presidential succession, the Deputy Secretary is in the order of succession for the Secretary's duties under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act.

List of Deputy Secretaries

Since the department's founding, individuals from diverse backgrounds in law, business, and public service have held the position. The list includes former officials like James H. Burnley IV, who later became United States Secretary of Transportation, and Mortimer L. Downey, who served under Secretary Federico Peña. More recent deputies include Polly Trottenberg, who later served as New York City's Transportation Commissioner, and John Porcari, a former Maryland Transportation Secretary.

Responsibilities and functions

The Deputy Secretary oversees the internal management and budgetary functions of the USDOT, coordinating between its multiple administrations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Transit Administration. Key responsibilities include chairing the Department of Transportation's Enterprise Risk Management board, acting as the principal advisor to the Secretary on aviation and maritime matters, and representing the department before Congress and in interagency forums such as the National Security Council. The Deputy also plays a critical role in implementing major infrastructure legislation, such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Relationship to the Secretary

The Deputy Secretary operates as the Secretary's principal deputy and alter ego, ensuring the continuity of department operations. This relationship is codified in the United States Code, which delegates to the Deputy all functions the Secretary may assign. The Deputy often manages the department's response to crises, such as national aviation disruptions or surface transportation emergencies, allowing the Secretary to focus on broader policy and external engagements with entities like the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Notable Deputy Secretaries

Several individuals have used the position as a springboard to significant national leadership roles. Thomas D. Larson later served as Federal Highway Administration Administrator. Michael P. Jackson became United States Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security. Victor M. Mendez later led the Federal Highway Administration and served as Deputy Secretary under a different administration. The tenure of D. J. Gribbin was notable for his work on the Trump administration's infrastructure initiative.