Senate Commerce Committee discusses Stephen Bradbury's nomination for Deputy Secretary of Transportation

The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation convened to discuss the nomination of Stephen Bradbury as the deputy secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOT). If confirmed, Bradbury will oversee daily operations and implement vital safety policies for the nation's transportation system.

Senator Ted Cruz, who spoke in favor of Bradbury's nomination, highlighted his extensive qualifications. Bradbury previously served as the general counsel of the DOT from 2017 to 2021 and briefly as the acting secretary. During his tenure, he managed a team of over 500 attorneys and support staff, overseeing significant rulemaking and enforcement efforts that resulted in $98 billion in savings for the department. His accolades include receiving the Secretary's Distinguished Service Award in 2020.

Cruz emphasized that Bradbury's experience extends beyond his impressive resume. He noted that Bradbury understands the real-life consequences of public policy, particularly in terms of safety. He is committed to prioritizing safety, especially in the aviation sector, and is prepared to eliminate nonstatutory policy objectives that detract from the DOT's core mission.

The senator also mentioned Bradbury's readiness to work closely with Secretary Duffy and to comply with congressional oversight, ensuring transparency in the department's operations. With a focus on government efficiency, Bradbury's track record of cost savings positions him as a capable leader who can drive intelligent change within the DOT.

Cruz concluded by stating that he has received over 20 letters of support for Bradbury from various transportation groups, indicating broad backing from the industry. He expressed his support for Bradbury's confirmation and looked forward to learning more about his approach to the department.