DOT Under Secretary McCormack Confirmed to Shape Freight and Highway Policy

Key Details The Senate voted 57-33 on Feb. 26 to confirm Ryan McCormack as under secretary of transportation for policy. McCormack will oversee DOT policy development across surface transportation, freight mobility and safety directives, serving as a primary adviser to Secretary Sean Duffy. His role is central to shaping trucking initiatives and supply chain strategy. Why It Matters McCormack's office will guide congressional leaders on the administration's highway priorities as the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee prepares to consider a $550 billion surface transportation reauthorization this month. Senate transportation leaders have not yet announced a timeline for their version of the highway bill. Safety Focus During his confirmation hearing, McCormack emphasized that reducing highway fatalities is a top priority, citing the 40,000 annual vehicle-related deaths in America. He pledged the department is committed to putting safety first under Secretary Duffy's leadership. McCormack brings extensive experience from both legislative and executive branches, most recently serving as DOT's deputy chief of staff after years on Capitol Hill. Other Confirmations The Senate also confirmed John DeLeeuw to the National Transportation Safety Board on a 50-45 vote. DeLeeuw, who previously managed safety and efficiency at American Airlines, replaces a senior NTSB member removed by the White House last year.