The U.S. Senate on Tuesday confirmed the nomination of Sean Duffy to become secretary of transportation. Today’s vote by 77 to 22 followed a 97-to-0 cloture vote on Monday to cut off debate, ensuring a filibuster would not stall consideration. The Senate Commerce Committee unanimously approved Duffy’s nomination last week, clearing that path for one of the smoother confirmations in the White House administration.
Duffy’s appointment comes as some of the pieces in the department appear clearer. The White House last week also nominated Steven Bradbury to become deputy secretary of transportation, succeeding Polly Ellen Trottenberg, who resigned. Bradbury had served as DOT general counsel under the first Trump administration from November 2017 to January 2021 and briefly served as acting deputy secretary and acting secretary of transportation.
Assistant principal deputy and acting assistant attorney general in the Department of Justice in the Bush (43) administration, Bradbury is a long-time attorney who once clerked for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.
Meanwhile, former NBAA COO Chris Rocheleau is said to have returned to the FAA, where he had previously spent 22 years, as deputy administrator—although the White House has not yet announced the appointment nor has the FAA confirmed it. Unclear is whether Rocheleau is also serving as acting administrator until a successor is in place for Michael Whitaker, who also resigned.
Aviation organizations welcomed the swift confirmation of Duffy in a chorus of statements on Tuesday. “His prompt confirmation as transportation secretary ensures that government and industry have continuity in leadership and decision-making about the safety, security, and stability of all facets of the national transportation system, including business aviation,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen, praising Duffy’s experience in the congressional legislative process as a former lawmaker as well as his understanding of the importance of transportation networks.
General Aviation Manufacturers Association president and CEO Pete Bunce added: “Throughout the confirmation process, we have been impressed with Secretary Duffy’s policy knowledge and leadership credentials, which will serve him well as head of the U.S. Department of Transportation. We are encouraged by his candor about the challenges facing our aviation system and his prioritization to implement the latest FAA reauthorization law.”
National Air Transportation Association president and CEO Curt Castagna echoed those sentiments, saying, “During his confirmation hearing, Secretary Duffy demonstrated a commitment to these shared goals and a willingness to engage with Congress and industry stakeholders to ensure continued U.S. global aviation leadership.”
Meanwhile, Vertical Aviation International called Duffy “uniquely qualified” to champion technical, regulatory, and safety initiatives critical to the aviation industry, while the Air Line Pilots Association also praised Duffy’s “commitment to aviation and transportation issues that most impact Americans.”
This article originally appeared on Aviation International News.
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