RELEASE
Wicker Supports Deputy Secretary of Transportation Nominee
Miss. Senator Discusses National Priorities, Merchant Marine Academy Sea Year Program
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today questioned Jeffrey A. Rosen during his nomination hearing to be President Trump’s Deputy Secretary of Transportation.
Below is a transcript of Sen. Wicker’s opening remarks:
“The Department of Transportation contains 10 component agencies, employs approximately 57,000 people, and has an operating budget of more than $75 billion. As second in charge of the Department, Mr. Rosen will work hand in hand with the capable Secretary Elaine Chao to lead our nation in the day-to-day operation of its various modes of transportation.
“Today marks the 50th Anniversary of the Department of Transportation and its mission remains the same today as it was 50 years ago: ‘to serve the United States by ensuring a fast, safe, efficient, accessible, and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today, and into the future.’
“President Trump announced during his joint address to Congress last month, ‘To launch our national rebuilding, I will be asking the Congress to approve legislation that produces a $1 trillion investment in the infrastructure of the United States — financed through both public and private capital — creating millions of new jobs.’ We will certainly be interested in talking to our nominee about this goal today.
“Mr. Rosen is not a stranger to government service, having served in the Department of Transportation as General Counsel from 2003-2006. In this capacity, he oversaw a number of important transportation bills including SAFETEA and its implementation as well as the FAA reauthorization bill VISION 100 in 2003.
“Mr. Rosen then went on to serve as General Counsel under Senator Portman in the Office of Management and Budget from 2006-2009.
“Mr. Rosen, I would like to thank you for testifying today and for your willingness to continue your record of service to our country.”
3/29/17
Magnolia Tribune
