Rosen confirmed as deputy DOT secretary

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate has confirmed Jeffrey A. Rosen as the 18th deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), tasked with supervising the agency's day-to-day operation.

Mr. Rosen was the DOT's general counsel from 2003 to 2006, and general counsel and senior policy adviser for the U.S. Office of Management and Budget from 2006 to 2009.

Before his new appointment, Mr. Rosen was a senior partner at the Washington law firm Kirkland & Ellis L.L.P., a firm with which he has been associated for nearly 30 years.

In his new position, Mr. Rosen will work directly under Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao. The confirmation vote was 56-42.

"(Mr. Rosen's) extensive background in transportation, budget, regulatory reform and management will be invaluable as we implement the president's agenda," Ms. Chao said.

Trade associations such as the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), the Tire Industry Association (TIA) and the American Trucking Associations (ATA) praised the choice of Mr. Rosen as DOT deputy secretary.

"The department has an important public policy agenda, and a seasoned, effective leadership team is essential to progress," said RMA President and CEO Anne Forristall Luke.

Ms. Luke said the association looked forward to working with Mr. Rosen and Ms. Chao on issues important to the tire industry.

TIA also supports Mr. Rosen, according to Roy Littlefield IV, TIA director of government affairs.

"We believe that his experience suggests he will work to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens," Mr. Littlefield said.

ATA President and CEO Chris Spear also praised Mr. Rosen.

"(We) look forward to working with him on a host of issues impacting trucking, including improving the safety of our roads and investing to rebuild our infrastructure," Mr. Spear said.