[Senate Hearing 119-356]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
S. Hrg. 119-356
NOMINATIONS TO THE UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
=======================================================================
HEARING
before the
COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE,
SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
UNITED STATES SENATE
ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
__________
JULY 23, 2025
__________
Printed for the use of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Available online: http://www.govinfo.gov
______
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
63-393 PDF WASHINGTON : 2026
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
TED CRUZ, Texas, Chairman
JOHN THUNE, South Dakota MARIA CANTWELL, Washington,
ROGER WICKER, Mississippi Ranking
DEB FISCHER, Nebraska AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota
JERRY MORAN, Kansas BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii
DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska EDWARD MARKEY, Massachusetts
MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee GARY PETERS, Michigan
TODD YOUNG, Indiana TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin
TED BUDD, North Carolina TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois
ERIC SCHMITT, Missouri JACKY ROSEN, Nevada
JOHN CURTIS, Utah BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico
BERNIE MORENO, Ohio JOHN HICKENLOOPER, Colorado
TIM SHEEHY, Montana JOHN FETTERMAN, Pennsylvania
SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West Virginia ANDY KIM, New Jersey
CYNTHIA LUMMIS, Wyoming LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER, Delaware
Brad Grantz, Republican Staff Director
Nicole Christus, Republican Deputy Staff Director
Lila Harper Helms, Staff Director
Melissa Porter, Deputy Staff Director
C O N T E N T S
----------
Page
Hearing held on July 23, 2025.................................... 1
Statement of Senator Cruz........................................ 1
Statement of Senator Cantwell.................................... 2
Statement of Senator Curtis...................................... 142
Statement of Senator Schatz...................................... 143
Statement of Senator Lujan....................................... 145
Statement of Senator Moreno...................................... 148
Statement of Senator Kim......................................... 150
Witnesses
Seval Oz, Nominee to be Assistant Secretary of Transportation for
Research and Technology, United States Department of
Transportation................................................. 4
Prepared statement........................................... 5
Biographical information..................................... 7
Michael Albert Rutherford, Nominee to be Assistant Secretary,
Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy, United
States Department of Transportation............................ 51
Prepared statement........................................... 53
Biographical information..................................... 54
Gregory Zerzan, Nominee to be General Counsel, United States
Department of Transportation................................... 129
Prepared statement........................................... 130
Biographical information..................................... 130
Appendix
Response to written questions submitted to Seval Oz by:
Hon. Marsha Blackburn........................................ 155
Hon. Bernie Moreno........................................... 156
Hon. Maria Cantwell.......................................... 157
Hon. Amy Klobuchar........................................... 158
Hon. Ben Ray Lujan........................................... 158
Hon. John Hickenlooper....................................... 159
Response to written questions submitted to Michael Rutherford by:
Hon. Marsha Blackburn........................................ 159
Hon. Maria Cantwell.......................................... 160
Hon. Amy Klobuchar........................................... 160
Hon. Tammy Duckworth......................................... 161
Hon. Ben Ray Lujan........................................... 161
Hon. John Hickenlooper....................................... 161
Hon. John Fetterman.......................................... 162
Response to written questions submitted to Gregory Zerzan by:
Hon. Maria Cantwell.......................................... 162
Hon. Amy Klobuchar........................................... 165
Hon. Tammy Duckworth......................................... 166
Hon. Ben Ray Lujan........................................... 166
Hon. John Hickenlooper....................................... 167
NOMINATIONS TO THE UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
----------
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 2025
U.S. Senate,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
Washington, DC.
The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:04 a.m., in
room SR-253, Senate Russell Office Building, Hon. Ted Cruz,
Chairman of the Committee, presiding.
Present: Senators Cruz [presiding], Curtis, Moreno,
Cantwell, Schatz, Lujan, and Kim.
OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. TED CRUZ,
U.S. SENATOR FROM TEXAS
The Chairman. Good morning. The Senate Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation will come to order.
Today, we will be considering three of President Trump's
nominees for key roles of the Department of Transportation.
Seval Oz, nominee for Assistant Secretary of Transportation for
Research and Technology; Michael Rutherford, nominee for
Assistant Secretary of Transportation, for the Office of
Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy; and Gregory
Zerzan, nominee for General Counsel of DOT.
Transportation is and will remain the backbone of global
economies. We are entering a new era defined by autonomous
vehicles, smart infrastructure, and AI-driven logistics. These
advancements are happening around the world and in some cases
elsewhere because the Federal Government has been so hostile to
innovation.
President Trump and Secretary Duffy are faced with a huge
undertaking, having to fix the mistakes of the last four years
by modernizing regulations and enhancing safety standards. To
succeed, they need advisers who understand the promise and the
complexity of what lies ahead. Today's nominees fit the bill.
Ms. Oz is a pioneer in transportation technology. At
Google, she helped develop autonomous vehicles. In Nevada, she
brought the private sector and government together to license
the state's first self-driving car. And as Assistant Secretary
of Transportation for Research and Technology, a newly created
role, she will help align DOT's research efforts for the next
generation of transportation.
Mr. Rutherford's experience with nearly every freight mode
will serve him well as Assistant Secretary of Transportation
for the Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy.
At CSX, a major freight railroad, Mr. Rutherford led a 140-
person team. He recognizes that optimized supply chains keep
cost down for consumers. If confirmed, he will work alongside
Secretary Duffy, state and local governments, and the private
sector to eliminate bottlenecks and secure freight networks.
Finally, Mr. Zerzan brings valuable managerial experience
from his time in both the Legislative and Executive branches.
As the current acting solicitor for the Department of the
Interior, he oversees a large team of political appointees and
career civil servants. He will do the same at DOT, providing
impartial strategic counsel to improve our skies, roadways, and
waterways.
These nominees are ready to help transform the American
transportation system through responsible innovation, lean
regulation, and a renewed focus on safety. I look forward to
hearing from them today.
With that, I will turn to Ranking Member Cantwell for her
opening remarks.
STATEMENT OF HON. MARIA CANTWELL,
U.S. SENATOR FROM WASHINGTON
Senator Cantwell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And welcome to
the nominees, congratulations on that nomination.
We are here today to consider, as the Chairman said, Mr.
Zerzan to be General Counsel at Department of Transportation;
Mr. Rutherford to be Assistant Secretary for the Office of
Multi-Freight Infrastructure and Policy; and Ms. Oz to be
Assistant Secretary for the Office of Research and Technology.
These three positions are critical to the core mission of
the Department in improving safety and investing in our
Nation's infrastructure. The Department's leaders must be
committed to upholding--to holding the transportation sector it
regulates to protect safety and consumer standards.
Mr. Zerzan, the General Counsel plays a critical role in
everything the Department does, determining which safety
requirements are approved or eliminated, signing off on grant
agreements, allowing cities and states to begin building
projects. I have recently expressed my concern about the now
Deputy Secretary Steven Bradbury, who as General Counsel during
the first Trump administration, orchestrated a number of
rollbacks on important safety issues. And I hope to ask you
questions about that and look for a different approach.
I am alarmed that the Department's recent formalization of
a new process that would authorize you, if you were confirmed,
to take actions against safety inspectors if a company claims
the inspector violated DOT's enforcement procedures, especially
allowing regulated entities to regulate the very officials
charged with keeping public safety.
We found in the ODA process at Boeing, and this became a
very big issue where the ODA, individuals responsible for
approving the process, were retaliated against, and thereby
hold their punches and a lot of it, the rest of it is history.
So we need--we need a strong safety regime.
Maintaining the strongest safety process does not just save
lives, it spurs economic growth, enables the U.S. to stay
competitive and certainly is essential for selling U.S.
airplanes abroad. Now, we continue to see a huge opportunity in
which we want aviation to win as there is a world demand for
40,000 planes.
At the same time we have to address other sectors of
transportation. Last week we saw reports indicating the loss of
more than 20 percent of the Federal Highway Administration's
workforce, and 30 percent of the Federal Transit
Administration's workforce. So clearly this is impacting our
ability to move quickly in improving projects and getting them
implemented. So I love to ask you about that and how you expect
to turn that around so that DOT can continue to move forward.
Mr. Rutherford, I created the Freight Office to improve
multimodal freight planning, that sounds like a generous staff
right there, I am not sure if I created it, maybe I had
legislation, and we all approved it or something like that.
[Laughter.]
Senator Cantwell. But let us not get Al Gore-ish here.
The Chairman. We are happy to give credit to the former
Chair.
Senator Cantwell. OK. Well, to be clear, our state had a
freight office, why, because if you moved freight in the state
of Washington you got a percentage of the gas tax, because
moving freight was part of economic development. So why not
prioritize transportation investment that moved economic
development?
So yes, we did say let us create a Federal Freight Policy
which, Ray LaHood, and others, and we all did. So OK, great, so
now we know.
Freight cannot wait. We had yesterday's hearing on the
Surface Transportation Act, similar issue where we are saying
if we are not competitive as a nation in moving freight
quickly, then we are going to lose, and in our case, to British
Columbia, or somewhere else, and then the competitive--of the
United States is impacted. So definitely want to continue to
make sure that freight investments are prioritized, and we
talked about that yesterday, as we prepare for a Surface
Transportation Act.
Ms. Oz, the DOT's research programs are vital for using
technology to improve both safety and efficiency, and it is
important to recognize that the industry--that we continue to
work together to on the development of these issues and get
them implemented. One thing that we are really concerned about
now is the interference on--spectrum interference and radio
altimeters.
When we look at what happened in the DCA air crash, there
was a lot of discussion even about how the altimeters of those
helicopters might have been affected giving them different
altitudes. And as the--for the previous implementation and
discussion between DOT and NTIA, a lot of confusion over how to
have the airline industry safely transmitting and the
interference that might occur with 5- and 6-G. So look forward
to asking questions about that.
Clearly, we have a lot to do to continue to improve
transportation. I am excited about the opportunities, excited
about the continuation of drone technology which we have
championed here in the Committee for many years, and the
applications are so numerous and continuing to pay dividends.
So obviously DOT has a very big role here to continue the roll
out of that drone technology, and so look forward to asking
about that.
Thank you Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. Thank you. I now recognize Ms. Oz for her
opening statement.
STATEMENT OF SEVAL OZ, NOMINEE TO BE
ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION
FOR RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION
Ms. Oz. Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and
distinguished Members of the Committee, thank you for the
privilege to appear before you today. I am deeply honored, and
to be candid, profoundly aware of the magnitude and urgency of
the task ahead. The challenges are formidable, but the chance
to shape the future of transportation and American innovation
is even more compelling.
I would like to acknowledge President Trump's unwavering
commitment to ensuring that the U.S. Department of
Transportation showcases the very best of American innovation
and technology leadership. I wish to thank Secretary Sean Duffy
for his confidence in my leadership and entrusting me with the
responsibility of delivering the safest, most efficient, and
forward-looking transportation systems.
I am grateful to my family and friends for their love and
support throughout my journey. My daughter, a proud John
Hopkins graduate, is currently performing opera overseas, and
while she could not be here today, I am blessed to be joined by
my friends and colleagues.
I begin with a simple but bold premise, I believe in the
mission of saving lives. Every year, nearly 40,000 people lose
their lives in traffic collisions. That is approximately 100
lives every single day. Yet, 90 percent of these deaths could
be avoided with self-driving cars. We have the technology to
save thousands of American lives. So why are not we doing so?
For every year we wait, more lives are lost. It is not just a
matter of innovation, it is a moral imperative.
I look forward to working with you on a national framework
to advance our transportation technologies, many of which were
made in America and hold the promise to prevent countless
fatalities. The thought of restricting mobility is also deeply
unsettling for me. Movement is as natural to me as breathing.
When we lose our ability to move safely, our world shrinks. Our
health, both mental and physical, suffers. We become isolated.
We have all experienced the awkward moment of taking the keys
away from our aging parents, or lying awake at night anxiously
waiting for our teenagers to return home safely.
The promise of a new generation of transportation will be
about building better drivers, ones who do not get distracted,
never drive under the influence, possess superior perception,
and react in an instant. My role would be to set clear vision
for how evidence-based research and innovation drive
transportation policy and infrastructure toward practical,
achievable solutions that advance public safety and serve the
American people.
I was born to immigrant parents who deeply value the
opportunities this country offered. I learned the importance of
having a meaningful plan fueled by determination, hard work,
and commitment. These values became the cornerstone of my
career, guiding me as I built high performance teams in the
dynamic fast-pace world of global technology.
That journey led me to leadership roles with Silicon
Valley's most innovative companies. I joined Google X because
they shared my vision of merging advanced automotive hardware
with intelligent software to solve real world challenges, human
challenges. My experience in global partnerships proved
invaluable as I negotiated complex multi-party agreements that
brought together traditionally competitive, and yes, even
adversarial stakeholders.
By strategically leveraging urgency and a well-placed fear
of missing out, I aligned diverse interests and secure critical
cooperation. In just 18 months, we accomplished what many
thought impossible, delivering the first self-driving vehicle.
I earned the trust and support of key stakeholders across the
state and local governments, town halls, law enforcement, and
emergency services. I am most proud of leading this
extraordinary collaboration, resulting in an autopilot platform
with an exceptional safety record.
Building on that success, I transitioned to a global
automotive supplier with over 200,000 employees where I faced
new challenges, driving digital transformation within a legacy
industry. Looking ahead, I have been advising top AI and data
science teams to assess transformative technology frontiers.
Together, we can establish U.S. transportation as the gold
standard by developing AI models built on the American
automation stack. I am eager to mobilize my office's full
resources to enhance safety, efficiency, and innovation across
all modes of our Nation's advanced transportation network.
I have been--in closing, I have been in the lion's den of
the $4 trillion automotive engine projecting to grow to $7
trillion over the next decade. The Department of Transportation
is our national pride for demonstrating U.S. leadership and
driving the economic engine of our Nation.
This moment is not years away. It is now. I shared parts of
my journey with you today to underscore that everything I have
done academically and professionally has prepared me for this
precise moment. We stand at the threshold of a generational
opportunity that will define the future, not only of
transportation, but of American economic growth, innovation,
and global influence. Success will require competent and
skilled leadership to earn the public's trust.
I respectfully ask for the support of the Senate Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation in achieving these
vital goals.
I look forward to answering your questions today.
[The prepared statement and biographical statement of Ms.
Oz follow:]
Prepared Statement of Seval Oz, Nominee to be Assistant Secretary for
Research, U.S. Department of Transportation
Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and distinguished Members
of the Committee, thank you for the privilege to appear before you
today. I am deeply honored, and to be candid, profoundly aware of the
magnitude and urgency of the task ahead. The challenges are formidable,
but the chance to shape the future of transportation and American
innovation is even more compelling.
I would like to acknowledge President Trump's unwavering commitment
to ensuring that the U.S. Department of Transportation showcases the
very best of American innovation and technology leadership.
I wish to thank Secretary Sean Duffy for his confidence in my
leadership and entrusting me with the responsibility of delivering the
safest, most efficient, and forward-looking transportation systems.
I am grateful to my family and friends for their love and support
throughout my journey. My daughter--a proud Johns Hopkins
undergraduate--is currently performing opera overseas. While she
couldn't be here today, I'm blessed to be joined by dear friends.
I begin with a simple but bold premise: I believe in the mission of
saving lives.
Every year, nearly 40,000 people lose their lives in traffic
collisions--that's approximately 100 lives every single day. Yet, 90
percent of these deaths could be avoided with self-driving cars. We
have the technology to save 10s of thousands of American lives--why
aren't we doing so? For every year we wait, more lives are lost. It's
not just a matter of innovation--it's a moral imperative.
I look forward to working with you on a national framework to
advance our transportation technologies--many of which were Made-in-
America and hold the promise to prevent countless fatalities.
The thought of restricting mobility is also deeply unsettling for
me. Movement is as natural to me as breathing. When we lose our ability
to move safely, our world shrinks. Our health, both mental and
physical, suffers. We become isolated. We have all experienced the
awkward moment of taking the car keys away from our aging parents, or
lying awake at night, anxiously waiting for our teenagers to return
home safely. The promise of the new generation of transportation will
be about building better drivers--ones who don't get distracted, never
drive under the influence, possess superior perception, and react in an
instant.
My role would be to set clear vision for how evidence-based
research and innovation drive transportation policy and infrastructure
towards practical, achievable solutions that advance public safety and
serve the American people.
I was born to immigrant parents who deeply valued the opportunities
this country offered. I learned early the importance of having a
meaningful plan, fueled by determination, hard work, and commitment.
These values became the cornerstone of my career, guiding me as I built
high-performance teams in the dynamic, fast-paced world of global
technology. That journey led me to leadership roles with Silicon
Valley's most innovative companies.
I joined Google[X] because they shared my vision of merging
advanced automotive hardware with intelligent software to solve real-
world human challenges. My experience in global partnerships proved
invaluable as I negotiated complex, multi-party agreements that brought
together traditionally competitive, even adversarial stakeholders. By
strategically leveraged urgency--and a well-placed ``fear of missing
out''--I aligned diverse interests and secured critical cooperation. In
just 18 months, we accomplished what many thought impossible:
delivering the first self-driving vehicle.
I earned the trust and support of key stakeholders across state and
local governments, town halls, law enforcement, and emergency services.
I'm most proud of leading this extraordinary collaboration resulting in
an auto-pilot platform with an exceptional safety record. Building on
that success, I transitioned to a global automotive supplier with over
200,000 employees, where I faced new challenges: driving digital
transformation within a legacy industry.
Looking ahead, I have been advising top AI and data science teams
to assess transformative technology frontiers. Together, we can
establish U.S. transportation as the global gold standard by developing
AI models built on the American automation stack. I am eager to
mobilize my office's full resources to enhance safety, efficiency and
innovation across all modes of our Nation's advanced transportation
network.
I have been in the lion's den of this $4 trillion global automotive
engine--projected to grow to $7 trillion over the next decade. The
Department of Transportation is our national pride for demonstrating
U.S. leadership in driving the economic engine of our Nation. This
moment is not years away-it is now.
I shared parts of my journey with you to underscore that everything
I've done--academically and professionally--has prepared me for this
precise moment. We stand at the threshold of a generational opportunity
that will define the future not only of transportation, but of American
economic growth, innovation, and global influence.
Success will require competent and skilled leadership to earn the
public's trust. I respectfully ask for the support of the Senate
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation in achieving these
vital goals.
I look forward to answering your important questions.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Born: Seval
Oz.
Also use Seval Ozveren (married last name)
2. Position to which nominated: Assistant Secretary for Research
and Technology, DOT.
3. Date of Nomination: March 10, 2025.
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: Information not provided.
5. Date and Place of Birth: Atlanta, Georgia.
6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
spouse (if married) or domestic partner, and the names and ages of your
children (including stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
Spouse: Not applicable. Daughter: Ruya, 21
7. List all college and graduate schools attended, whether or not
you were granted a degree by the institution. Provide the name of the
institution, the dates attended, the degree received, and the date of
the degree.
Wharton School of Business, 1983-1985, MBA (Finance and
Marketing), 1985
Wellesley College, 1979-1983, BA in Economics and Political
Science, 1983
MIT Joint Program with Wellesley College, 1979-1983
8. List all post-undergraduate employment, including the job title,
name of employer, and inclusive dates of employment, and highlight all
management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
the position for which you are nominated. (All management-level jobs
are indicated by an *)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consultant (Vice Ceramic.ai 2025-present
President, Finance and Mountain View, CA
Business Development)
Advising AI startup founded by former Google-AI leadership and
scientists.
Developed the strategic plan focusing on Enterprise AI opportunities.
Established commercial relationships and scaled for market impact.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advisor Moove.ai 2020-present
Lafayette, CO
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Independent Consultant San Jose, CA 2016-present
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Founding Partner* Archimede Ventures 2024-2024
San Jose, CA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Board Member* Microvision 2021-2023
Redmond, WA
Gained executive experience while advising C-suite leadership and the
Board of public company on business strategy focusing on automotive
LIDAR and design of high-speed safety features for Original Equipment
Manufacturers (OEMs).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advisor Pioneer Corporation 2019-2021
San Jose, CA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CEO* Aurima, Inc. 2017-2019
Mountain View, CA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CEO and Senior Vice Continental ITS 2014-2017
President* Santa Clara, CA
Continental ITS provided me with extensive executive management
experience with a full range of personnel management (responsible for a
global team of approximately 200 people), organizational excellence,
operational efficiency, quality assurance, financial, and fiduciary
responsibilities.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senior Business Google[X] 2011-2014
Development Lead* Mountain View, CA
Google and Google[X] provided me with extensive industry intelligence,
business acumen, and relationship management responsibilities for
collaboration of cross-functional internal and external teams of
engineers, scientists, and system developers.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vice President, Finance Cuil, Inc. 2007-2011
and Menlo Park, CA
Business Development*
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cuil afforded me the opportunity to work with top Silicon Valley
engineering teams in a start-up setting. I gained experience in problem
solving and prioritization in a fast-paced technology development
environment while managing cross-functional teams.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Career Break 2003-2007
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vice President, Urban Media 2000-2003
Finance* Communications
Palo Alto, CA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vice President, Finance Versata, Inc. 1999-2000
and Strategy* Oakland, CA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advisor, VP Engineering Berkeley Networks, Inc. 1998-1999
Milpitas, CA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Formulated acquisition versus IPO financial models based upon optimal
valuation scenarios leading to management's decision for a stock swap
alliance with FORE, and subsequently GEC's $4.2 billion acquisition of
FORE Systems.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Executive Advisor Berkeley Networks, Inc. 1998-1999
Milpitas, CA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal* Global Emerging Markets 1995-1998
Advisors, New York, NY
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Director, Institutional Merrill Lynch & Co. 1992-1995
Sales* New York, NY
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vice President, Equity Salomon, Inc. 1986-1992
Trading* New York, NY
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Teaching Assistant* Wharton School 1984-1985
Philadelphia, PA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Business Editor* Wharton Journal 1984-1985
Philadelphia, PA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intern Booz Allen and Hamilton 1985
New York, NY
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intern American Cyanamid Co. 1984
Wayne, NJ
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Documentary Reporter WGBH 1983
Boston, MA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MIT News Study Group, MIT 1982
National TV Guide Boston, MA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intern for Senator U.S. Senate 1981
William V. Roth, Jr.'s Washington, DC
Office
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intern United Nations 1980
Association
Boston, MA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. Attach a copy of your resume. Resume attached.
10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
than those listed above after 18 years of age.
In 1981, I interned with Senator William V. Roth, Jr, U.S.
Senator--DE, as a Foreign Affairs Assistant. I attended Senate Foreign
Relations Committee hearings, reported research findings, and prepared
material on a wide variety of topics debated in Congressional Hearings,
including OPIC, Iraqi nuclear facilities, and international terrorism.
11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
educational, or other institution.
Ceramic.ai, Consultant (VP Finance and Business Development)
Moove.ai, Advisor
Archimede Ventures, Founding Partner
Microvision, Inc., Board Member
Pioneer, Inc., Advisor (remote)
Aurima, Inc., Chief Executive Officer
Continental Intelligent Transportation Systems, LLC, Chief
Executive Officer and Executive Vice President
Google [X], Senior Business Development and Global Partnerships
Lead
Cuil, Inc. VP of Business Development and Finance
Urban Media Communications, Inc., VP of Finance and Strategy
Versata, Inc., VP of Finance and Strategy
Berkeley Networks, Consultant to VP of Engineering
Global Emerging Markets Advisors, L.P., Principal
Merrill Lynch & Co, Director of Emerging Market Equities
Salomon, Inc., VP of Equities
U.S. State Department Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
Program, Delegate
HealthCorps Foundation, Board of Advisors
Family Grandchildren Trust, Co-Trustee
12. List all memberships you have had after 18 years of age or
currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, educational,
political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or religiously
affiliated organization, private club, or other membership organization
(You do not have to list your religious affiliation or membership in a
religious house of worship or institution). Include dates of membership
and any positions you have held with any organization. Please note
whether any such club or organization restricts membership on the basis
of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.
Zeta Alpha Society, President 1982-1983, Member since 1981
Wellesley College Alumni Association, Member since 1983
Women in Automotive Technology, Member since 2014
UPenn Alumni Association, Member since 1986
Endeavor Global Leadership Organization, Global Panel Selection
Committee, International Panelist, 2010
San Francisco Opera, Patron since 2024
NASD registrations: Series 7,63 and 24 (1986-1995)
The Courtside Club, Los Gatos, CA, Member, 2000-2011
New York Public Library, Luncheon Committee Member since 2012
Connected Car Council (C3 Group), Council Member since 2014
(Acquired by Informa 2018
Wharton School of Business--Wharton Interactive Media
Department, Guest Lecturer and Panelist, 2010
Indian Institutes of Management (IIM), Menlo Park, CA, Steering
Committee Member and Guest Lecturer, 2009
13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are
personally liable for that debt. No.
14. List all memberships and offices held with and services
rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or
election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities.
Not applicable.
15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $200 or more for the past ten years. None.
16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
Soroptimist International, Earthquake Volunteer Recognition
Award, Adana, Turkey, 2024
The Most Influential Turkish-American Women Award, New York,
NY, 2016
Automotive News 100 Leading Women Award, Detroit, MI, 2015--
https://www.autonews.com/awards/2015-leading-women-seval-oz-
continental-intelligent-transportation-systems-continental-ag/
Northeastern University, Women Who Inspire Speakers Series
Award, Boston, MA, 2015
PWI Women in Technology Courage Award, San Francisco, CA, 2013
Google Bonus Award (5 consecutive awards) for the Creation and
Production of the short film demonstrating self-driving car,
Mountain View, CA, 2012
Google Bonus Award for Developing a Long-term Strategic Plan
for the Google[X] Self-Driving Car Project, Mountain View, CA,
2012
Barnette Miller Prize in Political Science, Wellesley College
for Best Work in the Field of International Relations and
Comparative Government, Wellesley, MA, 1981
BA, Political Science and Economics, Cum Laude, Wellesley
College, 1983
17. List all books, articles, columns, letters to the editor,
Internet blog postings, or other publications you have authored,
individually or with others. Include a link to each publication when
possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
publication when available.
Seval Oz, Clever Vehicles: The way we go online in our cars
makes no sense, MIT Technology Review (February 18, 2015)
Seval Oz, Short film demonstrating Self-Driving Car for Google
Inc., YouTube (2012)
Seval Oz, Global Equity and Derivative Trading: An Internal
Trading Manual for Salomon Inc.'s Equity Desk, 1990
18. List all speeches, panel discussions, and presentations (e.g.,
PowerPoint) that you have given on topics relevant to the position for
which you have been nominated. Include a link to each publication when
possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
speech or presentation when available.
Featured Speaker, Rally International 2023, sponsored by
Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Indianapolis, IN,
2023
Keynote Speaker, The Autonomous Vehicle Computing Consortium
(AVCC), sponsored by AVCC, Cambridge, United Kingdom, September
2023. (PowerPoint)
Speaker, Roundtable on Autonomous Driving--Key Challenges with
Seval Oz, sponsored by Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG), Hong Kong,
August 2021.
Panel Speaker, Roundtable on Autonomous Driving, sponsored by
Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG), Hong Kong, Hong Kong, August 2021.
Guest Speaker, Turkish Win Sponsored Corporate Event, sponsored
by Turkish WIN, Istanbul, Turkey, July 2020.
Keynote Speaker, ITU Technology Summit and Award Ceremony ITU
Presentation and Lunch, sponsored by Istanbul Technical
University (ITU), Istanbul, Turkey, February 2020.
Discussion Panelist, Research Facility Visit, sponsored by GLG/
Huawei, Shenzhen, China, January 2020.
Panel Speaker, Tokyo Motor Show, Tech Consultations and
Workshops, sponsored by BPEA, Tokyo, Japan, October 2019.
Keynote Speaker, ADAS Expert Lunch Talk and Presentation,
sponsored by NewStreet Research LLC, London, United Kingdom,
August 2019.
Keynote Speaker, Digital Age Summit Keynote Speaker, sponsored
by Capital Media Services, Istanbul, Turkey, April 2019.
Keynote Speaker, Ari Teknokent Workshop Lecturer, sponsored by
ITU (Istanbul Technical University), Istanbul, Turkey, April
2019.
Keynote Speaker, GLG-APAC Tour ``Pushing Autonomous Vehicles to
The Finish Line With Seval Oz'', sponsored by GLG, Seoul, South
Korea, March 2019.
Keynote Speaker, Roundtable Lunch--Speakers Series, sponsored
by Gerson Lehrman Group, Hong Kong, March 2019.
Guest Speaker, March 13--APAC Roadshow and Roundtable Lunch
Keynote Speaker, sponsored by Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG), Hong
Kong, March 2019.
Keynote Speaker, International Women's Day Speech for GLG
Consulting Services Keynote Luncheon Speaker on Tech, sponsored
by Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG), Sydney, Australia, March 2019.
Keynote Speaker, Rotary Club Lunch, sponsored by Rotary Club,
Istanbul, Turkey, January 2019.
Speaker, AlphaSights/BCG Sponsored Neom Land Mobility Workshop,
sponsored by AlphaSights/BCG, Barcelona, Spain, November 2018.
Guest Speaker, Guest Lecture Ozyegin University, sponsored by
Ozyegin University, Istanbul, Turkey, October 2018.
Keynote Speaker, Roundtable: Who Will Win The Autonomous
Vehicles Arms Race? Presentation On Autonomous Vehicle
Overview, sponsored by Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG), London,
United Kingdom, July 2018.
Keynote Speaker, Global Women In Technology, sponsored by
Turkish WIN (London chapter), London, United Kingdom, July
2018.
Speaker, Roundtable: Beyond The Connected Car: Autonomous
Vehicle Ecosystem, sponsored by Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG),
Seoul, South Korea, May 2018.
Keynote Speaker, BNP Paribas Conference, sponsored by GLG, Hong
Kong, May 2018.
Speaker, Roundtable Discussions Where I Presented On State of
AV Technology, sponsored by GLG, Hong Kong, May 2018.
Keynote Speaker, BNP Paribas Conference, sponsored by GLG,
Singapore, Singapore, May 2018.
Keynote Speaker, Roundtable: Beyond The Connected Car:
Autonomous Vehicle Ecosystem, sponsored by Gerson Lehrman Group
(GLG), Beijing, China, May 2018.
Guest Speaker, Sell-Side Call: With Seval Oz On Robotaxis,
sponsored by Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG), London, United
Kingdom, February 2018.
Keynote Speaker, Hurdles for Autonomous Driving Technology
Roundtable: The Future of Automotive (Toronto), co-sponsored by
Gerson Lehrman Group/AAA, Toronto, Canada, June 2017.
Speaker/Moderator, South By Southwest (SXSW) Annual Conference,
Austin, TX, March 2017.
Guest Speaker, Roundtable: The Road to Autonomous Driving: New
Technology Developments, sponsored by Gerson Lehrman Group
(GLG), Hong Kong, February 2017.
Keynote Speaker, Roundtable: The Road to Autonomous Driving:
Technology Developments (Singapore), sponsored by Gerson
Lehrman Group (GLG), Singapore, Singapore, January 2017.
Panel Speaker, Autonomous Driving/AI Technology Roundtable,
sponsored by GLG, Tokyo, Japan, January 2017.
Opening Keynote Speaker, ITS America Annual Conference and
Expo, San Jose, June 2016.
Opening Keynote Speaker, ITS World Congress (22nd Annual), co-
hosted by ERTICO and ITS Asia Pacific, Bordeaux, France,
October 2015.
Keynote Speaker, Frankfurt Motor Show, sponsored by Continental
AG, Frankfurt, Germany, September 2015.
Panel Speaker, Digital Web Summit Conference, sponsored by Web
Summit Conference, Dublin, Ireland, November 2014.
Panel Selectionist, Endeavor.Org Annual Global Meeting,
sponsored by Endeavor.org, Istanbul, Turkey, October 2012.
Keynote Speaker, Turkish Women's International Network--
Microsoft Office, Istanbul, Turkey, July 2012.
Keynote Speaker, Turkish Women's International Network (Global)
UK Chapter, sponsored by Turkish chapter of WIN (Women In
Networking), London, United Kingdom, July 2012.
Delegate for Google, Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC)
Conference, sponsored by U.S. State Department, Saint
Petersburg, Russia, June 2012.
Guest Speaker and Panelist, Mentorship, Social Media and
Corporate Development in Silicon Valley, Indian Institutes of
Management (IIM), 2009
19. List all public statements you have made during the past ten
years, including statements in news articles and radio and podcasts and
television appearances, which are on topics relevant to the position
for which you have been nominated, including dates. Include a link to
each statement when possible. If a link is not available, provide a
digital copy of the statement when available.
I have made many public statements during the past fifteen years on
a wide range of topics, mostly addressed to autonomous vehicles and new
technology matters not directly relevant to DOT or the position of
Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology.
Press Release, September 2023 (https://avcc.org/
avcc2023_keynotes/)
Press Release, September 2023 (https://fox2now.com/business/
press-releases/ein-presswire/656381965/arm-automotive-vp-suraj-
gajendra-and-automated-vehicle-pioneer-seval-oz-to-deliver-
keynotes-at-avcc2023/)
Podcast (Autonomous Roadblocks), Double Take, by Newton
Research, November 2022 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/
autonomous-roadblocks/id14
89131403?i=1000585324297)
Webinar, The Future of Movement, What's Next, by Reddit, April,
2021 (https://www.reddit.com/r/MVIS/comments/mv3hyj/
seval_oz_april_5_2021/)
Podcast (On the Move), Women in Automotive Technology, by
Infoedge LLC, November 2020 (https://www.buzzsprout.com/
1259042/episodes/6243379-seval
-oz-senior-executive-advisor-at-pioneer-inc)
Interview, Fashion & Travel Magazine, 2019 (https://
fashiontravelmagazine
.com/a-passion-for-technology-seval-oz/)
Press Release, March 2021 (https://ir.microvision.com/news/
press-releases/detail/327/seval-oz-joins-microvision-board-of-
directorsdirector)
TEDx Talk, ``Changing the Way We Drive,'' Napa Valley, CA, 2014
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0NKkO3ZLPw)
Autonews Profile, 2015 (https://www.autonews.com/awards/2015-
leading-
women-seval-oz-continental-intelligent-transportation-systems-
continental-ag/)
The Future of Disruptive Technologies on Vehicles, Northeastern
University, Boston, MA, 2015 (https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=p9GwS36I4lQ)
ITS America Annual Conference, San Jose, CA, 2016 (https://
youtube/YJFCTp
MwliI?si=PN78NEES0L0zVXwV)
PR Newswire Press Release, August 2014 (https://
www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/continental-combines-key-
strengths-in-silicon-valley-for-pioneering-work-on-networked-
transportation-271668481.html)
Podcast, Future of Publishing Conference, by Knowledge at
Wharton, 2010 Podcast (Knowledge at Wharton), Cuil's Seval Oz
Ozveren: Creating the Next Generation of Internet Search, 2010
(https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/podcast/knowledge-at-
wharton-podcast/cuils-seval-oz-ozveren-creating-the-next-
generation-of-internet-search/)
20. List all digital platforms (including social media and other
digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated
an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your
name or an alias. Include the full name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'',
including the complete URL and username with hyperlinks, you have used
on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account is active,
deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if possible.
LinkedIn: seval oz--https://www.linkedin.com/in/sevaloz/
Facebook: Seval oz--https://www.facebook.com/sevaloz
Instagram: sevalioz--https://www.instagram.com/sevalioz/
X: @sosevaloz
Personal website: www.sevaloz.com
21. Please identify each instance in which you have testified
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date, committee, and subject
matter of each testimony. None.
22. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
operational objectives of the department/agency/commission/corporation
to which you have been nominated, what in your background or employment
experience do you believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment
to the position for which you have been nominated, and why do you wish
to serve in that position?
I believe in the mission of saving peoples' lives. I also believe
transportation should showcase the best of U.S. technology. In America,
we have already developed and released critical technology systems--but
they still haven't been made fully accessible to the American public.
If confirmed, I will dedicate this Nation's resources to adopt and
accelerate deployment readiness of automated technologies for increased
safety of the U.S. transportation network.
If confirmed, my mission as the Assistant Secretary for Research
and Technology at the U.S. DOT will be to promote safety across all
modes of transportation. My goal is to accelerate nationwide deployment
of automated and safety devices to effectively end the preventable 94
percent of 39,345 motor vehicle deaths and 2.8 million injuries per
year in the United States. In parallel, the office will be dedicated to
deploying the agency's advanced research resources to enable
transportation to become more efficient, more accessible, more
affordable--all within the term of this Administration.
I led the automotive tech partnerships and business development
teams on the foundational self-driving car platform at Google[X]. I
drove collaboration between the software, mapping, hardware and route
planning teams in building a robust automotive platform to release the
first ever road worthy self-driving cars. I am proud to share that my
team worked with Detroit based U.S. automotive OEMs to reduce the
traditional 5-year new vehicle development cycle down to 18-24 months.
Our software engineering teams in Silicon Valley and Detroit based
hardware engineering teams, all dedicated to developing a near perfect
track record of safety, were highly motivated to deliver autonomous
vehicles on public roads. I worked with Nevada DMV and municipal law
enforcement to draft the first fully autonomous vehicle licensing
legislation. I worked closely with the State of California to enable
automated vehicle testing which resulted in the passage of Senate Bill
(SB1298).
If I am fortunate to serve as the head of OST-R, I am confident
that my team will inspire our finest scientists and graduate students
with aligned and rewarded performance-based research tied to U.S. DOT's
goals. I worked closely with the expert engineering software teams
across the Nation some of who won the U.S. Government's DARPA and DARPA
Grand Challenge million-dollar prize monies and transferred their
talents into a multi-billion dollar new autonomous business. I will
also be responsible for the continuous production of outcomes-oriented
research from the OST-R program offices. High quality research data
leads to relevant solutions, which informs robust, evidence-based
policies. My firsthand knowledge of integrating ADAS (Advanced Driver
Assistance System), perception software, and other highly technical
end-to-end systems has given me the vantage to evaluate the different
technical programs that may be presented to the Department.
One of my primary responsibilities will be to leverage the U.S.
DOT's research, development, and technology investments to implement
rapid research-to-deployment cycles. I share the transportation
industry's collective frustration at the slow pace of technology
adaptation. The U.S. DOT's world-class resources, including HASS COE,
Volpe, ITS Joint Program Office, and ARPA-I, will be utilized as the
foundational assets to build and invest in our transportation future.
Our interdisciplinary approach will be more aligned to solve for new
fields of problems. I will use my experience to accelerate the adoption
of safety and operational technologies into our Nation's transportation
system. As AI becomes ubiquitous, transportation is positioned to
become one of the first scaled customer-facing interfaces to the
physical world. The U.S. DOT should be and will become the launchpad
for new AI driven technology.
23. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
ensure that the department/agency/commission/corporation has proper
management and accounting controls, and what experience do you have in
managing a large organization?
My responsibilities would be to position the U.S. transportation
system to become the world's safest and most technologically advanced
system through strategic investments to prepare us for the 22nd
century. I plan to bring the full resources of the Department's
extensive research centers to focus on our core mission while
eliminating redundant research. My success at revolutionizing the rapid
digital transformation of Continental AG, a 200,000-employee global
Tier-1 automotive supplier's global business was attributed to
onboarding tiger teams of hundreds of software engineers operating on
short sprints with tight operating budgets to deliver our first
products and services. This process taught me how to align and
integrate heterogeneous workforces to revolutionize the pace of
innovation. I was instrumental in transforming this hardware automotive
giant into a leading transportation technology company-preparing them
for the next wave of data driven mobility services.
If confirmed, I will coordinate a consortium of self-driving and
V2X engineers and other visionaries drawn from DoD, DOE, DOC and ARPA-
I. I will first present the vision and lay out mission tasks for which
the U.S. DOT requires consensus on standards of interoperability,
inter-departmental data sharing, and regulation reconfiguration. This
short list is by no means comprehensive but serves to illustrate the
purpose of the task force objectives.
My experience started in business development, partnerships that
subsequently led to senior executive and finally board advisory roles.
With my MBA from the Wharton School in Finance and Marketing, my prior
work experience in investment banking, and later technology business
development for hardware, software and AI companies, I am well versed
in both management and marketing of innovative transportation
technology.
I am eager to get started and will work hard to ensure that my
responsibilities translate into executing on policy guidelines set
forth by Deputy Secretary Bradbury, Secretary Duffy, and President
Trump. Transparency and effective communication across agencies is
paramount to ensuring we bring to bear the full extent of our
innovation research and grant programs to upgrade and modernize our
infrastructure.
24. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency/commission/corporation, and why?
I am convinced that when people cannot move freely, their liberty
is constrained, their connections to society erode, and they eventually
stagnate. Safe, affordable, on-demand mobility should be a basic right
for every citizen.
As we reset our goals, there are three primary challenges we must
confront head-on:
First, coordinating a broad and complex ecosystem to deliver a
future-forward mobility system requires the alignment of an
exceptionally wide range of professionals, agencies, and organizations.
This effort demands strong leadership, the ability to manage cross-
sector collaboration, and the willingness to find consensus amid
competing priorities. Achieving this at scale will test our management
systems and our capacity to lead with clarity.
Next, it is essential to communicate the OST-R mission across a
diverse stakeholder landscape. To advance DOT's technology mission, we
must effectively engage decision-makers from the Executive Branch,
Congress, state governments, industry, and--most importantly--the
American public. Gaining traction will require more than technical
know-how; it will require credibility, clear and compelling
storytelling, and trust-building with every stakeholder group. Respect
for the ecosystem and precision in communication will be essential.
Finally, it is essential to modernize the government for speed and
impact. Like many agencies, OST-R is large and not inherently designed
for rapid transformation. Some legacy programs may no longer serve
today's needs, while emerging priorities--like creating safe, seamless
intermodal systems--require immediate focus. We must be willing to
reassess and right-size our efforts. I aim to bring an entrepreneurial
mindset to foster alignment between engineers, regulators, and policy
leaders so that we can meet urgent safety and efficiency goals.
b. potential conflicts of interest
1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement
accounts, such as a 401(k) or pension plan.
I have a 401K plan that was part of my previous employment;
however, there has been no employer contributions to the plan since
2014.
2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,
association, or other organization during your appointment? If so,
please explain.
I have several on-going consulting contracts. Any potential
conflicts of interest involving these arrangements will be resolved
consistent with the terms of the ethics agreement that I will enter
into with the DOT Designated Agency Ethics Official, which will be
provided to this Committee.
3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in
the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will
resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation
(DOT) Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify potential conflicts
of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will be resolved
consistent with the terms of the ethics agreement I will enter into
with the DOT Designated Agency Ethics Official, which will be provided
to this Committee. I am not aware of any other potential conflicts of
interest stemming from investments, obligations, liabilities or other
continuing relationships.
4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve
each potential conflict of interest.
The entities with whom I have had business relationships over the
last ten years, and beyond that time period, are described in my
responses to Questions A.8 and A.11. This includes Ceramic.ai,
Moove.ai, Archimede Ventures, Microvision, Pioneer Corporation, Aurima,
Inc., Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG), Guidepoint Global Services, Coleman
Research, ThirdBridge, AlphaSights, and Continental ITS. To the extent
that these positions meet the reporting requirements for the OGE Form
278e (Nominee Report), they have been included on my Nominee Report. In
connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with the
Office of Government Ethics and the DOT Designated Agency Ethics
Official to identify potential conflicts of interest. Any potential
conflicts of interest will be resolved consistent with the terms of an
ethics agreement I will enter into with the DOT Designated Agency
Ethics Official, which will be provided to this Committee. I am not
aware of any other potential conflicts of interest.
5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest and explain
how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the DOT Designated Agency Ethics
Official to identify potential conflicts of interest. Any potential
conflicts of interest will be resolved consistent with the terms of an
ethics agreement I will enter into with the DOT Designated Agency
Ethics Official, which will be provided to this Committee. I am not
aware of any other potential conflicts of interest.
6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the
names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the
purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or
modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and
execution of law or public policy. None.
c. legal matters
1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special
Counsel, an Inspector General, professional association, disciplinary
committee, or other professional group? If yes:
a. Provide the name of the court, agency, association, committee, or
group.
b. Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action was issued or initiated.
c. Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action;
d. Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,
complaint, or personnel action.
No.
2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
State, county, municipal, or foreign government entity, other than for
a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain.
In February 2004, I had an incident at a local grocery store where
I paid for my groceries; however, I overlooked an item in my cart.
While I never left the store with the item, a security guard brought
this to my attention and had to report the incident. The matter was
discharged and dismissed.
3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please
explain.
2021: Small claims court dispute for security deposit withheld from
my tenant for property damages. A settlement was reached between the
two parties, and I returned payment of $3751.60 to the tenant (on April
23, 2022).
2011: The lien was put on my property during the marriage
dissolution by opposing counsel for my husband's unpaid bills which
were held in jointly. The satisfaction of judgement and release of the
lien document was made to the best of my knowledge.
1995: During the nomination process, I have been made aware of a
prior judgment from the NY State Dept. of Taxation and Finance from
June 1995. On June 2, 2025, I was informed by the NY State Dept. of
Taxation and Finance that my record is in good standing and that I have
a zero balance.
4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain. No.
5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual
assault, sexual harassment, or discrimination on the basis of sex,
race, religion, or any other basis? If so, please explain. No.
6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination. None.
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/
corporation complies with deadlines for information set by
congressional committees, and that your department/agency/commission/
corporation endeavors to timely comply with requests for information
from individual Members of Congress, including requests from members in
the minority?
Yes, I will ensure to respond to such requests for information as
appropriate.
2. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/
corporation does whatever it can to protect congressional witnesses and
whistleblowers from reprisal for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee?
Yes, to the extent consistent with legal and customary
requirements.
4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
______
Resume of Seval Oz
www.linkedin.com/in/sevaloz
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Ceramic.ai, Mountain View, CA 2025-present
Consultant (VP Finance and Business Development)
Advising the Business Development and go-to-market strategy,
including working closely with the leadership team to refine
value propositions, identify key opportunities, and establish
commercial relationships for scaling market impact.
Moove.ai, Lafayette, CO 2020-present
Advisor
Advised management on business strategy and technical
matters.
Archimede Ventures, San Jose, CA 2024-2024
Founding Partner
Founder of early-stage Artificial Intelligence (AI) software
fund focused on global logistics, delivery, routing, Advanced
Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and robotics industry
investments.
Independent Consultant, San Jose, CA 2016-present
Served as an independent consultant providing business,
financial, and technical analyses through several expert
network companies.
Microvision, Inc., Redmond, WA 2021-2023
Board Member
Advised senior leadership and the Board on business
strategies focusing on automotive Lidar technologies and design
of high-speed safety features for Original Equipment
Manufacturers (OEMs).
Pioneer, Inc., Tokyo, Japan 2019-2021
Advisor (remote)
Served as the investor's Senior Advisory Consultant and
liaison to senior leadership and operating teams building next
generation electric vehicle systems, while directly supervising
corporate development and business partnerships.
Aurima, Inc., Mountain View, CA 2017-2019
Chief Executive Officer
Led the development of this startup focusing on camera-radar
sensor fusion using radar algorithmic processing and machine
learning for ADAS and autonomous drive platforms, while later
managing the transition process into camera-radar hardware
development business line.
Continental Intelligent Transportation Systems, LLC, Santa Clara, CA
2014-2017
Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President
Built a new Business Unit for Continental AG based in the
U.S. with a growth target of =100M with an annual budget of
=37M. Starting from zero, hired and led a team of 150 software
engineers in 2.5 years.
Transformed Continental AG's services into a cloud-based
mobility platform, ADAS mapping, remote vehicle access, vehicle
diagnostics and Smart Cities infrastructure.
Google [X] Self Driving Car Program, Mountain View, CA 2011-2014
Senior Business Development and Global Partnerships Lead
Responsible for all business development initiatives and
strategic partnerships for hardware business, while also
serving as the executive for contract negotiations under the
technology integration program.
Served as the principal responsible for the entire
partnership portfolio supporting California policy initiatives,
which included city management and market development
analytics.
Cuil, Inc. (acquired by Google in 2011), Menlo Park, CA 2007-2011
VP of Business Development and Finance
Managed all partnerships, corporate development, strategic
funding, and internal financial planning and developed a
product roadmap to align corporate technical expertise with top
line growth strategy.
Career Break 2003-2007
Took an extended break to focus on family and other
interests.
Urban Media Communications, Inc., Palo Alto, CA 2000-2003
VP of Finance and Strategy
Principal responsible for all funding and strategic
negotiations. Secured $32M in venture lending facility and $60M
in strategic equity round at $150M valuation.
Versata, Inc., Oakland, CA 1999-2000
VP of Finance and Strategy
Closed four acquisitions, maximized pre-IPO market
capitalization, while managing investment banking relationships
to bring the company public.
Berkeley Networks, Milpitas, CA 1998-1999
Consultant to VP of Engineering
As senior advisor, formulated acquisition versus IPO
financial models based upon optimal valuation scenarios leading
to management's decision for a stock swap alliance with FORE,
and subsequently GEC's $4.2 billion acquisition of FORE
Systems.
FINANCE AND WALL STREET EXPERIENCE
Global Emerging Markets Advisors, L.P., New York, NY 1995-1998
Principal
Involved in all aspects of business development including
marketing, sales, trading, research and administration for the
global emerging markets debt and equity fund, GEM Opportunity
Fund Ltd.
Merrill Lynch & Co, New York, NY 1992-1995
Director of Emerging Market Equities
Lead Merrill Lynch's worldwide institutional research sales
effort in Latin America enabling the firm to rank number one in
international underwriting. Coordinated privatizations of
Telcos, Telebras, TelMex, Telefonica de Argentina, and other
major corporate issuers in Latin America.
Salomon Brothers, Inc., New York, London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Hong Kong
1986-1992
VP of Equities
Managed global emerging markets equity desk.
VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENTS
U.S. State Department Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Program,
Washington, DC
Delegate
Represented Google and Continental, respectively, at the
APEC Women's Conference for establishing economic equality
measures for Women in the Global Economy.
HealthCorps Foundation, New York, NY
Board of Advisors
Providing strategic direction to the Dr. Oz family
foundation for its public and private national service program
in 52 schools across the United States.
Connected Car Council (C3 Group)
Council Member
Frequent speaker at global auto shows, South by Southwest
(SXSW), Consumer Electronics Show (CES), and Fortune 500
Executive Conferences.
Wharton School of Business, Philadelphia, PA
Wharton Interactive Media Department Guest Lecturer
Lecturer on ``Search, New Media and its Monetization'' as
part of a Monetizing Emerging Interactive Media class in the
new Wharton Interactive Media Initiative.
EDUCATION
MBA, Finance and Marketing double major, The Wharton School
of Business, University of Pennsylvania
BA, Political Science and Economics, Wellesley College/MIT
Joint Program, cum laude
PATENTS (developed during tenures with Google [X] Self Driving Car
Program and Continental ITS)
1. Geo-proximity vehicle alert and access system for security and
package exchange efficiency US9821768B2 (2015).
Lead Inventor
Status: Granted
2. Technological and Financial Partnerships to Enable a Package
Exchange Service US20160098670A1 (2015).
Lead Inventor
Status: Published
3. Hacker security solution for package transfer to and from a
vehicle US20160099927A1 (2015).
Lead Inventor
Status: Granted
4. End to end system for service delivery to and from a vehicle
using a dongle US10002479B2 (2015).
Lead Inventor
Status: Granted
5. Package Exchange and Service System Using a Key Fob Simulator
US20160098871A1 (2015).
Lead Inventor
Status: Granted
6. In-vehicle consumer purchase system, US10796351B2 WO2017035011A1
(2016).
Co-Inventor
Status: Granted
7. Package exchange service using local delivery services
US20180240067A1 (2016).
Lead Inventor
Status: Granted
8. Usage-based vehicle leasing and other services with a dongle
module WO2017053047A1 (2016).
Lead Inventor
Status: Published
9. On-demand and on-site vehicle maintenance service US20180285832A1
(2016).
Lead Inventor
Status: Granted
______
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Featured Speaker, Rally International 2023, sponsored by Indiana
Economic Development Corporation, Indianapolis, IN, 2023
Keynote Speaker, The Autonomous Vehicle Computing Consortium (AVCC),
sponsored by AVCC, Cambridge, United Kingdom, September 2023.
Speaker, Roundtable on Autonomous Driving--Key Challenges with Seval
Oz, sponsored by Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG), Hong Kong, August 2021.
Panel Speaker, Roundtable on Autonomous Driving, sponsored by Gerson
Lehrman Group (GLG), Hong Kong, Hong Kong, August 2021.
Guest Speaker, Turkish Win Sponsored Corporate Event, sponsored by
Turkish WIN, Istanbul, Turkey, July 2020.
Keynote Speaker, ITU Technology Summit and Award Ceremony ITU
Presentation and Lunch, sponsored by Istanbul Technical University
(ITU), Istanbul, Turkey, February 2020.
Discussion Panelist, Research Facility Visit, sponsored by GLG/Huawei,
Shenzhen, China, January 2020.
Panel Speaker, Tokyo Motor Show, Tech Consultations and Workshops,
sponsored by BPEA, Tokyo, Japan, October 2019.
Keynote Speaker, ADAS Expert Lunch Talk and Presentation, sponsored by
NewStreet Research LLC, London, United Kingdom, August 2019.
Keynote Speaker, Digital Age Summit Keynote Speaker, sponsored by
Capital Media Services, Istanbul, Turkey, April 2019.
Keynote Speaker, Ari Teknokent Workshop Lecturer, sponsored by ITU
(Istanbul Technical University), Istanbul, Turkey, April 2019.
Keynote Speaker, GLG-APAC Tour ``Pushing Autonomous Vehicles to The
Finish Line With Seval Oz'', sponsored by GLG, Seoul, South Korea,
March 2019.
Keynote Speaker, Roundtable Lunch -Speakers Series, sponsored by Gerson
Lehrman Group, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, March 2019.
Guest Speaker, March 13--APAC Roadshow and Roundtable Lunch Keynote
Speaker, sponsored by Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG), Hong Kong, Hong Kong,
March 2019.
Keynote Speaker, International Women's Day Speech for GLG Consulting
Services Keynote Luncheon Speaker on Tech, sponsored by Gerson Lehrman
Group (GLG), Sydney, Australia, March 2019.
Keynote Speaker, Rotary Club Lunch, sponsored by Rotary Club, Istanbul,
Turkey, January 2019.
Speaker, AlphaSights/BCG Sponsored Neom Land Mobility Workshop,
sponsored by AlphaSights/BCG, Barcelona, Spain, November 2018.
Guest Speaker, Guest Lecture Ozyegin University, sponsored by Ozyegin
University, Istanbul, Turkey, October 2018.
Keynote Speaker, Roundtable: Who Will Win The Autonomous Vehicles Arms
Race? Presentation On Autonomous Vehicle Overview, sponsored by Gerson
Lehrman Group (GLG), London, United Kingdom, July 2018.
Keynote Speaker, Global Women In Technology, sponsored by Turkish WIN
(London chapter), London, United Kingdom, July 2018.
Speaker, Roundtable: Beyond The Connected Car: Autonomous Vehicle
Ecosystem, sponsored by Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG), Seoul, South Korea,
May 2018.
Keynote Speaker, BNP Paribas Conference, sponsored by GLG, Hong Kong,
Hong Kong, May 2018.
Speaker, Roundtable Discussions Where I Presented On State of AV
Technology, sponsored by GLG, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, May 2018.
Keynote Speaker, BNP Paribas Conference, sponsored by GLG, Singapore,
Singapore, May 2018.
Keynote Speaker, Roundtable: Beyond The Connected Car: Autonomous
Vehicle Ecosystem, sponsored by Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG), Beijing,
China, May 2018.
Guest Speaker, Sell-Side Call: With Seval Oz On Robotaxis, sponsored by
Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG), London, United Kingdom, February 2018.
Keynote Speaker, Hurdles for Autonomous Driving Technology Roundtable:
The Future of Automotive (Toronto), co-sponsored by Gerson Lehrman
Group/AAA, Toronto, Canada, June 2017.
Speaker/Moderator, South By Southwest (SXSW) Annual Conference, Austin,
TX, March 2017.
Guest Speaker, Roundtable: The Road to Autonomous Driving: New
Technology Developments, sponsored by Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG), Hong
Kong, Hong Kong, February 2017.
Keynote Speaker, Roundtable: The Road to Autonomous Driving: Technology
Developments (Singapore), sponsored by Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG),
Singapore, Singapore, January 2017.
Panel Speaker, Autonomous Driving/AI Technology Roundtable, sponsored
by GLG, Tokyo, Japan, January 2017.
Opening Keynote Speaker, ITS America Annual Conference and Expo, San
Jose, June 2016.
Opening Keynote Speaker, ITS World Congress (22nd Annual), co-hosted by
ERTICO and ITS Asia Pacific, Bordeaux, France, October 2015.
Keynote Speaker, Frankfurt Motor Show, sponsored by Continental AG,
Frankfurt, Germany, September 2015.
Panel Speaker, Digital Web Summit Conference, sponsored by Web Summit
Conference, Dublin, Ireland, November 2014.
Panel Selectionist, Endeavor.Org Annual Global Meeting, sponsored by
Endeavor.org, Istanbul, Turkey, October 2012.
Keynote Speaker, Turkish Women's International Network-Microsoft
Office, Istanbul, Turkey, July 2012.
Keynote Speaker, Turkish Women's International Network (Global) UK
Chapter, sponsored by the Turkish chapter of WIN (Women In Networking),
London, United Kingdom, July 2012.
Delegate for Google, Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC)
Conference, sponsored by U.S. State Department, Saint Petersburg,
Russia, June 2012.
Guest Speaker and Panelist, Mentorship, Social Media and Corporate
Development in Silicon Valley, Indian Institutes of Management (IIM),
2009
______
Addendum to the questionnaire submitted to the Senate Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation, 119th Congress by Seval Oz.
Upon further review, as brought to my attention by the Committee, I
have identified additional information that is responsive to the
following questions on the Committee's questionnaire.
Oz Questionnaire:
A.1--Please clarify if Oz or Ozveren is Ms. Oz's legal last name.
Oz is my birth last name. I retain the use of my legal maiden last
name. I am currently in the process of updating this information on my
legal documents.
A.11--Ms. Oz's LinkedIn mentions serving as a strategic advisor at
``Bond Mobility'' which is not disclosed on her questionnaire or OGE
278e. Please clarify this and provide a supplement as appropriate.
This was a friend and colleague's start-up which did not
materialize into any formal arrangement. I did travel overseas to visit
the company once and this trip was disclosed in my SF 86, under section
20C-Foreign travel item #39 in October 2018.
A.18--Please clarify whether a link or digital copy for each entry
is available. If so, please provide the link or digital copy. If not,
please state so for each.
Attached are three Power Point decks (AVCC, Autonomous Vehicle
Computer Consortium September, 2023; Tokyo Motor Show Presentation,
March 2013 and Turkish WIN Global, July 2018) which are the only
presentations I have available from the items listed in A.18 on my
Senate Questionnaire. All other presentations have no corresponding
link or presentation available.
1. Keynote Speaker, The Autonomous Vehicle Computing Consortium
(AVCC), sponsored by AVCC, Cambridge, United Kingdom, September
2023
2. Keynote Speaker, Turkish WIN, July 2018
3. Speaker, Tokyo Motor Show Presentation, Tokyo Motor Show 2013
A.19--This item requests ``all public statements'' the nominee has
made in the past ten years ``on topics relevant to the position for
which you have been nominated.'' Ms. Oz's response references public
statements she made ``addressed to autonomous vehicles and new
technology matters not directly relevant to DOT or the position of
Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology.''
According to DOT, ``the Office of the Assistant Secretary for
Research and Technology (OST-R), works at the dynamic intersection of
new and emerging technologies, transportation data, policy, research
and all modes of transportation across the Department.''
Please work with Ms. Oz to ensure all public statements she has
made in the past ten years on any topics ``relevant'' to the Assistant
Secretary position are included in her questionnaire. Please provide a
supplement as appropriate.
Below is a broader list of public statements related to research I
have been involved in, including a wider search of U.S. and
International statements. Some do not have public links available.
Interview, Techcrunch Live webinar, June 2024
Topic: Startup investing in mobility investment trends in
autonomous driving startups. AI and Sensor Fusion.
No known link available.
Social Media Announcement, LinkedIn, January 2023
Topic: Archimede Ventures launch (entrepreneurship AI in
Transportation)
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sevaloz_archimede-ventures-
announcement/
Social Media Post LinkedIn, April 20, 2022
Topic: Libraries and Education (personal commentary in support
of Libraries)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sevaloz/
Interview, Yahoo Finance, March 2021
Topic: Microvision and Industry Outlook at the time of
appointment to the Board
No known link available.
Interview/Keynote Highlights, Digital Age Summit, Gonul
Hadimli, MediaCat, May 16, 2019
Topics: Road Safety, Autonomous Tech Adoption.
No known link available.
Media Commentary, Digital Age Summit, Istanbul, Turkey, April
2, 2019
Topic: Are we Ready to Leave the Steering Wheel to Artificial
Intelligence?''
https://digitalage.com.tr/digital-age-summit-2019-icin-hazir-
misiniz/
Publication of Talk (IEEE TV) of Oz's Fog World Conference
Talk, July 26, 2018
Topic: How deep learning-driven data and edge ``fog'' computing
can help fill remaining gaps in automation.
No known link available.
Speaker, SXSW Conference, Austin, TX, March 2018
Topic: Sensor Fusion for AV's
No known link available.
Keynote Speech, Fog World Conference, October 2017
Topic: Gaps in vehicle automation, future technology. Automated
Driving What's Next?
No known link available.
Interview, Automotive World, Interview by Freddie Holmes, July
13, 2016
Smart Cities, public -private partnerships.
No known link available.
Public Address, ITS World Congress, Bordeaux, France, August
10, 2015
Topic: Intelligent Transportation Systems Industry
Collaboration.
https://digitalage.com.tr/digital-age-summit-2019-icin-hazir-
misiniz/
Web Summit 2014/Webrazzi Conference, Dublin, Ireland, November
6, 2014
Topic: Autonomous Vehicles Timeline.
No known link available.
Interview, Star Newspaper via Amerikan Bulteni, October 9,
2011, Asli Gur Interviewer Early reference to Autonomous
Vehicles.
No known link available.
C.3--We identified several matters where Ms. Oz is a named party
that are not disclosed in the questionnaire:
Oliver Rowen et al vs. Seval Ozveren (CA Superior Court,
filed August 2021
This item was already disclosed in the senate committee
questionnaire under C.3. as a small claims court dispute in 2021 which
was settled on April 23. 2022. (Pls see questionnaire)
K. Kirkland vs. S. Ozveren (CA Superior Court, filed August
2014)
I was made aware of this item during the background interview. I
was unaware of this filing by the marital dissolution lawyer whose fees
have been settled by the other party.
S. Ozveren vs. University Club of Palo Alto (CA Superior
Court, filed August 2012) This was an injury claim which was
settled.
S. Ozveren vs. Los Gatos Dog and Cat Hospital, et al (CA
Superior Court, filed August 2008)
This claim was for an unauthorized medical procedure for one of our
pets. The claim was resolved and dismissed.
S. Ozveren vs. Estate of Jane Escamilla, et al (CA Superior
Court, filed August 2007)
Property damage claim filed in small claims court against a
neighbor whose oak tree fell on our property. Neighbor deceased. Claim
was not pursued.
Cuneyt Ozveren and Seval Ozveren (CA Superior Court, filed
January 2007) This case was for matrimonial resolution.
Recover Property for Inheritance Rights Pursuant to Article
683 of the Turkish Civil Code against Nazlum Oz.
The case is pending before the Istanbul 29th Civil Court for First
Instance. File number 2022/84e. It is associated with related
proceeding in Turkey to resolve an ongoing trust and estate dispute
among members of the Oz family regarding the proper distribution of
father's estate.
______
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
______
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
The Chairman. Thank you. Mr. Rutherford, you are now
recognized for your opening statement.
STATEMENT OF MICHAEL ALBERT RUTHERFORD,
NOMINEE TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY, OFFICE OF
MULTIMODAL FREIGHT INFRASTRUCTURE AND POLICY,
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Mr. Rutherford. Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and
Members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to be
here today. It is an incredible honor to be President Trump's
nominee as the Assistant Secretary of the Office of Multimodal
Freight Infrastructure and Policy, more simply referred to as
the Freight Office.
I am grateful for the confidence placed in me by both
President Trump and Secretary Duffy to lead this relatively new
office and to shepherd its continued development under their
leadership in the years ahead.
I am also grateful for my family, who is here with me
today. My wife Francesca who is not just the love of my life--
but pardon me for saying senators--the most interesting person
that I have ever met. She is joined by our daughter, Maria
Vittoria, a rising freshman and research scholar in the honors
program at the University of Florida; and our 12-year-old son,
John Carlo, a source of both great pride and constant
entertainment.
As I sit here today before the Senate Commerce, Science,
and Transportation Committee, I am aware of the expectations
for this position, especially outside this room. Industry has
long lamented the fact that freight does not vote. The
introduction of the Freight Office was hailed as finally giving
a voice to freight, while much has been accomplished, still
much more is expected.
I worked in industry after studying international finance
and commerce at the Georgetown School of Foreign Service and
getting a Master's in International Economics and Management at
SDA Bocconi in Milan, Italy. I worked in consumer goods at
Johnson and Johnson, and Adidas in Europe, where I learned a
lot about sourcing and distribution.
Then I joined CSX in 2008, starting out in intermodal
before ultimately managing everything moving on the railroad
except intermodal and coal. During that time, I participated in
a number of strategic initiatives like the National Gateway
Infrastructure Project, launching the UMAX Interline Container
Program in conjunction with Union Pacific, championing 50-foot
box car reinvestments, and assisting customers during the roll
out of Precision Scheduled Railroading.
It is my sincere hope that all those who have long promoted
the creation of a high-level freight office will view the first
assistant secretary appointment of someone with my industry
experience as a reflection of the commitment by President Trump
and Secretary Duffy to advance the cause for freight.
The mission of the Freight Office goes well beyond simply
creating ease of doing business by establishing a primary,
though not sole point of contact, for all things freight
related. Ad hoc coordination must make way for a more
systematic and holistic approach to freight planning throughout
U.S. DOT while partnering with state DOTs and across the
administration as appropriate.
The proposed Draft National Multimodal Freight Network with
over 78,000 roadway miles, 80,000 rail miles, 21,000 waterway
miles, 140 marine ports, and 65 airports, plays a fundamental
role in much of the activities of the Freight Office. Given
this significance, we must get it right. If confirmed, the
Freight Office will follow up on all concerns regarding the
current draft, including those regarding missing mileage in
some states.
Building upon this work, the National Freight Strategic
Plan aims to drive and align with State DOT freight plans to
bolster economic growth and international competitiveness based
on a shared vision of the future. In addition to addressing
bottlenecks and bringing key infrastructure back to a state of
good repair, this requires identifying critical freight
facilities and corridors with vital interconnections to enhance
overall performance of our Nation's freight system.
And if confirmed, I will work to ensure the timely update
of the National Freight Strategic Plan consistent with current
market dynamics, including shifting trade flows, the reshoring
of manufacturing, and a renewed emphasis on industries of
national importance. I will also seek to ensure that freight
grant programs within the Office of the Secretary, and across
U.S. DOT support key priorities of proper Federal interest.
Another key function of the Freight Office is to facilitate
data sharing opportunities among freight stakeholders.
Recognizing that you cannot manage what you do not know,
Freight Logistics Optimization Works, or FLOW, provides freight
stakeholders with invaluable supply chain visibility, enabling
them to react more proactively to forward-looking changes in
the operating environment at our Nation's ports.
Despite early successes, there is still so much more that
the Freight Office can do to build upon these earlier efforts.
If I am fortunate to be confirmed as the Assistant
Secretary of the Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure
and Policy, I will devote myself to helping the Secretary
promote safe, efficient, and resilient freight transportation
across all modes, and along the full spectrum of supply chain
and logistics, from sourcing to distribution, from America's
heartland to the big city and beyond.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, that concludes my statement. And I
would be happy to answer the Committee's questions.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr.
Rutherford follow:]
Prepared Statement of Michael Albert Rutherford, Nominee to be
Assistant Secretary, Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and
Policy, United States Department of Transportation
Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, Members of the Committee--
Thank you for the opportunity to be here today. It is an incredible
honor to be President Trump's nominee as the Assistant Secretary of the
Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy, more simply
referred to as the Freight Office.
I am grateful for the confidence placed in me by both President
Trump and Secretary Duffy to lead this relatively new office and to
shepherd its continued development under their leadership in the years
ahead.
I am also grateful for my family, who is here with me today. My
wife Francesca, who is not just the love of my life but--pardon me for
saying, Senators--the most interesting person that I have ever met. She
is joined by our daughter, Maria Vittoria, a rising freshman and
Research Scholar in the Honors Program at the University of Florida,
and our 12 year old son John Carlo, a source of both great pride and
constant entertainment.
As I sit here today before the Senate Commerce, Science, &
Transportation Committee, I am aware of the expectations for this
position--especially outside this room. Industry has long lamented the
fact that ``freight doesn't vote.'' The introduction of the Freight
Office was hailed as finally giving a voice to freight. While much has
been accomplished, still much more is expected.
I worked in industry. After studying International Finance &
Commerce at the Georgetown School of Foreign Service and getting a
Masters in International Economics & Management at SDA Bocconi in
Milan, Italy, I worked in consumer goods at Johnson & Johnson and
Adidas in Europe, where I learned a lot about sourcing and
distribution. Then I joined CSX in 2008, starting out in Intermodal
before ultimately managing everything moving on the railroad except
Intermodal and Coal. During that time, I participated in a number of
strategic initiatives like supporting the National Gateway
infrastructure project, launching the UMAX interline container program
in conjunction with Union Pacific, championing 50-foot boxcar
reinvestments, and assisting customers during the roll-out of Precision
Scheduled Railroading (PSR).
It is my sincere hope that all those who have long promoted the
creation of a high level Freight Office will view the first Assistant
Secretary appointment of someone with my industry experience as a
reflection of the commitment by President Trump and Secretary Duffy to
advance the cause for freight.
The mission of the Freight Office goes well beyond simply creating
ease-of-doing business by establishing a primary (though not sole)
point of contact for all things freight-related. Ad hoc coordination
must make way for a more systematic and holistic approach to freight
planning throughout U.S. DOT, while partnering with state DOTs and
across the Administration as appropriate.
The proposed Draft National Multimodal Freight Network with over 78
thousand roadway miles, 80 thousand rail miles, 21 thousand waterway
miles, 140 marine ports and 65 airports, plays a fundamental role in
much of the activities of the Freight Office. Given this significance,
we must get it right. If confirmed, the Freight Office will follow up
on all concerns regarding the current draft, including those regarding
``missing mileage'' in some states.
Building upon this work, the National Freight Strategic Plan aims
to drive and align with State DOT freight plans to bolster economic
growth and international competitiveness based on a shared vision of
the future. In addition to addressing bottlenecks and bringing key
infrastructure back to a state of good repair, this requires
identifying critical freight facilities and corridors with vital
interconnections to enhance overall performance of our Nation's freight
system. If confirmed, I will work to ensure the timely update of the
National Freight Strategic Plan consistent with current market dynamics
including shifting trade flows, the reshoring of manufacturing, and a
renewed emphasis on industries of national importance. I will also seek
to ensure that freight grant programs within the Office of the
Secretary and across U.S. DOT support key priorities of proper Federal
interest.
Another key function of the Freight Office is to facilitate data
sharing opportunities among freight stakeholders. Recognizing that you
cannot manage what you do not know, Freight Logistics Optimization
Works or FLOW provides freight stakeholders with invaluable supply
chain visibility, enabling them to react more proactively to forward-
looking changes in the operating environment at our Nation's ports.
Despite early successes, there is still so much more that the Freight
Office can do to build upon it earlier efforts.
If I am fortunate to be confirmed as the Assistant Secretary of the
Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure & Policy, will devote
myself to helping the Secretary promote safe, efficient, and resilient
freight transportation across all modes and along the full spectrum of
Supply Chain and Logistics, from sourcing to distribution, from
America's heartland to the Big City and beyond.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That concludes my statement, and I would
be happy to answer the Committee's questions.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used):
Michael Albert Rutherford.
2. Position to which nominated: Assistant Secretary of
Transportation, Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure & Policy.
3. Date of Nomination: March 24, 2025.
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: Information not provided.
5. Date and Place of Birth: Tallahassee, FL.
6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
spouse (if married) or domestic partner, and the names and ages of your
children (including stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
Francesca Romana Dal Savio (wife)
Vice President, Superior Medical Staffing Services
8850 Goodbys Executive Dr, Ste C--Jacksonville, FL 32217
Maria Vittoria Rutherford--18
7. List all college and graduate schools attended, whether or not
you were granted a degree by the institution. Provide the name of the
institution, the dates attended, the degree received, and the date of
the degree.
HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL
CSX Executive Development Program
Aug 2013 (8/9/2013) plus a long-term internal Team project
SDA BOCCONI
MASTERS IN INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS & MANAGEMENT
Jan-Dec 1998 (12/19/1998)
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF FOREIGN SERVICE
BSFS in International Economics--Specialization in
International Finance & Commerce
Aug 1992-May 1996 (5/25/1996)
8. List all post-undergraduate employment, including the job title,
name of employer, and inclusive dates of employment, and highlight all
management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
the position for which you are nominated.
SUPERIOR MEDICAL STAFFING SERVICES
President (2/2019 to present)*
AMERICAN PETROLOG
Senior Vice President (1/2020-1/2021)
CSX TRANSPORTATION
VP Sales & Marketing Merchandise (2017-8/2018)*
VP Sales & Marketing Industrial Products (11/2016-2017)*
AVP Sales & Marketing Industrial Products (8/2013-10/2016)*
Director VOC/Market Intelligence & Strategy (8/2011-7/2013)*
CSX INTERMODAL
Director Marketing Intermodal (8/2008-8/2011)*
Director Strategic Planning (2/2008-7/2008)
ADIDAS GROUP SpA
Head of Marketing Originals (2/2007-1/2008)*
Head of Marketing Services (2/2005-1/2007)*
JOHNSON & JOHNSON ITALY SpA
Category Manager--Sales (5/2001-1/2005)*
Jr Product Manager Neutrogena/Penaten (7/2000-4/2001)
Assistant Product Manager Neutrogena/Penaten (11/1999-6/2000)
JOHNSON & JOHNSON--EAME NEUTROGENA FRANCHISE (Paris)
Stageur (4/1999-10/1999)
IEA INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR GAS TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION
Research Associate (6/1996-12/1997)
Program Assistant (1995-6/1996)
* = Management level
9. Attach a copy of your resume. Attached.
10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
than those listed above after 18 years of age. Not applicable.
11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
educational, or other institution.
Rutherford Medical Holdings, LLC (dba Superior Medical
Staffing Services)--President (2019 to present)
National Defense Transportation Association--Chair of Rail
Sub-Committee (2017-2018)
Indiana Railroad--Board Member (2018)
CSX Good Government Fund (PAC)--Board Member (2016-2018)
12. List all memberships you have had after 18 years of age or
currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, educational,
political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or religiously
affiliated organization, private club, or other membership organization
(You do not have to list your religious affiliation or membership in a
religious house of worship or institution). Include dates of membership
and any positions you have held with any organization. Please note
whether any such club or organization restricts membership on the basis
of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.
Sons of the American Revolution (2021 to present)--Men Only
Society of the Descendants of Washington's Army at Valley Forge
(2021 to Life)
General Society of the War of 1812 (2021 to present)--Men Only
National Italian American Foundation (2024 to present)
Salvation Army of Northeast Florida--Advisory Board Member
(2017-2020)
National Defense Transportation Association (2016-2018)
Rail Shippers Associations: National, Northeast, Southeast,
Pacific-Northwest, Midwest, Southwest (2008-2018)
Traffic Clubs: New York, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh (2008-2018)
Truckload Carriers Association (2008-2010)
Note that dates are approximated in some cases.
13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are
personally liable for that debt. No.
14. List all memberships and offices held with and services
rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or
election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities. None.
15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $200 or more for the past ten years.
See attached.
16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
Georgetown University School of Foreign Service Krogh Scholar
Georgetown University European Studies Certificate
Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar
CSX Recognition for Outstanding Contribution 2010, 2011
17. List all books, articles, columns, letters to the editor,
Internet blog postings, or other publications you have authored,
individually or with others. Include a link to each publication when
possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
publication when available.
See attached.
18. List all speeches, panel discussions, and presentations (e.g.,
PowerPoint) that you have given on topics relevant to the position for
which you have been nominated. Include a link to each publication when
possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
speech or presentation when available.
NEARS--American PetroLog: Reflections on the Road Ahead (9/
2020)
Paper & Forest Industry Transportation Committee (4/2018)
CSX Southeast Rail Forum (3/2018)
CSX Investor & Analyst Conference starting on slide 50 (3/1/
2018)--Article, highlight Video
National Industrial Transportation League (1/2018)--Agenda
National Grain & Feed Association (2018)--cited by CEO in
letter to STB RailTrends Conference (12/2017) with follow up
references here and here American Chemistry Council Meeting
(11/2017)
NDTA Rail Sub-Committee--Railcars start on page 25 (10/12/2017)
& Award
NEARS--PRECISION SCHEDULED RAILROADING AT CSX: Unlocking
Potential through Transformative Change (9/27/2017)
SEARS--Precision Schedule Railroading (9/20/2017)--Presentation
AMM's 22nd Mexican Steel Forum (2/2017)
CSX Mexico Customer Meeting (10/2014)
NEARS Freight Professionals Roundtable (9/2013)
LATC: Value Chains: A New Role for Intermodal (6/14/2011)
PNWARS Spring Conference (3/2014)
Spirit of the Port (Philadelphia--4/2011)
Please note that this list is complete to the best of my
recollection. Know also that I no longer have access to all of my files
and schedules since departing CSX. Some dates may be approximative. In
addition to the links above, see attached for additional presentation
files.
19. List all public statements you have made during the past ten
years, including statements in news articles and radio and podcasts and
television appearances, which are on topics relevant to the position
for which you have been nominated, including dates. Include a link to
each statement when possible. If a link is not available, provide a
digital copy of the statement when available.
Bulk Transporter--American PetroLog solving problems with
multi-modal approach (2021)
SWARS--American PetroLog Sponsorship (2020)
CSX Honors Safe Chemical Shippers (2018)
WSJ America's Boxcar Pool Has a Leak in CSX (2018)
Customer Testimony to STB citing my personal handling of
service issues (2017)
WSJ--Why Railroads Can't Keep Enough Boxcars in Service (2015)
DC Velocity--Rails try new route to intermodal growth (2011)
Fleet Management--The Changing Face of Trucking Part 2: Riding
the Rails (2010)
20. List all digital platforms (including social media and other
digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated
an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your
name or an alias. Include the full name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'',
including the complete URL and username with hyperlinks, you have used
on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account is active,
deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if possible.
LinkedIn (active): Michael Rutherford
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-a-rutherford/
TRUTH Social (active): Pasquino (MA Rutherford)
https://truthsocial.com/@MARutherford
YouTube (active for watching): Michael
https://www.youtube.com/@michaelrutherford2268
Facebook (deleted Fall 2018): Michael Rutherford
21. Please identify each instance in which you have testified
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date, committee, and subject
matter of each testimony. None.
22. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
operational objectives of the department/agency/commission/corporation
to which you have been nominated, what in your background or employment
experience do you believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment
to the position for which you have been nominated, and why do you wish
to serve in that position?
My experience as both a shipper and a transportation provider in
both domestic and international markets will serve me well in this
position. With the sole exception of Air, I have worked in some
capacity with all major freight modes: Truck/Parcel, Rail (Class I &
Short Lines), Ocean Carriers, Ports, Transload, and Warehousing.
Although I did not work much directly with Barge, I am very familiar
with their operations, as they were a key modal competitor in certain
markets. Furthermore, I have worked with a wide range of freight
markets: Domestic & International Intermodal, Metals, Forest Products &
Paper, Aggregates, Chemicals, Phosphates & Fertilizer, Agricultural
Commodities, Municipal Waste, Military, and Over-Dimensionals.
Thanks to this experience, I have a deep appreciation for the
mission of the Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure & Policy.
This mission is all the more significant at this particular point in
time. I would be honored to be given the opportunity to contribute by
bringing to bear my experience in this position to drive progress in
realizing the future of freight transportation in America.
23. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
ensure that the department/agency/commission/corporation has proper
management and accounting controls, and what experience do you have in
managing a large organization?
My primary responsibility is to help the Secretary to articulate a
compelling vision for the National Freight Strategic Plan in support of
the overall direction of the Administration while ensuring that the
activities of the Office support this vision. My focus will be on
making the most of every taxpayer dollar (e.g., grant programs, key
initiatives), whether spent at U.S. DOT or by those partnering with us.
This includes exploring ways to streamline processes; to provide
guidance; and to accelerate project timelines in an effort to avoid
potential cost overruns while maximizing the return on investment.
I have developed a strong sense of situational leadership in both
line and staff positions at senior levels. I have led both small and
large (120+) Teams with multiple reporting layers across broad and even
international geographies. I have participated at every level in large
capital investment in infrastructure (e.g., supported the business case
for port and clearance projects); railcar fleets (e.g., championed
reinvestment in 50' Plate F Boxcars); and technology (e.g., headed the
CSX Intermodal Technology Steering Committee). I also became familiar
with sourcing strategies and distribution issues while working in Fast-
Moving Consumer Goods. Finally, I have extensive experience in managing
department and personnel budgets. More specifically, I participated on
a cross-functional team that helped the Adidas subsidiary in Italy
receive an award for Most Profitable Country in 2005.
24. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency/commission/corporation, and why?
(1) To articulate a compelling and shared vision of the National
Freight Strategic Plan, better clarifying what it means to be
part of the Multimodal Freight Network. This entails making
choices and providing clearer guidance based on both immediate
and long-term considerations.
(2) To achieve the proper balance between driving and aligning on
strategic and comprehensive national priorities at the state,
local and Federal levels. This also necessitates a more
holistic view of freight networks that necessarily transcends
more circumscribed considerations, while sponsoring solutions
like multi-state compacts to build sustained consensus for
larger, multi-year initiatives.
(3) To ensure an adequate return on investment by making certain
that every project supports our vision for the future, not the
past. Building consensus about the future presents a
constructive challenge in dynamic market environments,
encouraging strategic alignment and forward-thinking
collaboration.
b. potential conflicts of interest
1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement
accounts, such as a 401(k) or pension plan.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation
(DOT) Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify potential conflicts
of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will be resolved
consistent with the terms of the ethics agreement I will enter into
with the DOT Designated Agency Ethics Official, which will be provided
to this Committee.
2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,
association, or other organization during your appointment? If so,
please explain. No.
3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in
the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will
resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation
(DOT) Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify potential conflicts
of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will be resolved
consistent with the terms of the ethics agreement I will enter into
with the DOT Designated Agency Ethics Official, which will be provided
to this Committee.
4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve
each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation
(DOT) Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify potential conflicts
of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will be resolved
consistent with the terms of the ethics agreement I will enter into
with the DOT Designated Agency Ethics Official, which will be provided
to this Committee.
5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest and explain
how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation
(DOT) Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify potential conflicts
of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will be resolved
consistent with the terms of the ethics agreement I have entered into
with the DOT Designated Agency Ethics Official, which will be provided
to this Committee.
6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the
names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the
purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or
modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and
execution of law or public policy.
As shared previously, I served on the Board of CSX Good Government
Fund (PAC), but I did not engage on specific policy issues.
c. legal matters
1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special
Counsel, an Inspector General, professional association, disciplinary
committee, or other professional group? No.
If yes:
a. Provide the name of the court, agency, association, committee, or
group;
b. Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action was issued or initiated;
c. Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action;
d. Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,
complaint, or personnel action.
2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
State, county, municipal, or foreign government entity, other than for
a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain. No.
3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please
explain. No.
4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain. No.
5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual
assault, sexual harassment, or discrimination on the basis of sex,
race, religion, or any other basis? If so, please explain. No.
6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination. None.
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/
corporation complies with deadlines for information set by
congressional committees, and that your department/agency/commission/
corporation endeavors to timely comply with requests for information
from individual Members of Congress, including requests from members in
the minority?
Yes, I will ensure that my office responds to such requests as
appropriate.
2. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/
corporation does whatever it can to protect congressional witnesses and
whistleblowers from reprisal for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee?
Yes. I will ensure the office provides witnesses as appropriate.
4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be
reasonably requested to do so?
Yes. I will ensure to appear as appropriate.
______
Resume of Michael Rutherford
Seasoned executive with international experience at Fortune 500
companies and as a small business owner, with wide-ranging knowledge of
industries, freight flows, and infrastructure across multiple modes
(rail, road, water).
SUPERIOR MEDICAL STAFFING SERVICES Jacksonville, Florida
Providing clinical and administrative staff to support large Managed
Care Networks and independent medical providers across Northeast
Florida, in a range of specialties from Primary Care to Neurosurgery.
Licensed with AHCA in Florida.
Supported a major Community Health Provider in a variety of state-
sponsored health initiatives.
President | Feb 2019-Present
AMERICAN PETROLOG Lafayette, Louisiana
Led focused initiatives aimed at achieving aggressive growth targets by
expanding rail to truck transloading services with a particular
emphasis on Texas and New York City markets, domestic ISO fleet and
adding value for customers.
Sr Vice President | Jan 2020-Jan 2021
CSX TRANSPORTATION Jacksonville, Florida
A premier transportation company providing rail, intermodal and rail-
to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad
array of markets while generating over $11 billion in revenue.
Vice President Sales & Marketing Merchandise | Nov 2016-Aug 2018
Reported to CCO with responsibility for the entire Merchandise
portfolio generating over $7 billion in revenue, exceeding plan
expectations despite significant service disruptions in 2017.
Led a diverse Team of 140+ employees and contractors,
including bulk port operations and international sales:
Agriculture, Fertilizer, Chemicals, Metals, Minerals, Forest
Products, Automotive, Military and Municipal Waste.
Drove significant share gains in markets supported by rail
assets despite significant fleet reductions, leading the
industry position on 50-ft boxcars while enabling reinvestment
for the first time in decades.
Chaired Rail Sub-Committee for NDTA working with U.S.
TRANSCOM to champion military railcar fleet investments.
Recognized as ``the point of the spear'' for CSX's outreach
in transition, engaging various stakeholders including
customers, trade associations, national media, investors
(shareholder meetings & conferences) and regulators (STB).
Assistant Vice President Sales & Marketing Industrial Products | Aug
2013-Oct 2016
Reported to the Vice President and then CCO with a gradually expanding
portfolio worth approximately $2 billion in revenue, encompassing the
Metals, Minerals, Military and Forest Products markets.
Accelerated margin expansion in three years through
portfolio optimization and focused growth.
Generated over 30 percent more contribution dollars on lower
revenues and lower fuel surcharge for the Metals market in
2015, compared to similar market levels in 2010, thanks to a
radically different portfolio strategy.
Sponsored fleet expansions after attaining reinvestment
criteria and key account strategy alignment.
Championed 50' boxcar fleets in the North American market
despite initial industry opposition.
Director VOC/Market Intelligence and Strategy | Aug 2011-Jul 2013
Assumed increasing levels of responsibility for customer and market
intelligence activities across all business units.
Led key strategic planning functions, providing updates for
the CSX Board and the Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank.
Garnered insights to inform Service Excellence initiatives,
contributing to a 9 percent improvement in Overall Satisfaction
to achieve record scores as measured in a proprietary survey
with J.D. Power & Associates.
Deployed the J.D. Power Commitment Model generating insights
on key drivers of loyalty behaviors, which informed later
strategies to proactively shape customer perceptions about
service through real-time reporting in 2017.
Director of Marketing Intermodal | Aug 2008-Aug 2011
Responsible for all marketing and communication efforts for Intermodal
(Trucking, IMC, Ocean Carrier, Ports). Key deliverables included mark
strategy, messaging, communications and customer engagement.
Partnered in launch of the UMAX program with Union Pacific,
driving double-digit growth in rail asset revenue.
Regular presenter at major industry conferences like
regional shipper associations, traffic clubs, IANA, TIA and
TPM.
Developed corridor-specific strategies by identifying
competitive gaps in inter-regional traffic flows to increase
CSX's share in the east to 42 percent.
Director of Strategic Planning Intermodal | Feb 2008-Jul 2008
Reported to the Assistant Vice President of Sales & Marketing in a
staff position.
Coordinated the development of the Intermodal Strategy,
including research for public-private partnerships like the
National Gateway Project improving route efficiencies from East
Coast Ports to Midwest markets.
Prioritized investments in both productivity and service as
head of the Technology Steering Committee.
Led and participated in CSXI Customer Advisory Council
Forums with Trucking Companies and Ocean Carriers.
Facilitated Strategic Planning workshops with the Commercial
Leadership Team.
ADIDAS GROUP Monza, Italy
Commercial Head | Feb 2005-Jan 2008
Managed Marketing Services and later the Originals Collection across
multiple retail channels.
Implemented a new go-to-market and communications strategy
to reinvigorate sales and the multi-segment brand equity for
Originals (Style Division), while driving and aligning local
country plans with global and regional strategies.
Championed the 2006 World Cup retail campaign in Marketing
Services, setting a new sales record.
Delivered cost savings while ensuring campaign effectiveness
as part of a broader Budget Control Taskforce, contributing to
the subsidiary winning the award for Most Profitable Country in
2005.
JOHNSON & JOHNSON Paris, Rome & London, EAME
Category Manager | May 2001-Jan 2005
Coordinated strategic selling initiatives through category solutions
based on consumer and shopper insights.
Participated on the London-based team responsible for
standardizing procedures, roles and responsibilities for sales
organizations across the EAME region.
Obtained ``Best in Class'' recognition for Category
Management in a 2002 Trade Survey by Research Business
International, as well as from EAME Leadership for FemCare and
Bath & Shower category strategies.
Product Manager | Apr 1999-Apr 2001
Managed all marketing activities for the Neutrogena and Penaten brands
in the Pharmacy Division.
Helped EAME Franchise Leadership Team in Paris develop a
plan to realign Neutrogena brand equity in the region with the
Global Franchise strategy to support longer-term line
extensions before leading the execution in Italy.
Developed TV copy for Neutrogena Clear Pore featuring
Jennifer Love Hewitt later adapted for other countries as part
of a new brand strategy, growing sales of the line in Italy by
over 40 percent.
Increased Penaten sales by 9 percent or 13 percent net of
SKU rationalizations, while expanding margins 630 bps.
Supported the Global Team responsible for the acquisition of
Aveeno.
IEA INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR GAS TECHNOLOGY Washington, D.C. |
Jun 1996-Dec 1997
Research Associate supporting a Technology Collaboration Program of the
International Energy Agency aimed at facilitating the commercialization
of natural gas technologies among public and private partners worldwide
with direction from DOE's Gas Research Institute.
EDUCATION
Harvard Business School | CSX Executive Development Program | Boston,
Massachusetts (2013)
SDA Bocconi | Masters in International Economics and Management |
Milan, Italy (1998)
Distinction: Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar
Georgetown University | BS in International Finance & Commerce cum
laude | Washington, D.C. (1996) Distinctions: Krogh Scholar (Weighing
National Claims in Bosnia-Herzegovina: A Human Rights Perspective on
Self-Determination), European Studies Certificate (Democratic Culture
at Work: The Case of Enrico Mattei and Eni), U.S. Congress LBJ
Internship (Congresswoman Tillie Fowler)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Board Positions: The Indiana Railroad Company (2018), CSX Good
Government Fund (2016-2018)
Chair Positions: Rail Sub-Committee for the National Defense
Transportation Association (2017)
Languages: Fluent in English and Italian
______
Addendum to the questionnaire submitted to the Senate Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation, 119th Congress by Michael
Rutherford.
Upon further review, I have identified additional information that
is responsive to the corresponding three questions on the Committee's
questionnaire. They are:
A.19--Please include the following public statements, which
are on topics relevant to the position for which I have been
nominated, including dates:
American Metal Market Monthly--``Riding the Rails'' (August 2017)
SAP Showcases Big Data Solutions Leveraging the SAP HANA Platform
(SAP Press Release--October 2014)
As noted in A.18, the list is complete to the best of my
recollection. Know also that I no longer have access to all of
my files and schedules since departing CSX.
B.3--As indicated in my OGE 278e, I am invested in Tesla,
Amazon, Chevron, and Exxon Mobil, among other entities, through
my Parametric Investment Account with Morgan Stanley. The
Parametric Account is managed independently by my broker
without my expressed approval for individual transactions
according to a proprietary model. If confirmed, I will
consequently divest from this account and all stocks in this
account consistent with my Ethics Agreement, which does not
permit managed accounts of this type without expressed
approval.
Likewise, the DOT Office of the General Counsel determined that
none of the above-stated stocks are currently a conflict-of-
interest, pursuant to 5 C.F.R. Sec. 2640.202(a). If any of the
individual stocks rise above the de minimis threshold prior to
my divestment, I will coordinate with the DOT Ethics Office on
next steps.
Q15--POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS: MICHAEL ALBERT RUTHERFORD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE NAME YEAR DATE AMOUNT
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2014 1/2/2014 $ 210.00
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2014 2/3/2014 $ 210.00
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2014 3/3/2014 $ 210.00
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2014 4/1/2014 $ 210.00
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2014 5/1/2014 $ 210.00
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2014 6/2/2014 $ 283.25
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2014 7/1/2014 $ 283.25
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2014 8/1/2014 $ 283.25
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2014 9/2/2014 $ 283.25
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2014 10/1/2014 $ 283.25
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2014 11/3/2014 $ 283.25
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2014 12/1/2014 $ 283.25
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2015 1/2/2015 $ 283.25
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2015 2/2/2015 $ 283.25
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2015 3/2/2015 $ 283.25
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2015 4/1/2015 $ 283.25
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2015 5/1/2015 $ 283.25
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2015 6/1/2015 $ 283.25
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2015 8/3/2015 $ 283.25
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2015 9/1/2015 $ 283.25
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2015 10/1/2015 $ 283.25
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2015 11/2/2015 $ 283.25
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2015 12/1/2015 $ 283.25
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2016 1/4/2016 $ 283.25
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2016 2/1/2016 $ 283.25
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2016 3/1/2016 $ 283.25
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2016 4/1/2016 $ 333.33
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2016 5/2/2016 $ 333.33
CITIZENS FOR JOHN RUTHERFORD 2016 5/20/2016 $ 2,000.00
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2016 6/1/2016 $ 333.33
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2016 7/1/2016 $ 333.33
CITIZENS FOR JOHN RUTHERFORD 2016 7/31/2016 $ 700.00
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2016 8/1/2016 $ 340.42
CITIZENS FOR JOHN RUTHERFORD 2016 8/10/2016 $ 300.00
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2016 9/1/2016 $ 340.42
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2016 10/3/2016 $ 340.42
CITIZENS FOR JOHN RUTHERFORD 2016 10/25/2016 $ 1,000.00
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2016 11/1/2016 $ 416.67
DONALD J. TRUMP FOR PRESIDENT, INC. 2016 11/6/2016 $ 500.00
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2016 12/1/2016 $ 416.67
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2017 1/3/2017 $ 416.67
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2017 2/1/2017 $ 416.67
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2017 3/1/2017 $ 416.67
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2017 4/3/2017 $ 416.67
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2017 5/1/2017 $ 416.67
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2017 6/1/2017 $ 416.67
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2017 7/3/2017 $ 416.67
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2017 8/1/2017 $ 416.67
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2017 9/1/2017 $ 416.67
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2017 10/2/2017 $ 416.67
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2017 11/1/2017 $ 416.67
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2017 12/1/2017 $ 416.63
CITIZENS FOR JOHN RUTHERFORD 2017 12/5/2017 $ 2,700.00
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2018 2/1/2018 $ 454.55
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2018 3/1/2018 $ 454.55
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2018 4/2/2018 $ 454.55
CITIZENS FOR JOHN RUTHERFORD 2018 4/30/2018 $ 2,700.00
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2018 5/1/2018 $ 454.55
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2018 6/1/2018 $ 454.55
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2018 7/6/2018 $ 454.55
DEB FISCHER FOR U.S. SENATE 2018 7/18/2018 $ 500.00
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2018 8/1/2018 $ 454.55
CSX CORPORATION GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND 2018 9/4/2018 $ 454.55
CITIZENS FOR JOHN RUTHERFORD 2020 7/28/2020 $ 2,800.00
CITIZENS FOR JOHN RUTHERFORD 2020 7/28/2020 $ 2,800.00
DONALD J. TRUMP FOR PRESIDENT, INC. 2020 10/19/2020 $ 2,800.00
TRUMP VICTORY 2020 10/19/2020 $ 1,000.00
BLACK, DEAN (REP) (STR) 2022 2/28/2022 $ 750.00
TEAM HERSCHEL, INC 2022 3/23/2022 $ 1,000.00
CITIZENS FOR JOHN RUTHERFORD 2022 3/25/2022 $ 2,900.00
COMMITTEE TO ELECT ERIC CUNNINGHAM FOR 2022 5/18/2022 $ 500.00
CONGRESS
SARAH FOR ALASKA 2022 5/22/2022 $ 1,000.00
LARIZZA, R. J. (REP) (STA) 2020 10/08/2020 $ 250.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------
American PetroLog, LLC--May 19, 2020
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Back to the Future: Lookout for these 5 Post-COVID Supply Chain Trends
As individual states slowly begin to relax rules regarding
nationwide COVID-19 quarantines, most are venturing back out a little
more dazed and confused than before. One-third of the S&P 500 has
withdrawn guidance with many cutting or suspending dividends. As CNBC's
Bob Pisani noted at the end of last month, ``The dispersion-the
difference between analyst estimates from the high to the low estimate-
has never been higher.'' Increasingly views of the future have as much
to do with pandemic and political factors as with where you are today
on the curve.
McKinsey recently compared the perceived effectiveness of the
public-health response to that of economic policies in their April
survey of global executives. Almost 60 percent of respondents now
expect more muted world growth with some virus recurrence. China was an
interesting outlier in that they were decidedly more optimistic. This
seems consistent with a later McKinsey consumer survey whereby,
somewhat unsurprisingly, sentiment shows increasing levels of optimism
as countries move along the curve. This bodes well for the broader
economy longer-term.
Nevertheless, most do not anticipate a return to business as
usual--and supply chains will be no different. Over the course of the
next couple weeks we will share with you some thoughts on key trends
likely to influence the evolution of U.S. supply chains in the coming
months and years. Interestingly, most of these trends were already
gaining momentum prior to the pandemic. Perhaps that is what makes them
so compelling. For now, here is a brief overview of five supply chain
trends for which to be on the lookout:
1. E-Commerce: Most agree that e-commerce will likely benefit from
the recent disruption, but accelerated growth in this space
will also highlight challenges in their supply chains.
2. Global Sourcing: Changes in consumer behavior along with
political pressures will continue to weigh on global supply
chains in particular, with equally disruptive consequences
across domestic modes of transportation.
3. Trucking: Near-term volatility combined with the potential for
structural changes in freight flows will favor industry
consolidation and higher prices, but leave shippers wanting
more.
4. Rail: The tension between the Precision Scheduled Railroading
(PSR) model and the need for growth, both for its own sake and
to keep regulators at bay, will make partnerships with short
lines and transloaders all the more important.
5. Technology: Longer term, new manufacturing technologies have the
potential to change how we respond to these supply chain
challenges with even more radical implications, especially in
large urban centers.
That said, timing is everything. The pace at which these trends
manifest themselves is important not only for planning purposes, but
also because the relative timing of each can affect the magnitude with
which other trends are realized. Just look at how volatility in truck
capacity affects market pricing for all modes. In such an environment,
shippers more than ever will need to partner with supply chain
providers that can help them navigate these uncertain waters while
designing resilient solutions that respond to their needs today and
tomorrow.
If you are interested in learning more about our thoughts on this
and other topics, follow American PetroLog on Linkedin. In our next
article, we will explore in more depth our first trend regarding
changes in consumer behavior and discuss some of the challenges for e-
commerce supply chains.
______
American PetroLog, LLC--May 20, 2020
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Post-COVID Supply Chain Trends: Need for Speed Will Drive Blended
e-Retail Solutions
Major disruptions often provoke fundamental shifts in customer
behaviors, which in turn determine how value is created and lost across
supply chains. While it seems certain that COVID-19 is one such
example, it is still difficult to say which changes will endure.
For instance, a growing chorus (much of it backed by speculative
investors) is again arguing, as they have periodically since the late
1960s, that the time for telehealth has finally arrived. Yet serious
concerns persist from the over-prescription of antibiotics to
misdiagnoses, undermining both quality of care and attempts to reign in
overall healthcare costs. Dr. Jeremy Greene of John Hopkins University
observed in his recent article that we appear to be embracing
telehealth as ``good enough medicine.'' Harvard Medical School
professor Ateev Mehrotra further warned in an interview last month that
``telehealth could be overutilized to the point of hurting the target
population.'' So despite the hype predicting a new normal in every area
of our lives from healthcare to auto sales, we should be cautious not
to draw too many conclusions too soon.
The same prudence is warranted when we think about similarly hyped
expectations regarding e-commerce in a post-COVID world. Indeed, the
predictions at times seem over-stated considering that e-commerce only
accounted for 16 percent of total retail sales last year. Already there
are a number of experts arguing that ``permanent dark stores are the
future'' with curb-side pickup and delivery replacing traditional store
formats. Yet at least one survey suggests that recent gains in certain
areas may not be as long lasting, including the grocery segment.
Nevertheless, e-commerce sales were already forecasted to realize
double-digit growth in the foreseeable future, albeit at a declining
rate, prior to the current pandemic. Experience also suggests that
increased penetration of online platforms during quarantine should
favor some longer-term adoption and growth. Consequently, it seems
reasonable to anticipate an acceleration of prevailing trends in e-
commerce growth, though the details by segment remain somewhat
nebulous.
However, accelerated growth will inevitably resurface challenges in
e-commerce supply chains that started emerging in recent years.
Consider the significance of same day deliveries to better compete with
the instant gratification of shopping in brick-and-mortar stores--
something in which Amazon is investing billions of dollars. RBC Capital
predicted that Amazon shares would rally approximately 50 percent on 1-
day Prime shipping; this gives whole new meaning to the old adage
``time is money.''
The nascent See Now, Buy Now phenomenon demands rapid order
fulfillment. Realizing this initially relied heavily on smaller, faster
shipments using more costly air freight and LTL. Increasingly, however,
we see a greater reliance on smaller warehouses closer to major urban
centers, possibly favoring traditional modes like trucking. Some even
anticipate a resurgence in third parties like industrial distributors
to bring inventories closer to end-customers.
Where these redundancies already exist, they have proven successful
during the pandemic at hardening supply chains compared to traditional
models with just two national fulfillment centers, one in the east and
one in the west. Glenn Gooding, president of iDrive Logistics summed it
up best: ``In the most simplistic terms possible, the more fulfillment
options within a network, the less the risk the network will lose core
fulfillment capacity.'' Consequently, inventory carrying costs for
online retailers unfortunately seem destined to rise. This poses the
greatest challenge to just-in-time inventory management since Apple CEO
Tim Cook's famous maxim that inventory is ``fundamentally evil.''
Ironically, the solution to forward deploy more inventory means
that the e-commerce supply chain will increasingly resemble traditional
brick-and-mortar thereby narrowing some of its cost advantage. Indeed,
what we are now observing is a convergence of the two in a blended
format that provides both in-store shopping with convenient e-commerce
pick-up and delivery options. So just as Amazon is acquiring
traditional retailers like Whole Foods, traditional retailers are now
acquiring e-commerce capabilities to leverage their existing
storefronts. News of Target's possible acquisition of technology
company Deliv for the batching and routing of orders after expanding
its delivery network with the acquisition of Shipt and Grand Junction
in 2017, exemplifies this propensity for convergence.
The current pandemic will accelerate these trends towards a blended
e-retail format in all probability with far-reaching implications not
only on inventories and modal choices, but ultimately on production and
sourcing decisions as managers try to reduce lead times in pursuit of
more responsive supply chain models. After all there is precedence for
retailers requiring that manufacturers contribute to, if not carry, the
cost of the inventory through JIT fulfillment, listing fees, joint
warehousing arrangements and the like. Ultimately expect this to shine
a light on the cost of inventory in transit. We will delve into this in
more detail in our next article. So be certain to follow American
PetroLog on LinkedIn and look for it in your newsfeed.
______
American PetroLog, LLC--May 21, 2020
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5 Post-COVID Supply Chain Trends: Remapping of Global Supply Chains
Manufacturing has long enjoyed a privileged position in supply
chains with an almost singular focus on efficiency. The need for
flexibility was largely relegated downstream to logistics and
distribution--at least until now. Production and sourcing decisions are
garnering an ever-greater degree of interest in more recent years for a
variety of reasons.
First, China is less and less desired as the ``world's factory.''
On the one hand, China's manufacturing competitiveness has been eroding
in key areas for some time, especially for those segments in which it
had enjoyed early success due to low labor costs. This was to be
expected as a growing urban population inevitably led to higher wages.
Consider that Nike and Adidas had already shifted over half of their
footwear production to Vietnam as far back as 2010 and 2013
respectively. On the other hand, there has been a growing realization
that supply chains need to be more diversified in an effort to mitigate
disruptions: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. The current
pandemic has only served to reinforce this conviction.
Meanwhile, China's trade practices have undermined their
credibility abroad. Five years ago the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)
adopted the Made in China 2025 program, which not only sought to
quickly climb the value chain of emerging technologies (like Huawei in
the 5G sector) but also to dominate markets at home and more
importantly abroad. The program was even more protectionist than prior
economic policies, explicitly instructing Chinese companies to reduce
their reliance on foreign multinationals with date-specific targets for
domestic content.
After drawing criticism from the Trump administration in 2018, the
CCP quickly dropped any official mention of the program. Unfortunately
the Belt and Road Initiative appears to repackage many of the worrisome
components of the prior program under a different name. This has
attracted renewed criticism of China's predatory trade practices,
commonly exemplified by its seizure of the Hambantota Port Development
Project in Sri Lanka.
China's mishandling of the current pandemic is further complicating
the situation, as a growing number of participating countries approach
China about renegotiating Belt and Road loans as their economies falter
with every new COVID-19 outbreak. Misguided propaganda efforts and
poorly conceived threats are not helping either. For how long can
executives and boards ignore the rapidly deteriorating risk profile of
doing business in China? So it seems inevitable that supply chain
managers will increasingly look elsewhere whether of their own volition
or at the urging of governments and consumers back home. Indeed, 40
percent of Americans now do not want to buy products from China.
Thinking ahead, potential winners and losers start to come into
focus. First and foremost, U.S. West Coast ports are increasingly less
attractive as the preferred gateway for imports and may even
consolidate at some point in the future. Although they will continue to
play an important role in U.S. trade, their best days are probably
behind them. Attempts to accommodate megaships through investments in
larger gantry cranes and automation will not be enough. Lower
intermodal rates will not make the difference. The bottom line is that
much of the utility of these ports lies in their ability to be a
gateway for primarily Chinese imports destined to the two-thirds of the
U.S. population living east of the Mississippi River. The U.S.
consumer, more than China, is the most important driver in the global
economy--and for the most part lives on the East Coast.
Now consider some of the potential winners. Canada's Prince Rupert
is growing share thanks to fewer sailing days to China and North Asian
countries like Japan and Korea as well as to transcontinental rail
networks that are increasingly penetrating south of the border, such as
Canadian National's acquisition of the Massena Line earlier this year.
But as freight is more likely to arrive direct via the Suez Canal the
deeper production moves into Southeast Asian countries from India to
Vietnam, East Coast ports, especially New York with its large local and
regional populations, will continue to grow their share of imports.
Interestingly, even costly and highly polluting air freight has been
growing its share of the pie, though future availability of passenger
planes for surge capacity seems less certain given changing attitudes
about travel in a post-COVID world. Regardless, all three of these
alternatives enjoy the same competitive advantage over U.S. West Coast
ports, irrespective of trade wars and production leaving or staying in
China--speed to markets along the U.S. East Coast.
But what if this is just the beginning? The pandemic has brutally
exposed the ``fragile efficiency'' of global supply chains. Economist
Mohamed El-Erian summed it up recently saying that ``companies now will
put greater emphasis on resilience versus efficiency.'' The situation
is compounded by public demands that politicians take an active role in
ensuring supply chains of national interest. Consistent with this
growing sentiment, President Trump is mulling an executive order to
require that vital drugs and medical devices be produced in the US.
That said, the U.S. government response is not unique. One might even
say that it is tame compared to Japan's decision to invest $2.2 billion
to help Japanese companies shift production out of China.
More importantly, as the consumer prevails on upstream interests,
supply chains must evolve towards a more responsive pull model of
fulfillment from a traditional push model. In a world where speed to
market is paramount to the seemingly unassailable rise of e-commerce as
discussed in our previous article in this series, manufacturers will
not only better diversify sourcing but also strive to employ shorter
and faster supply chains. They will explore strategies of regional
sourcing and even partial reshoring of production. Heightened concerns
regarding China will simply amplify the sense of urgency, even if some
companies will need more time. In fact 64 percent of companies
contacted in a recent Thomas survey indicated their likelihood to bring
production and sourcing back to North America. Results from Bank of
America's Global Fund Manager survey released earlier this week confirm
their findings in the chart below.
All this should bode well for manufacturing not only outside China
but especially in the U.S. and neighboring countries like Mexico. It
will further entail far-reaching implications across supply chains at
home. In the next couple articles, we will take a closer look at what
this might mean for domestic modes of transportation, starting with the
trucking industry. Be certain to follow the American PetroLog page on
LinkedIn and look for the article in your newsfeed. If you have not yet
had a chance to read them, check out some of the other articles in this
series.
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American PetroLog, LLC--May 22, 2020
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Post-COVID Supply Chain Trends: Reshaping the Trucking Landscape
The current pandemic has taken the trucking industry on a roller-
coaster and the ride will not be over any time soon. After an initial
surge, volumes fell off dramatically sending rates plunging to five
year lows. Truckload linehaul data dropped to 15-year lows. ATA's Chief
Economist Bob Costello noted in an interview with Transport Topics that
``the U.S. economy is likely in the midst of its deepest recession
since the end of World War II.'' He notes that the chronic driver
dearth has now become a surplus, illustrating the wild swing in volumes
over the last couple months.
Demand destruction due to the pandemic will again cull the herd of
owner operators. Last year the trucking industry experienced a
``bloodbath'' due to rising insurance costs and trade tensions
especially with China. The ongoing war of words between owner operators
and brokers is indicative of how desperate the situation has become
during the pandemic. Many carriers already pushed to the brink will not
make it.
As previously noted, most business executives expect an eventual
return to more moderate growth. Historic government bailouts should
enable consumers to resume spending more quickly. The market will start
to tighten. The survivors will see rates rise and soar exponentially,
as we again approach full capacity. That is why we must position
ourselves now for success later, even as we just try to get through
today. Neglect long-term strategic relationships at your own peril.
Understanding this is critical for carriers and shippers alike.
However, you must first understand the long-term. For starters, the
recovery will probably be uneven. What and who brought you this far,
may not be able to carry you in the future. In previous articles, we
discussed how the current pandemic will likely accelerate already
strong growth in e-commerce. Then we examined possible impacts on
global supply chains in particular, noting a bias for speed-to-market
that seems to favor deglobalization whether through more regional
sourcing or even partial re-shoring of production. Again, these
developments pre-dated the current crisis. We simply conclude that they
will gain momentum in a fuller recovery.
For trucking, this means that service parameters will continue to
become more demanding. Delivery windows at major retailers like Walmart
have already gotten tighter. But it also implies a further decline in
the average length-of-haul that has shrunk to just 500 miles or 62
percent of what it was in 2005. Worse still, this trend has been
accelerating in more recent years.
The day will come when trucking capacity expands once more--some
things never change. But it will not simply return to where it was
lost. For example, if more import flows keep shifting to East Coast
ports, then the market will need less trucking capacity in the west and
more in the east. The trucks will also tend to move shorter distances,
since two-thirds of the U.S. population already lives east of the
Mississippi River. Instead trucking will continue ``to pivot toward
that last-mile need.'' To the extent that we experience a reshoring of
production in the US, this, too, would favor shorter lengths-of-haul in
the east. As for bulk freight trucking specifically, this development
would be very auspicious in a resurgent economy, even as the near-term
remains mixed with an uptick in some commodities and a downturn in
others.
Drivers would still be needed, just on a different route. Perhaps
this change in traffic flows could finally help mitigate a number of
the most vexing issues in the trucking industry. Shorter lengths-of-
haul could lessen the impact of Hours of Service (HOS) rules and
improve the safety profiles of carriers. If drivers are able to get
home most nights, this would dramatically improve their lifestyle
thereby enabling companies to recruit and retain more drivers. It may
even help to improve their overall health, which is receiving increased
attention from regulators.
If the near-shoring of production to Mexico increases as long
anticipated, then cross-border trucking must expand in kind with its
own unique set of challenges. Indeed, manufacturing consultants at
Kearney revealed that Mexico stands to benefit after the pandemic in
its annual Reshoring Index released last month. Such a development may
even partially reverse some of the overall decline in lengths-of-haul.
Be it a matter of months or years, truck rates will eventually turn
higher as capacity will have fallen too far to support a fuller
recovery. Ironically, the final HOS ruling will probably make things
worse in the near-term by generating additional capacity. Know that the
longer it takes the trucking market to turn, the sharper the rebound.
At that point shippers will be looking for alternatives like the
railroads. In the next article, we will examine what all this may mean
for railroads and more importantly how they are likely to respond. So
be certain to follow American PetroLog on LinkedIn and look for it in
your newsfeed. In the meantime, be certain to check out some of the
other articles in this series.
______
American PetroLog, LLC--May 26, 2020
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Post-COVID Supply Chain Trends: Less Intermodal, More Third-Party Rail
Partnerships
``Every major industry was once a growth industry. But some that
are now riding a wave of growth enthusiasm are very much in the shadow
of decline.'' Such is the unsettling introduction to Harvard Business
School professor Theodore Levitt's 1960 paper simply entitled Marketing
Myopia. Levitt quickly identified the railroad industry as his poster
child for marketing myopia adding that ``they let others take customers
away from them because they assumed themselves to be in the railroad
business rather than in the transportation business.'' This is
particularly noteworthy in the current context.
On the one hand, the adoption of Hunter Harrison's Precision
Scheduled Railroading (PSR) model as the industry standard invites a
whole new level of scrutiny. Critics argue that operational
effectiveness is measured primarily in short-term financial
performance, no longer customer satisfaction. Ironically, this is
happening at the same time that the nearly 200 CEO's of the Business
Roundtable issued a statement saying that shareholder value is no
longer their main objective. Railroad analyst Tony Hatch regularly
derides the prevailing group-think as the ``Cult of OR,'' a measure
comparing operating expenses to revenue.
Such criticism is directed as much at investors as it is at the
railroads themselves. After all, Wall Street--not customers and
railroad executives--established PSR as the industry standard either
through activist investors or risk of the same. Indeed, the only
railroad not to have formally adopted the PSR operating model is Warren
Buffet's privately held BNSF. David Nahass of
RailwayAge echoed this sentiment when he recently asked, ``By
applying outsized multiples to railroad stocks, is Wall Street
unintentionally `preventing' the railroads from growing their franchise
and increasing loadings--growing the top line--in pursuit of the lowest
OR?''
On the other hand, the pandemic has dramatically hit already
struggling rail volumes, despite record-setting financial performance.
At last reading, total U.S. year-to-date traffic was down 12.5 percent
to nearly 9.1 million carloads and intermodal units. In fact, last week
it was reported that U.S. weekly carloads had declined over 30 percent,
their largest percentage decline ever since AAR began collecting rail
volume data in 1988. The need to stay close to customers is greatest at
times like these. Unfortunately, this month railroads and their
customers are instead squaring off in front of the Surface
Transportation Board over demurrage and other supplemental charges. At
the root of the problem is the pressure on railroads to focus
increasingly on more profitable linehaul movements while taking an up-
or-out approach to lower margin value-added services and operations on
which many shippers have come to rely.
Understanding these dynamics is critical to evaluating how the
railroads will respond to supply chain challenges in a post-COVID
world, as laid out in previous articles.
For example, intermodal rail service with its emphasis on finished
goods may very well follow coal into a secular downturn of sorts,
particularly in the US. Recall from our previous article that two-
thirds of the U.S. population lives east of the Mississippi River, and
U.S. West Coast ports have historically been the best way to get there
from China. As production leaves China, U.S. West Coast ports will lose
share. Meanwhile, what remains of Chinese exports will continue to
divert to growing Canadian ports to the extent possible, thanks to
fewer sailing days. That said, intermodal volumes from south of the
border should grow, if Mexico can capitalize on near-shore production
trends. U.S. East Coast ports are also likely to see an increase in
intermodal traffic destined for the American heartland, as production
shifts deeper into Southeast Asia or even relocates regionally. The
potential for the reshoring of some U.S. manufacturing should further
bolster domestic intermodal. All of this would significantly reshape
the intermodal landscape for years to come.
As industry observer Larry Gross of Gross Transportation Consulting
recently observed, this ``dispersal'' of freight flows has the
potential to upend intermodal supply chains reliant on lane volume
density. He writes, ``The current intermodal focus on running the
simplest possible network of the largest trains will also need to
change in the years to come in order to adapt to this new reality.''
Unfortunately, the net effect on intermodal rail volumes is likely to
be negative so long as short-haul intermodal remains elusive. The fact
is that most people live near the coasts and so near the ports with
Chicagoland being the main exception. Just think of where all the
lights are in a satellite image of the U.S. at night. Trucks have
always enjoyed a competitive advantage in shorter lengths-of-haul for
finished goods. Meanwhile, intermodal networks have curtailed service
lanes and shuttered terminals with the PSR roll-out. Unlike other
countries such as Australia, there simply is not the same appetite of
years past at U.S. railroads to invest in a short-haul solution for a
segment with less compelling margins.
More promising are the prospects for traditional carload service.
Any increase in manufacturing in the U.S. or neighboring countries
should generate incremental bulk shipments. Unlike finished goods, dry
and liquid bulk shipments often favor rail transportation. (Though
Oliver Wyman's Rod Case warns that potential changes in technology
could swing the competitive advantage to truck, stunting carload growth
through 2045.) Rail is more suitable than truck for such commodities in
terms of modal efficiency and safety. Rail is also more flexible than
barge and pipeline. Furthermore, mother nature has the first word in
supply chain design for these commodities, from crops and trees to
aggregates and petroleum products. This dictates not only length-of-
haul but also the need for significant capacity often in remote places.
More interestingly, carload linehaul service seems to benefit most in
the PSR model.
Even so, other aspects of the PSR model pose challenges to
capitalizing on this opportunity. The Surface Transportation Board
review of demurrage and other supplemental charges specifically regard
carload policies affecting the overall cost of rail service, not to
mention ease of doing business. As railroads focus increasingly on more
profitable linehaul, similar issues may arise with other value-added
operations and services.
Consider the willingness of railroads to spin-off portions of their
network to Short Lines. These smaller rail segments typically lack the
density necessary to deliver the same asset utilization as the ``core''
network. In this way, the railroads retain more profitable linehaul
operations while outsourcing the complexity and inefficiencies of local
service in low density rail branches.
We may see a similar evolution in value-added logistics services in
the moment that they no longer generate sufficiently attractive
returns. Union Pacific's recent decision to close its Rotterdam
warehouse and shipping center acquired in 2017, driven by a sharp
decline in demand for fresh produce during the pandemic, is one such
example. Perhaps Canadian Pacific's announcement last year to enlist
the support of a local transload provider at their railyard in Montreal
suggests a more sustainable path forward.
Despite the impressive financial results of the PSR model, service
defined by Hunter as ``doing what we say we'll do'' fails to ask what
customers need and want. Levitt certainly would not be impressed. Yet
collaborations like these with Short Lines and other third-party
providers may indicate a way to reconcile PSR demands with market
demands--at least in part. Expect these strategic partnerships to
figure ever more prominently in the future.
Admittedly none of this is new. As in previous articles, we simply
conclude that certain prevailing supply chain trends prior to the
pandemic are likely to gain momentum in a post-COVID world and then
give our perspective on what that means going forward. In our next and
final article, we will instead consider still emerging technologies in
manufacturing and how they might reinforce these supply chain trends
through a more radical disruption of production planning. Be certain to
like the American PetroLog page on LinkedIn and look for the article in
your newsfeed. We also invite you to read the other articles in this
series.
______
American PetroLog, LLC--May 29, 2020
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Post-COVID Supply Chain Trends: Industry 4.0 & the Rise of Distributed
Manufacturing
Thus far in the course of this six-part series, we have examined
four supply chain trends that are likely to prevail in a post-COVID
world. Let us quickly review them here:
1. The need for speed in e-commerce is fast evolving towards more
distributed warehousing closer to consumers, suggesting an
increase in forward deployed inventory carrying costs.
2. As sourcing and production diversify away from China, U.S. West
Coast ports will lose share to both U.S. East Coast and
Canadian ports. More importantly, the need for shorter, faster
supply chains encourages near-shoring of production in Mexico
and elsewhere in this hemisphere, as well as the re-shoring of
production in the US.
3. All this will ultimately reshape traffic flows and have a
dramatic impact on domestic modes of transportation. Expect an
increase in shorter lengths-of-haul off the East Coast for
trucking along with continued emphasis on the last-mile.
4. Similarly, railroads will experience significant volume declines
in intermodal potentially offset by an increase in carload
volumes. Third party partnerships will be critical to their
capitalizing on the opportunity given constraints imposed by
the PSR operating model.
What all of these trends have in common is that they were already
emerging prior to the current pandemic. That is what makes them so
compelling. Yet author and business executive Seth Godin would remind
us that ``Change is never perfect. Change means reinvention, and until
something is reinvented, we have no idea what the spec is.''
Perhaps the greatest challenge to emerge as a result of these four
trends would be a begrudging rise in inventories. Indeed, it seems to
be as unassailable as the rise of e-commerce itself. As already
anticipated, online retailers will again push as much of this cost as
possible onto manufacturers. More difficult still, the current
generation of business leaders that rose through the ranks thanks to
their embrace of just-in-time inventory management will struggle to
adapt to this new normal. Thus far, they have been able to stomach
costly and highly polluting air freight to meet the ever-greater
demands of e-commerce while maintaining longer supply chains.
Nevertheless, in recent years air freight has started to struggle to
keep pace.
Out of this necessity will eventually come our fifth and final
supply chain trend likely to emerge after the current pandemic:
distributed manufacturing. This form of decentralized manufacturing
typically entails small-scale production closer to end consumers that
is capable of churning out smaller batch quantities on demand. The
long-term consequences for the manufacturing sector seem somewhat
analogous to the impact of ``mini-mills'' on the domestic steel
industry, which catapulted Nucor to a leadership position that it still
holds today. Just as the invention of the electric-arc furnace was
critical in the transformation of the steel industry, technology will
be crucial to the evolution towards distributed manufacturing.
Indeed, Deloitte refers to it as the fourth industrial revolution
or more simply Industry 4.0. Just do not look for a silver bullet. This
vision relies on complex, tailored systems of interconnected digital
and physical technologies. Value is created by combining real-time
insights from big data, cloud computing and the Internet of Things with
the small-scale efficiencies of robotics, automation and 3D printing.
The textile sector in particular is worth considering as this
transformation unfolds. Thanks to both a heavy reliance on
manufacturing and strong customer engagement with their products, these
industries frequently serve as harbingers of trends to come. Indeed,
textile industries have typically been among the early movers ever
since the first industrial revolution. Their manufacturers were among
the first to move production off-shore eventually finding their way to
China. Then they were among the first to leave China for other
countries like Vietnam. Even in the vast world of e-commerce, nowhere
is the need for speed greater than with the emergence of the See Now,
Buy Now phenomenon that has upended the way the fashion industry
operates--and generated many inventory woes in the process.
The smaller scale of distributed manufacturing operations brings
production closer to end-consumers. Not only does this cut down on the
cost of inventories, but also helps to reduce and optimize
transportation costs across the supply chain. After all, boxes of
finished goods often contain a lot of air. Just think about a truck
full of sneakers. However, distributed manufacturing would favor more
shipments of bulk commodities and intermediate goods in lieu of
finished products. After all, the final product can then be created or
assembled just around the block.
The impact on supply chain costs will be akin to the shrinking of
electronics and the reduced water content of detergents and household
cleaners. Once these technologies and systems of technologies come of
age, one could image a world of See Now, Buy Now . . . Produce Now.
Manufactures are already getting an early glimpse of the potential
value of product customization made possible by better data combined
with better technology. Nike is a great case in this regard starting
with the launch of NikeID in 2000. The program has since expanded from
being offered only online to over 100 in-store ``studios'' worldwide.
Last year Nike rebranded the initiative as Nike by You in an effort to
better communicate this notion of collaborative product development,
helping to grow e-commerce sales by 42 percent in its first fiscal
quarter. Daniel Edmundson, Strategy Director at Gretel, sums up the
trend as such: ``The next generation of consumers is setting a high bar
for customization to express all facets of their identity and
individuality.''
Again the textile sector is at the forefront of this still emerging
trend, though you can already formulate your own bespoke fragrance and
cosmetics to complement your personalized clothes and sneakers.
Meanwhile, the practical potential of Industry 4.0 is also fast
emerging in other sectors, like healthcare where these technology
systems are currently being leveraged for everything from personalized
implants and prosthetics to workable models of tumors and organs for
tailored treatments.
To a large extent, the advent of distributed manufacturing will be
symbiotic with that of the other four trends. Digital e-commerce
platforms play a crucial role in generating data insights critical to
developing distributed manufacturing systems, in turn helping to drive
further penetration and growth for online retailers. Whether producing
or simply assembling the product closer to the consumer, distributed
manufacturing takes the concept of faster, shorter supply chains to a
whole new level. Consequently, the trucking industry will continue to
focus on the last-mile, whereas railroads and their strategic third-
party partners will instead focus more on carload shipments of dry and
liquid bulk commodities and intermediate products.
Although private enterprise and national policies will be important
to realizing the Industry 4.0 revolution, local governments and
organizations must be willing to play a vital role in order to ensure
its success. After all, the genius of distributed manufacturing is
precisely the fact that it is local. The first forays will likely occur
in the largest urban centers.
Watch for New York City to be an early winner. In addition to a
large local and regional population of consumers, city government is
already actively promoting distributed manufacturing to support local
industries and entrepreneurs. The NY Economic Development Corporation
frames the opportunity as follows: ``Technological advances and new
ways of doing business are shaping a new manufacturing system, with a
focus on smaller, more flexible production.'' Meanwhile, the Port
Authority of New York and New Jersey has actively worked to ensure that
the city's infrastructure satisfies both short and long-term needs. On
the one hand, investments like raising the Bayonne Bridge to
accommodate larger ocean carriers have proven critical to facilitating
the shift in imports to the U.S. East Coast. On the other hand, recent
upgrades to NYNJ Rail's carfloat operations and the opening of a new
transload site right in the heart of Brooklyn at the 65th Street
Railyard, guarantee that the local infrastructure can efficiently serve
manufacturers in the big city. Not only do investments like these
support existing industries in areas like the North Brooklyn Industrial
Business Zone, but also lay the foundation for future growth through
distributed manufacturing.
In closing, we would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the
immense human and economic suffering caused by the pandemic.
Specifically, New York City is among the hardest hit. The devastation
in the Big Apple has captured the attention of the Nation and the
world. At times uncertainty about the future abounds. As one New York
Post opinion writer wrote earlier this week, ``NYC's urban model faces
existential crisis in post-pandemic world.''
Yet as we reflect on the implications of these five post-COVID
supply chain trends identified in this six-part series, we cannot help
but to think that the city's best days are still ahead. New York, like
many urban centers, is well positioned to capitalize on these five
post-COVID supply chain trends. Rest assured that the impact of these
trends is more enduring than that of the virus.
______
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
The Chairman. Thank you. Mr. Zerzan.
STATEMENT OF GREGORY ZERZAN,
NOMINEE TO BE GENERAL COUNSEL,
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Mr. Zerzan. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My great fear that
introductions would be done in alphabetical order has been
realized.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Cantwell, and
Members of the Committee for allowing me to appear before you
today. I am Greg Zerzan, and I have been nominated for the
position of General Counsel of the Department of
Transportation.
To begin, I would like to thank President Trump for putting
his faith in me by nominating me for this position. I was born
in Portland, Oregon, as the youngest child of Charles and Joan
Zerzan. My parents were both members of the greatest generation
who lived through the Great Depression, the Second World War,
and the Cold War. Dad fought in the China-Burma-India theater
of the war; and mom served as a volunteer plane spotter while
working on ranches in Southern Oregon and Northern California.
My parents met in college after dad returned from the
fighting. At the end of their wedding ceremony in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, where dad was attending medical school, the priest
gave my parents the standard injunction to be fruitful. Go
forth and multiply. A task they took to with enthusiasm and
alacrity, going on to have 12 children, mostly on army bases
across America.
I am privileged to be the youngest of those 12. My parents
taught us that God, family, and country are the three great
causes to which one might profitably dedicate one's life. They
also taught us that the things that unite us are far more
important than the things that divide us.
One of my earliest political memories was my father's
unbridled enthusiasm for Governor Ronald Reagan's campaign for
the presidency in 1980. And in equal measure his frustration
that he could not convince my mom not to vote to reelect
President Carter, whom, she said seemed like an honorable man.
I mentioned my parents because they taught us that it was
important, indeed necessary, to work together even when we
disagree.
It is my hope that if I am so fortunate as to be confirmed,
I will bring these lessons with me to the Department. If I am
so fortunate as to be confirmed, I promise I will do my best to
live out the values my parents taught us, and to work with you
with respect and humility, even if there are sincere policy
disagreements.
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee, I would like to
thank you for your service to this country. I would like to
thank Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, for allowing me to serve
at the Department these last 6 months. I would like to thank
the excellent, professional, career civil servants with whom I
have had the privilege of serving now in three administrations.
I can say with no false modesty that to the extent I have
enjoyed any professional success, it is in large measure
because of our hardworking career Federal workforce.
Last, and most importantly, Mr. Chairman, I would like to
thank my beautiful wife, Shannon. She made me a Texan, and a
father to our boys, Charlie and George. No matter whatever else
happens in my life, I will consider myself a success for having
convinced her to marry me.
Thank you all very much for this opportunity.
[The prepared statement and biographical information of Mr.
Zerzan follow:]
Prepared Statement of Gregory Zerzan, Nominee for General Counsel,
U.S. Department of Transportation
Good morning, Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Cantwell and Members of
the Committee, and thank you for allowing me to appear before you
today. My name is Greg Zerzan and I have been nominated for the
position of General Counsel at the U.S. Department of Transportation.
To begin, I would like to thank President Trump for placing his
faith in me by nominating me for this position.
I was born in Portland, Oregon, as the youngest child of Charles
and Joan Zerzan.\1\ My parents were both members of the Greatest
Generation, who lived through the Great Depression, the Second World
War, and the Cold War. Dad fought in the China-Burma-India theater of
the second world war; Mom served as a volunteer plane spotter while
working on ranches in Southern Oregon and Northern California.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The Honorable Greg Walden graciously eulogized my parents in
the Congressional Record, which can be found here (Tribute to Dr.
Charles Joseph Zerzan Jr., Congressional Record, Volume 154 Issue 90
(Tuesday, June 3, 2008) and here (Commemorating the Life of Joan
Margaret Kathan Zerzan Congressional Record, Volume 159 Issue 36
(Wednesday, March 13, 2013)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
My parents met in college after Dad returned from the fighting. At
the end of their wedding ceremony in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Dad
was attending medical school, the priest gave my parents the standard
injunction to ``be fruitful; go forth, and multiply.'' My parents took
to this task with enthusiasm and alacrity, going on to have 12 children
mostly on Army bases across America. I am the last and youngest of
these 12.
My parents taught us that God, family and country are the three
great causes to which one might profitably dedicate one's life. They
also taught us that the things that unite us are far more important
than those that divide us. One of my earliest political memories was my
Dad's unbridled enthusiasm for Ronald Reagan during the 1980 campaign,
and in equal measure, his frustration that he could not dissuade my Mom
from voting for President Carter, who, she said, seemed like an
honorable man.
I mention my parents because they taught us that it is important to
disagree without being disagreeable. Our family was a large, diverse
organization and my parents taught us that it was possible, indeed,
necessary, to work together even when we disagreed. It is my hope, if I
am so fortunate as to be confirmed, that I will bring these lessons
with me to the Department. If I am so fortunate as to be confirmed I
promise I will do my best to live out the values my parents taught us,
and to work with you all with respect and humility, even if there are
sincere policy disagreements.
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee, if I may I would like to
close by thanking you for your service to our country. I would like to
thank Interior Secretary Burgum for having put his faith in me these
last several months. I would like to thank the excellent, professional
career civil servants with whom I have now had the privilege of serving
in three Presidential Administrations--it is with no false modesty that
I can say that, to the extent I have enjoyed any professional success,
it is because of the hard working, dedicated, patriotic members of our
career civil service.
Lastly and most importantly, Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank my
beautiful wife, Shannon. She made me a Texan and a father, to our two
sons, Charlie and George. No matter whatever else happens in my life I
will consider myself a success for having somehow convinced her to
marry me.
Thank you all very much for this opportunity.
______
a. biographical information
1. Name (Include any former names or nicknames used): Gregory Peter
Zerzan.
2. Position to which nominated: General Counsel, USDOT.
3. Date of Nomination: June 3, 2025.
4. Address (List current place of residence and office addresses):
Residence: Information not released to the public.
Office: Information not provided.
5. Date and Place of Birth: Portland, Oregon USA.
6. Provide the name, position, and place of employment for your
spouse (if married) or domestic partner, and the names and ages of your
children (including stepchildren and children by a previous marriage).
Shannon Zerzan
7. List all college and graduate schools attended, whether or not
you were granted a degree by the institution. Provide the name of the
institution, the dates attended, the degree received, and the date of
the degree.
Willamette University, BA--Political Science, May 1993
Willamette University, JD, May 1996
8. List all post-undergraduate employment, including the job title,
name of employer, and inclusive dates of employment, and highlight all
management-level jobs held and any non-managerial jobs that relate to
the position for which you are nominated. (Management Jobs are denoted
with as asterisk; Please note dates are approximate)
Law Clerk:
Kelly Clark, May 1994-March 1995
Legislative Assistant and District Office Assistant:
Congressman Jim Bunn, June 1995-March 1996
Attorney:
Kell Alterman and Runstein, May 1996-September 1996
U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, September 1996-May 2000
Dechert Price and Rhoads, May 2000-August 2000
House Committee on Banking/Financial Services--August 2000-
March 2003
Deputy Assistant Secretary*:
U.S. Department of the Treasury, March 2003-July 2005
Chief of Strategy:
Thetus Corporation, September 2005-February 2006
Counsel and Head of Global Public Policy*:
International Swaps and Derivatives Association, March 2006-
November 2009
Director:
Koch Companies Private Sector, March 2010-July 2017
Attorney:
House Committee on Energy and Commerce, September 2017-March
2019
U.S. Department of the Interior*, March 2019-January 2021
Jordan Ramis* PC, April 2021-June 2022
General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer*: encore
Energy Corp, July 2022-November 2023
Attorney:
Fisher Phillips LLP, May 2024-January 2025
U.S. Department of the Interior*, February 2025 to present
9. Attach a copy of your resume. Please see a copy of my current
resume at attachment A.
10. List any advisory, consultative, honorary, or other part-time
service or positions with Federal, State, or local governments, other
than those listed above after 18 years of age. N/A.
11. List all positions held as an officer, director, trustee,
partner, proprietor, agent, representative, or consultant of any
corporation, company, firm, partnership, or other business, enterprise,
educational, or other institution (Please note, dates are approximate).
Board Member, Commodity Markets Council (2016-2017)
Board Member, CureSMA ((2014-2017)
Board Member, Securities Investor Protection Corporation (2005)
Board Member, Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (2005)
Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel, encore Energy
Corp (2022-2023)
12. List all memberships you have had after 18 years of age or
currently hold with any civic, social, charitable, educational,
political, professional, fraternal, benevolent or religiously
affiliated organization, private club, or other membership organization
(You do not have to list your religious affiliation or membership in a
religious house of worship or institution). Include dates of membership
and any positions you have held with any organization. Please note
whether any such club or organization restricts membership on the basis
of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.
Portland, Oregon toastmasters club, 1995 to present, membership
restricted to males
Sigma Chi Fraternity, 1989 to present, membership restricted to
males
13. Have you ever been a candidate for and/or held a public office
(elected, non-elected, or appointed)? If so, indicate whether any
campaign has any outstanding debt, the amount, and whether you are
personally liable for that debt. N/A
14. List all memberships and offices held with and services
rendered to, whether compensated or not, any political party or
election committee within the past ten years. If you have held a paid
position or served in a formal or official advisory position (whether
compensated or not) in a political campaign within the past ten years,
identify the particulars of the campaign, including the candidate, year
of the campaign, and your title and responsibilities.
Volunteer, Donald J Trump for President, 2016-2020-2024
15. Itemize all political contributions to any individual, campaign
organization, political party, political action committee, or similar
entity of $200 or more for the past ten years.
Please see Appendix D.
16. List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary
society memberships, military medals, and any other special recognition
for outstanding service or achievements.
Distinguished Service Award, U.S. Treasury, 2005
17. List all books, articles, columns, letters to the editor,
Internet blog postings, or other publications you have authored,
individually or with others. Include a link to each publication when
possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
publication when available.
I have written and published extensively throughout my professional
career. For a good faith attempt to gather these records please see
Appendix B.
18. List all speeches, panel discussions, and presentations (e.g.,
PowerPoint) that you have given on topics relevant to the position for
which you have been nominated. Include a link to each publication when
possible. If a link is not available, provide a digital copy of the
speech or presentation when available. N/A
19. List all public statements you have made during the past ten
years, including statements in news articles and radio and podcasts and
television appearances, which are on topics relevant to the position
for which you have been nominated, including dates. Include a link to
each statement when possible. If a link is not available, provide a
digital copy of the statement when available.
They have only themselves to blame for high prices
Energy prices are a result of policies: Former acting assistant
treasury secretary
Government Regulation Lessons Learned and the Path Forward
Will gas stoves prevail in the long run?
The Biden admin has conducted an unprecedented war on fossil
fuels: Greg Zerzan
Americans energy companies don't have oil and gas to export:
Greg Zerzan
Klamath irrigators applaud new guidance on Endangered Species
Act
Interior Department deals new setbacks to offshore wind
Interior grounds some migratory bird protections
Interior suspends Biden-era legal opinions
Trump Administration Executive Order Sets Course for U.S.
Mineral Production and Supply Chain Resilience
20. List all digital platforms (including social media and other
digital content sites) on which you currently or have formerly operated
an account, regardless of whether or not the account was held in your
name or an alias. Include the full name of an ``alias'' or ``handle'',
including the complete URL and username with hyperlinks, you have used
on each of the named platforms. Indicate whether the account is active,
deleted, or dormant. Include a link to each account if possible.
Facebook--https://www.facebook.com/share/16d1a2yVQp/
X--https://x.com/gzerzan?t=yGP-0-kjOBIwcHPj10licg&s=09
21. Please identify each instance in which you have testified
orally or in writing before Congress in a governmental or non-
governmental capacity and specify the date, committee, and subject
matter of each testimony.
``Cleaning Up Cryptocurrency: The Energy Impacts of
Blockchain,'' House Committee on Energy and Commerce, January
20, 2022
Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation Policy, House
Committee on Agriculture, June 2, 2004
Commodity Exchange Act Policy, House Committee on Agriculture,
September 26, 2007
Commodity Exchange Act Policy, House Committee on Agriculture,
July 10, 2008
22. Given the current mission, major programs, and major
operational objectives of the department/agency/commission/corporation
to which you have been nominated, what in your background or employment
experience do you believe affirmatively qualifies you for appointment
to the position for which you have been nominated, and why do you wish
to serve in that position?
I have been privileged to serve in senior roles in both the public
and private sector and have worked for or with the Federal government
for most of my career. It has been my honor to work with career Federal
civil servants and witness firsthand their commitment and dedication to
fulfilling the mission of their agency and the U.S. government. I hope
to use this experience to help the Department fulfill its statutory
purpose as mandated by Congress, pursuant to the policy direction of
President Trump and Secretary Duffy.
23. What do you believe are your responsibilities, if confirmed, to
ensure that the department/agency/commission/corporation has proper
management and accounting controls, and what experience do you have in
managing a large organization?
If I am so fortunate as to be confirmed I believe it will be my
responsibility to comply with all laws, rules, regulations and best
ethical practices. I will work with agency leadership and the career
Federal workforce to help ensure departmental compliance with the same.
I have held senior roles in both the Federal government as well as the
private sector, including my current duties as acting Solicitor of the
Department of the Interior, which has helped me to gain a firm
understanding of the needs of managing a Federal agency legal
department.
24. What do you believe to be the top three challenges facing the
department/agency/commission/corporation, and why?
As I have not been working at the Department, I follow the lead of
Secretary Duffy as stated in his response to this question wherein he
identified the areas of Aviation Safety and Infrastructure,
Infrastructure Development and Management, and Regulation of Emerging
Transportation Technologies as the three top issues facing the
Department. If I am so fortunate as to be confirmed I would work to
support the Secretary in his efforts to remove regulatory barriers to
innovation while continuing to ensure safety and security across
transportation modes.
b. potential conflicts of interest
1. Describe all financial arrangements, deferred compensation
agreements, and other continuing dealings with business associates,
clients, or customers. Please include information related to retirement
accounts, such as a 401(k) or pension plan.
I will continue to receive health insurance coverage from my former
employer, encore Energy Corp, until December 1, 2025.
I also will continue to participate in a defined benefit plan with
my former employer, Koch Industries.
These arrangements are fully described in Part 3 of my Public
Financial Disclosure Report.
2. Do you have any commitments or agreements, formal or informal,
to maintain employment, affiliation, or practice with any business,
association, or other organization during your appointment? If so,
please explain. No.
3. Indicate any investments, obligations, liabilities, or other
relationships which could involve potential conflicts of interest in
the position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will
resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation's
Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify any potential conflicts
of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will continue to be
resolved in accordance with the terms of an ethics agreement that I
have entered into with the Department's Designated Agency Ethics
Official and that has been provided to this Committee. I am not aware
of any other potential conflicts of interest.
4. Describe any business relationship, dealing, or financial
transaction which you have had during the last ten years, whether for
yourself, on behalf of a client, or acting as an agent, that could in
any way constitute or result in a possible conflict of interest in the
position to which you have been nominated. Explain how you will resolve
each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation's
Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify any potential conflicts
of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will continue to be
resolved in accordance with the terms of an ethics agreement that I
have entered into with the Department's Designated Agency Ethics
Official and that has been provided to this Committee. I am not aware
of any other potential conflicts of interest.
5. Identify any other potential conflicts of interest and explain
how you will resolve each potential conflict of interest.
In connection with the nomination process, I have consulted with
the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Transportation's
Designated Agency Ethics Official to identify any potential conflicts
of interest. Any potential conflicts of interest will continue to be
resolved in accordance with the terms of an ethics agreement that I
have entered into with the Department's Designated Agency Ethics
Official and that has been provided to this Committee. I am not aware
of any other potential conflicts of interest.
6. Describe any activity during the past ten years, including the
names of clients represented, in which you have been engaged for the
purpose of directly or indirectly influencing the passage, defeat, or
modification of any legislation or affecting the administration and
execution of law or public policy.
Koch Companies Public Sector, registered lobbyist, 2010-2016
(approx.)
c. legal matters
1. Have you ever been disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics,
professional misconduct, or retaliation by, or been the subject of a
complaint to, any court, administrative agency, the Office of Special
Counsel, an Inspector General, professional association, disciplinary
committee, or other professional group? No.
If yes:
a. Provide the name of the court, agency, association, committee, or
group;
b. Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action was issued or initiated;
c. Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action;
d. Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,
complaint, or personnel action.
N/A
2. Have you ever been investigated, arrested, charged, or held by
any Federal, State, or other law enforcement authority of any Federal,
State, county, municipal, or foreign government entity, other than for
a minor traffic offense? If so, please explain. N/A
3. Have you or any business or nonprofit of which you are or were
an officer ever been involved as a party in an administrative agency
proceeding, criminal proceeding, or civil litigation? If so, please
explain. N/A
4. Have you ever been convicted (including pleas of guilty or nolo
contendere) of any criminal violation other than a minor traffic
offense? If so, please explain.
N/A
5. Have you ever been accused, formally or informally, of sexual
assault, sexual harassment, or discrimination on the basis of sex,
race, religion, or any other basis? If so, please explain. N/A
6. Please advise the Committee of any additional information,
favorable or unfavorable, which you feel should be disclosed in
connection with your nomination.
N/A
d. relationship with committee
1. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/
corporation complies with deadlines for information set by
congressional committees, and that your department/agency/commission/
corporation endeavors to timely comply with requests for information
from individual Members of Congress, including requests from members in
the minority?
Yes, I will respond to such requests for information as
appropriate.
2. Will you ensure that your department/agency/commission/
corporation does whatever it can to protect congressional witnesses and
whistleblowers from reprisal for their testimony and disclosures? Yes.
3. Will you cooperate in providing the Committee with requested
witnesses, including technical experts and career employees, with
firsthand knowledge of matters of interest to the Committee?
Yes, I will respond to the Committee's requests as appropriate.
4. Are you willing to appear and testify before any duly
constituted committee of the Congress on such occasions as you may be
reasonably requested to do so? Yes.
______
Appendix A
Resume of Gregory Zerzan
U.S. GOVERNMENT
U.S. Department of the Interior (March 2019-January 2021; February 2025
to present)
Senior Advisor, Acting Solicitor and Principal Deputy Solicitor
Managing legal officer for a Federal agency focused on implementing
President Trump's energy dominance agenda through project development,
managing natural resources and reforming environmental policy.
United States House of Representatives, Committees on Financial
Services, Agriculture and Energy & Commerce (Variously, 2000-2019)
Senior Counsel
Provided counsel to Members of Congress for congressional committees
having jurisdiction in the areas of financial policy, energy,
technology and natural resources.
U.S. Department of the Treasury (March 2003-July 2005)
Deputy Assistant Secretary and Acting Assistant Secretary
Policymaking official for financial markets, banking and GSEs.
PRIVATE SECTOR
Fisher Phillips, Dallas, TX and Washington, D.C. (May 2024-January
2025)
Of Counsel and Senior Advisor
Legal practice at multinational law firm.
enCore Energy Corp., Dallas, TX (July 2022-December 2023)
Chief Administrative Officer, Corporate Secretary and General Counsel
Managed legal and corporate affairs for NYSE-listed energy company.
Jordan Ramis LLC, Portland, Oregon/Washington, D.C. (April 2021-June
2022)
Shareholder
Partner at Pacific Northwest law firm focused on natural resources,
energy, technology and finance.
Koch Industries (March 2010-July 2017)
Director for Finance and Trading
Managed matters related to government affairs and commodity trading
compliance
International Swaps and Derivatives Association (March 2006-November
2009)
Head of Global Public Policy and Counsel
Managed government affairs for international financial services trade
association.
EDUCATION
Juris Doctorate, Willamette University College of Law Bachelor of Arts,
Willamette University
BAR ADMISSIONS
Oregon and District of Columbia
______
APPENDIX B
Corporate Transparency Act AGAIN Blocked Nationwide--All Filing
Deadlines Once Again Suspended as of December 26 | JD Supra
Court Revives Corporate Transparency Act and Employers Have New January
13 Reporting Deadline: 3 Things Employers Need to Do | JD Supra
3 Things Employers Need to Know About the Recent Corporate Transparency
Act Injunction | JD Supra
3 Things Employers Need to Know As Congress Returns from Summer Recess
| JD Supra
White House Takes Aim at Inefficient Business Practices Through ``Time
Is Money'' Initiative: 5 Things Employers Should Do | JD Supra
3 Things Employers Need to Know About the Congressional Review Act and
the Upcoming Elections | JD Supra
FP Snapshot on Manufacturing Industry: New Program Encouraging
Corporate Whistleblowing Puts Manufacturers on Notice | JD Supra
Ignoring BRICS Expansion Threatens America's Economic Security To Fight
Climate Change, Stop Discouraging American Innovation Why Governments
Hate Cryptocurrency
West Coast Offshore Wind Closer to Becoming a Reality
Why Carbon Pricing Is Ultimately a Tax On Everything
Biden's Energy Policies Harm U.S. Producers While Helping America's
Rivals Carbon pricing is an economic bomb and a tax on everything
Yellen Can't Save the Polar Bears
More Government Heal Care Means A Smaller U.S. Military
Will Walmart Pay for the Next Bailout? Wall Street Reform Hits Main
Street The Emerging Threat of BRICS
Dollar is a National Security Issue Zombieland
Do Your Employees Get Time Off to Vote? A State-By-State Guide for
Employers
How Will the Election and Recent Legislative Trends Impact Tipped
Wages?
Crypto Needs a Section 230
China's `Digital Yuan' and the Race for a Global Digital Currency
______
Appendix D
09-19-2022 $1,000 ABBOTT, GREG (R) TX
10-18-2022 $500 Patrick McHenry Federal
(R)
10-05-2022 $500 Mike Lee (R) Federal
02-05-2021 $1,000 PULLIAM, STAN (R) OR
06-30-2021 $500 Patrick McHenry Federal
(R)
09-14-2021 $500 PULLIAM, STAN (R) OR
09-16-2022 $1,000 DRAZAN, CHRISTINE OR
(R)
09-30-2023 $1,000 Bill Huizenga (R) Federal
06-15-2023 $500 Bryan Steil (R) Federal
06-30-2024 $1,500 Bill Huizenga (R) Federal
09-30-2023 $500 Jeff Duncan (R) Federal
08-18-2022 $250 Lori Chavez- Federal
Deremer (R)
11-15-2021 $1,000 Bill Huizenga (R) Federal
02-09-2022 $1,500 Bill Huizenga (R) Federal
06-30-2021 $500 Cathy McMorris Federal
Rodgers (R)
04-04-2022 $500 Cathy McMorris Federal
Rodgers (R)
06-13-2023 $500 Cliff Bentz (R) Federal
06-29-2024 $500 Cliff Bentz (R) Federal
07-26-2024 $2500 BMW Victory Federal
Committee
______
Addendum to the questionnaire submitted to the Senate Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation, 119th Congress by Gregory Zerzan
Please find additional information as requested by Oversight and
Investigations Minority Staff:
A.6--Please specify whether Mr. Zerzan's spouse is employed. My
spouse is not employed.
A.7--Please specify the dates Mr. Zerzan attended Willamette
University for both his JD and bachelor's degree.
I attended Willamette University from August 1989 until May 1993.
I attended Willamette University College of Law from August 1993
until May 1996.
A.8--Please provide Mr. Zerzan's job title in each role as
requested in the questionnaire.
(Dates are approximate)
Law Clerk, Kelly Clark, May 1994-March 1995
Legislative Assistant and District Office Assistant,
Congressman Jim Bunn, June 1995-March 1996
Associate, Kell Alterman and Runstein, May 1997-September 1997
Counsel, U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, September 1997-
May 2000
Associate, Dechert Price and Rhoads, May 2000-August 2000
Counsel, House Committee on Banking/Financial Services--August
2000-March 2003
Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of the Treasury,
March 2003-July 2005
Chief of Strategy, Thetus Corporation, September 2005-February
2006
Counsel and Head of Global Public Policy, International Swaps
and Derivatives Association, March 2006-November 2009
Director, Koch Companies Private Sector, March 2010-July 2017
Counsel, House Committee on Energy and Commerce, September
2017-March 2019
Deputy Solicitor and Principal Deputy Solicitor, U.S.
Department of the Interior, March 2019-January 2021
Shareholder, Jordan Ramis PC, April 2021-June 2022
General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Chief Administrative
Officer, encore Energy Corp, July 2022-November 2023
Of Counsel, Fisher Phillips LLP, May 2024-January 2025
Counselor to the Secretary and Principal Deputy Solicitor, U.S.
Department of the Interior, February 2025 to present
A.14--Mr. Zerzan identified he was a volunteer on the 2016, 2020,
and 2024 presidential campaigns for Donald Trump. Please identify
responsibilities held as requested in the questionnaire.
Volunteer: 2016--phone banking
Volunteer: 2020--ballot count monitor
Volunteer: 2024--election day counseling
C.1--Sub-questions a-d were removed. Please revise and submit a
supplemental as appropriate.
a. Provide the name of the court, agency, association, committee, or
group;
b. Provide the date the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action was issued or initiated;
c. Describe the citation, disciplinary action, complaint, or
personnel action;
d. Provide the results of the citation, disciplinary action,
complaint, or personnel action.
None
The Chairman. Well, I commend your wife on her excellent
judgment making you a Texan.
All right. Ms. Oz, we know that human error is the leading
cause of car crashes. In your judgment, how close are we to a
world where AV technology can significantly reduce traffic
fatalities, and what do you see as the biggest obstacle to that
happening?
Ms. Oz. Senator Cruz, thank you very much for that critical
question, and it is one that keeps most of us up at night. We
have the ability to bring forward a Federal regulatory
environment that will not only create clear consistent
direction for the industry, but also enable us to surface above
the deaths that we have had that are completely solvable. AV
technology, and specifically safe self-driving vehicles and
robotic technology has proven to be safer by all metrics shown
in the public records. And so it is my responsibility, if
confirmed, to ensure that we bring that to the forefront of
this discussion.
The Chairman. The U.S. right now lacks a Federal framework
for AVs. Our regulatory framework is fragmented with different
rules deployed in each state. Meanwhile, countries like Germany
and China have national-level coordination in testing,
deployment, and product liability. How could the U.S. lose its
competitive edge to other countries in advancing this tech if
the continued fractured system remains?
Ms. Oz. The fractured system, Senator and Committee, is due
to the fact that we have different regulatory standards across
different states. And you can imagine, your state in
particular, is pretty laissez-faire about it. But if you go to
California----
The Chairman. We tend to be that way about a lot.
[Laughter.]
Ms. Oz.--if you go to California, you have driving permit
requirements, data requirements, which are not bad, but they
have to be some degree standardized. So my biggest concern is,
China is proving to be a very healthy competitor in this area.
I do not think of them as an enemy as much as I think of them
as an adversary or a competitor that has taken a very strong
mandate to making this a strategic, an economic decision to
ensuring that--and as well as existential to their livelihood,
to ensuring that AV technology gets on the roads in a very fast
way.
They are building this technology orders of magnitude
faster than we are, and have commanded now the 2025 mandate to
use local chips on all robotaxis. And if they have 10,000
robotaxis right now driving, that means you can imagine the
number of chips they are going to be starting to build up. So
as we think about the foundational expertise in this country
and the technology we built here, we need to make sure that our
stack gets built on U.S. chips. And in that respect, I would be
very interested in the Made-in-America approach and ensuring
that we protect that along the way. Thank you.
The Chairman. Mr. Zerzan, the Biden-Buttigieg DOT failed to
replace the outdated air traffic control system, but they
spent, it was just reported, roughly $80 billion on DEI grants
and extraneous environmental goals. If confirmed, how would
you, from a legal standpoint, help DOT refocus on its core
safety mission, including by eliminating ideological grant
requirements not justified by statute?
Mr. Zerzan. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I believe it is
important for the Department to follow the laws that Congress
has passed. And so to the extent extraneous matters are put
into rulemakings or other policies that are not justified by
the law those should be addressed and remedied.
Obviously, I am not at the Department so I do not have a
great deal of familiarity with Secretary Duffy's approach in
this respect, but I can say at the Department of the Interior
we have taken very seriously the President's mandate to ensure
that the laws are being followed and that there are not
extraneous matters being included in our regulatory policies.
The Chairman. Thank you. Mr. Rutherford, the Office of
Multimodal Freight oversees the development of the National
Multimodal Freight Network, the federally designated network of
highways, railways, ports, airports, and other infrastructure
are critical to the efficient movement of freight across the
United States. Within this network, shippers and transportation
operators are often at odds with each other.
For example, shippers may demand faster delivery, but
carriers may be constrained by driver shortages or port
congestion. Based on your experience working with both shippers
and operators, how can the Office of Multimodal Freight help
bridge these gaps?
Mr. Rutherford. Thank you for the question, Senator. One of
the objectives clearly for the Freight Office is to address
issues of congestion. And congestion is the enemy of asset
utilization. When we fix problems of congestion, you are not
just--you are not just driving down cost, but you are actually
generating additional capacity so that you can also be more
efficient.
And we saw that at CSX with the roll out of Precision
Scheduled Railroading. So it becomes a virtuous cycle or circle
if you will. And by working with the Multimodal Freight Network
and identifying key strategic infrastructure, we will be able
to make certain that we are focusing our emphasis on improving
our overall infrastructure where it matters most to both
shippers and transportation providers alike.
The Chairman. Thank you. Ranking Member Cantwell.
Senator Cantwell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Zerzan, under your predecessor, Mr. Bradbury's role in
the first Trump administration allowed for an exemption to the
ADB-S (sic) Out system for the Department of Defense. And it
was then later learned that this was not as the request--was
requested in the exemption a very--not very often used thing,
but it turned out to be something they did all the time.
So how can you make sure that as you are looking at
regulations, particularly when the administration says they
want to get rid of ten rules, how can you make sure that these
kinds of oversights where people really were not paying
attention to the fact that DoD and FAA did not really have a
clear plan to keep these planes separated. What can you do to
make sure that that kind of rulemaking and exemption is not
followed in the future?
Mr. Zerzan. Thank you, Senator. I take the obligation of
the General Counsel to ensure the laws are being followed very
seriously. I also acknowledge my own limitations on technical
matters and fortunately the Department is full of people who
exercise excellent judgment in most cases. So I would certainly
attempt to rely upon the experts and ensure that in following
the law we are doing whatever we can do to maximize safety for
the American people.
Senator Cantwell. So how would you in this case, when DoD
came to the FAA and said, we want an exemption, how would you
as counsel make sure that you are following what is the process
to understand what the exemption really is? As opposed to, I am
sure a lot of people would like to give DOT an exemption,
right, those important missions that they have?
Mr. Zerzan. Yes. And I think it is an excellent question,
and candidly, not being familiar with the particulars of this
case, it is hard for me to give a precise answer. But I do
encounter instances even in my current job where the DoD or
other departments come to us and ask for various accommodations
or agreements. And in each case, it is the same process, which
is to rely upon the technical experts and seek their judgment,
and then make a good-faith determination of what I think is
compliant with the law.
Senator Cantwell. Thank you for that. And get up to speed
on it because I think it will come up. This is an ongoing
issue, and you know, this incident that just happened in the
Upper Midwest also just a reflection of we do not--there is
something amiss here if this kind of near-miss things are
continuing to happen. So we need DOT to be on the ball.
Mr. Rutherford do we need to increase the investments in
INFRA, and freight, and port infrastructure?
Mr. Rutherford. I think if we--Senator, if we are talking
about investments in infrastructure generally, absolutely, but
I think it would be premature to speak about individual grant
vehicles, because as I mentioned in my opening remarks, I
really want to make certain that we adopt a holistic and
systematic approach. We have got a number of grant vehicles not
only within the office more broadly----
Senator Cantwell. I am more looking at you. You come with
this private sector experience saying, I understand the
movement of goods and services.
Mr. Rutherford. Correct.
Senator Cantwell. And what I am trying to get at is that we
are at a threatened point of not being competitive enough if
you cannot get product safely and timely to market. And so in
my world because we represent a lot of ports, I see exactly
what that bottleneck can be and so infrastructure investment is
going to help us be competitive as a nation. So I want an
increase in that investment. I am just trying to see if you
agree.
Mr. Rutherford. I agree. But not only those within the
Office of the Secretary, but also elsewhere, you know, whether
they be in MARAD, or what have you.
Senator Cantwell. Yes.
Mr. Rutherford. Any other investments.
Senator Cantwell. Yes, well----
Mr. Rutherford. And that is why for me the--I guess my
point of----
Senator Cantwell.--you are saying make it an ecosystem that
works together very effectively?
Mr. Rutherford. Correct.
Senator Cantwell. Great. Well we are all----
Mr. Rutherford. And so my point of the----
Senator Cantwell.--we are all for MARAD spending too. So
only because the market is outside the United States, 95
percent of consumers are outside the United States, so if you
are not getting U.S. products to them timely, we are not going
to be competitive.
Mr. Rutherford. Absolutely. And I guess where I was trying
to arrive is, my point of departure is really the National
Freight Strategic Plan. And then that should be not only
managing what we do at the Office of the Secretary, but also
influencing grant-making decisions elsewhere within DOT.
Senator Cantwell. Thank you. Thank you for that.
Ms. Oz, I would love to ask about what your daughter sings
in opera, but we might not have time for that. So this----
Ms. Oz. To be discussed.
Senator Cantwell. Pardon me?
Ms. Oz. To be discussed later.
Senator Cantwell. To be discussed. So what do you think
is--you know, you have now had this private sector experience
where, you know, we are really basically beta testing and
rolling out to larger regimes of adoptions, right, but trying
to do so in a safe manner?
I have always thought that, you know, just starting here
and then just saying, well, we did a few betas and now we are
going to open it up to the whole country, and that is too much.
Like, so what--how do you see us continuing to move forward in
the adoption? And what do you do about the trucking sector and
the huge workforce that is involved there, because it is a very
key part of the U.S. economy, hundreds of thousands of people?
Ms. Oz. Senator Cantwell, well, it is an excellent
question, a two-part question. The first part has to do with
the fact that, as I mentioned in my testimony, we built this
technology here in America, and so we have all of the
foundational capability to scale it in the most safe way we can
by using conservative planning and by using systems that are--
fail operational.
So that includes redundancies in the system. It includes
ensuring we have secondary approaches like telematics,
teleoperations, remote vehicle management, but most importantly
we need a framework in which we can give clear guidance to
industry on scaling, and deploying the capabilities on public
roads in America in a safe way.
And that is, I think, the challenge with this
administration, with all of us, to incorporate many elements of
the technical capabilities we currently have and just ensure
that we coordinate them and work together on a national
framework.
Trucking is a very interesting--is a very interesting
windfall benefactor for this technology because trucking and
commerce is one of the areas that makes the most economic
distinction on--on benefits as we have remote vehicle
management. So I think it is one of the first use cases that we
can emerge with and I am hoping to provide good clarity and
good guidance on how we can do that on the technical side and
with research that we have already got.
Senator Cantwell. Well, yes, I am getting you a little out
of your lane because you are not--we are not hiring you to
figure out what to do with 200- or 300,000 Teamsters. But at
the same time it is--when you sit there and you are looking at
the framework which you describe which I think is a good plan,
having a framework that then you can coordinate with industry
and then get people to buy confidence in.
I thought the same about the drone system. You know you--we
had people, you know, visioning lots of drone use in the
Northwest for a long, long time. I think we started 2001 with
pushing the FAA to keep moving forward. So here it is the same
thing, but you also have a huge employment sector, unlike the
drone industry did not have that you know existing workforce
issue.
So we will look forward--my time has expired to discussing
this more with you. Thank you.
Ms. Oz. I appreciate it. Thank you, Senator.
The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Schatz.
Senator Schatz. I will defer to Senator Curtis if he is
ready.
Senator Curtis. Always.
The Chairman. All right, Senator Curtis.
STATEMENT OF HON. JOHN CURTIS,
U.S. SENATOR FROM UTAH
Senator Curtis. Let me flip to the right page in my book,
and put glasses on. All right, maybe I was a little over-
optimistic.
OK, Ms. Oz, Mr. Rutherford, and Mr. Zerzan, did I get that
correct? Thank you all for being here today, and
congratulations to each of you. I have greatly enjoyed the
opportunity to work with Secretary Duffy this year and I
appreciate the leadership he has brought to the Department. He
has shown a great interest in Utah, he has personally been out
there, and Utah has recognized that and is very appreciative.
Mr. Zerzan, Utah is experiencing rapid growth and preparing
to host the 2034 Winter Olympic Games. With that comes mounting
pressure around environmental review, time lines, and
permitting processes. How can DOT's Legal Office help
streamline these processes while maintaining integrity and
fairness?
Mr. Zerzan. Thank you very much, Senator. It is an
important question. The Supreme Court's recent Seven County's
decision has certainly facilitated NEPA reviews that I hope are
more consistent with what was intended by Congress. So that
alone will help expedite the review process and hopefully
mitigate some of the litigation risk that has delayed projects
of all kinds.
At the Department of the Interior, we have worked on
facilitating streamlined processes that are focused on what is
required by statute as opposed to other extraneous matters
which may indicate policy preferences, but which ultimately end
up slowing the process of permitting important projects. At the
Department, I would hope to help bring some of those same
permitting reform ideas that are designed again to streamline
the process while also ensuring environmental integrity.
Senator Curtis. Thank you. Mr. Rutherford, how do you plan
to partner with State Department of Transportation to ensure
freight planning reflects both national priorities and state-
specific needs?
Mr. Rutherford. Thank you for the question, Senator.
Obviously, there are a number of things within the actual
functions of the Freight Office in terms of the review of the
individual State DOT freight plans, the development of the
National Freight Strategic Plan, but I think what is really
important is that we both seek to drive and align.
The National Multimodal Freight Network is one area where
we do that, where we make certain that all of the strategic
inventory of our Nation's infrastructure is properly captured,
because that is a point of departure not only at the Freight
Office but also for many of the individual State DOTs.
And I think also the work, similar to what Secretary Duffy
has talked about last week, this need to identify initiatives
of proper Federal interest that are going to be strategically
important. By identifying them more clearly, it will help us,
for example, at the Freight Office, if confirmed, to respond to
questions like those from the Government Accountability Office
about exactly what do we mean by an exemplary project.
Senator Curtis. Thank you. That is great.
Mr. Rutherford. Thank you.
Senator Curtis. Thanks. Ms. Oz, Utah has established itself
as a leader in transportation innovation, thanks to strong
leadership from the Utah Department of Transportation, and
willingness to invest in new technologies like electric
aircraft. I am interested in your perspective on how the United
States is competing with China when it comes to innovative
transportation technologies?
Ms. Oz. Senator Curtis, thank you very much for that
important question and--but I wanted to also say thank you for
your staff for meeting with me during my recent visits to the
staff offices. I enjoyed our conversations around energy. So
the biggest problem we have, and specifically with China, I
think is--is that what your question is?
Senator Curtis. Correct.
Ms. Oz. OK. China has mandated as of their 2025 program,
which is in effect right now, the asset commitment, the capital
commitment, the unilateral decisionmaking of investing in this
energy sector and automatic driving sector, in a very big way.
And as of recently they are selling more cars than we are, they
own about 70 percent of the EV market, and they are building on
the chip sets that they have developed in the country locally,
and probably to expand to other countries in the region.
The U.S., in my estimate, built this technology as I
discussed earlier with Senator Cantwell. We need to own it. We
need to build regulatory involvement around it, and have the
very best research that gives--that gives a direction for that
capability. So that means that unilaterally we have to decide
we want to make this part of our agenda which the President and
Secretary Duffy have prioritized. So I guess I hope to support
that effort going forward.
Senator Curtis. Thank you. I am almost out of time. I would
just like to double down with all three of you that Utah is
ready to be innovative, and to lead, and I know the Secretary
is as well. And any chance that Utah can be part of any
innovation, or things that you want to work with, and
experiment with, we would love to have those conversations.
And with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield my time.
The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Schatz.
STATEMENT OF HON. BRIAN SCHATZ,
U.S. SENATOR FROM HAWAII
Senator Schatz. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you all for
your willingness to serve.
I have three questions and they are all for Mr. Zerzan.
Thank you for being willing to step up, and thanks to your
family for the sacrifice.
And I am going to caveat this with, I know you are not in
the Government, and I know that is an easy way not to answer
the question, and a perfectly fair way to not answer the
question. So I am actually trying to get to how you would
approach this problem, because you would be within your rights
to say: Well, I do not know yet. But I want you to try to
answer this.
The Department--and I have a good relationship with the
Secretary--but the Department froze around 3,200 grant awards
for review, and you know, I have spoken with him both publicly
and privately of the problem of all of them being frozen, and
then the bandwidth problem of unfreezing them individually. And
he was pretty frank about the inability to process this in a
timely fashion.
I think we are now, out of the 3,200, somewhere between 4-
and 500 who have now--that have now been approved. But this is
the law and we are now talking about billions of dollars of
transportation infrastructure, nonpartisan stuff, bipartisan
stuff, kind of, you know, meat and potato stuff.
I am wondering how, in the interest of fidelity to the law
that we passed, both the Appropriations law and the IIJA, how
do we effectuate a process that does not end up, you know,
taking us 5 years to get money out that has been approved, you
know, a couple of years ago now?
Mr. Zerzan. Well, thank you very much, Senator. Manpower
is, you know, a great way to solve a lot of problems, so
ensuring that you have eyeballs on the grants. I will tell you
from my own experience, you know, President Trump had ordered a
review of all spending in order to ensure that the taxpayer
dollars are being used faithfully.
At the Department of the Interior, we go through each
individual grant and review and see, because the Government is
very good at putting in clauses for allowing it to do things
like pause-it spending. And so to the extent there is a
justifiable reason for doing so, then we have put a pause on
it. If there is not, then the money goes out the door. So I
completely sympathize with what you are saying, and I am
familiar with the--with the challenge.
Senator Schatz. I just want to offer that just
operationally we may have to invert the assumption, right? You
may want to review for impropriety, or you know, noncompliance
with the law, or some other reason to freeze, but I think that
as long as the Department of Transportation professionals have
worked with a State Department of Transportation to engage that
our assumption should be that that is lawful, subject to
review, not that all of it does not go until it is individually
sort of reapproved.
Because if we do that, and again, I am not trying to, you
know, reduce the prerogatives of the Department to align better
with the new President's priorities, and the new Secretary's
priorities, but you are just not going to get through this
list, and you are going to get people on a bipartisan basis,
you know, pretty angry.
The other challenge is, I do not want to create a situation
where it is Tammany Hall and I have got to appeal directly to
the Secretary to kind of release my funds, right? And then we
are--then it is a mayor, and a swimming pool in your Council
District and that is not the way that we do transportation
infrastructure.
So this is not working right now, and I think the Secretary
would agree, that we need a new process other--because more
manpower, you know what is going to happen, it is going to take
months to just fund, hire, train, and then we are into next
year, and we will be one-third of our way through the list.
This thing is going too slow.
There is an Office of Tribal Transportation and an Office
of Tribal Government Affairs, and I want to know how you are
going to work with them to train lawyers and program staff on
their obligations under the law regarding tribal consultation
and transportation issues?
The reason I mentioned this is that we did a bunch of
things on a bipartisan basis to include tribes in ways that are
novel, but they are now statutory. The problem is that, as you
know from DOI, people kind of know what tribal consultation
means. DOT, not as much, and you know, we had a problem with
the Energy Department where they--this was all new to them, so
they had like bonding requirements for like a--you know, a 300-
person tribe as if that tribe were a municipal government that
could go onto Wall Street and get a AAA rating.
And so I just want your commitment to kind of work through
these issues given your experience at DOI, and to help your
team understand that tribes cannot be treated like counties,
they have to--you have to understand the unique legal
obligations and trust obligations between the U.S. Government
and Tribes.
Mr. Zerzan. Yes, absolutely, Senator, thank you. And I hope
I can help create value in that respect.
Senator Schatz. OK. Thank you. And then final question,
with your indulgence, Mr. Chairman; in the last FAA
Reauthorization I passed a law to create a standalone Aviation
Consumer Protection Office to further empower this function at
DOT. It is not fully established because it was subject to
appropriations and we have not appropriated money for this
purpose, so I just--so that functions would reside under the
GC's shop, and I just want your commitment to just fight for
consumers in the aviation context, and for us to be able to
work together on a couple of specific things. There were some
rulemakings that I think were broadly popular and rational. And
I am hoping we can work together on just protecting aviation
consumers.
Mr. Zerzan. Thank you, Senator, absolutely.
Senator Schatz. Thank you.
The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Lujan.
STATEMENT OF HON. BEN RAY LUJAN,
U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW MEXICO
Senator Lujan. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you all for being here today. Ms. Oz, is the safety
of the American people on America's roads important to you?
Ms. Oz. Critical.
Senator Lujan. Would you say it is a top priority?
Ms. Oz. Yes.
Senator Lujan. Would you say it is a number one priority?
Ms. Oz. It is a critical priority, sir.
Senator Lujan. Appreciate that. You worked at Google X; is
that correct?
Ms. Oz. That is correct, sir.
Senator Lujan. On their self-driving cars? It is my
understanding that they logged over a 100,000 miles on public
roads; is that about right?
Ms. Oz. More than that.
Senator Lujan. More than that? And there was no public
disclosure of that; is that correct?
Ms. Oz. Well, at the time it was much less. We are talking
about 2010 period. I presume, right?
Senator Lujan. Um-hum.
Ms. Oz. The testing was--and compliant with what the
company had.
Senator Lujan. You were on the team at the time and later
defended this question, saying, quote, ``Keeping the project
quiet enabled Google to test under the radar of public opinion
and lawmakers, we just did not want the program to slow down
for any reason''. End quote.
Ms. Oz. Yes, that was----
Senator Lujan. If I could finish, Google took it upon
themselves to make the decision for the public and for
regulators, effectively, using public roads and by extension
American lives as a testbed. Do you stand by this decision?
Ms. Oz. The decision at the time was accurate, Senator,
because there was no--there was no--there was an absence of any
kind of regulatory framework. The testing framework had been
received. There was no bill at the time, and the company went
ahead and made testing in accordance with the compliance they
received.
Senator Lujan. Do you believe that innovation should be
prioritized over public safety and oversight?
Ms. Oz. Absolutely, not.
Senator Lujan. Do you stand by that decision then at the
time?
Ms. Oz. I was not in the company during that period, during
that 2010 period when the--when the vehicles were being tested.
I came in 2011. So the comment you are making, sir, was much
later on.
Senator Lujan. Is this quote attributable to you though?
Did you say this, ``Keeping the project quiet enabled Google to
test under the radar of public opinion and lawmakers''?
Ms. Oz. They met--the context was keeping the--keeping the
engineering teams focused, keeping media and other concerning,
you know, groups that wanted to know specifics was primarily
the reason why we wanted to make sure that we kept this--the
engineering teams focused, and that there was no distraction.
That is the--that was the metaphor that was used to describe
that in the context.
Senator Lujan. Is that your quote, though, the one that I
am reading?
Ms. Oz. Probably, yes.
Senator Lujan. ``Probably''?
Ms. Oz. I have to see it, but I would imagine I made a
comment----
Senator Lujan. I will get that to you. I will also submit
that into the record so----
Ms. Oz. Sure.
Senator Lujan.--that we can be certain there. What steps
will you take to assure this Committee that you will prioritize
safety of the American people over interests of the industry?
Ms. Oz. While we were at Google and developing the program,
I was presiding over some of the work that was being done to
ensure that we had a program that could not be syncable, sir,
so that meant having extremely caution exercised at every node
on the point of departure to recovery that--to return the
vehicle to the home base. So that record stands for itself, and
it is still probably the safest record in the industry.
Senator Lujan. Appreciate that. As you have heard from all
of our colleagues, public safety matters very much to us. I
appreciate you saying it is a top priority, a critical
priority. That is something I think that we can all agree on.
Ms. Oz. Thank you, Senator.
Senator Lujan. So I appreciate your responses there.
Mr. Zerzan, you are currently the Acting Solicitor and
Principal Solicitor at the Department of Interior; is that
correct?
Mr. Zerzan. Yes, sir.
Senator Lujan. And you previously served as the General
Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer of the Department of
Interior; is that correct?
Mr. Zerzan. No, sir. That, I think that was maybe an energy
company I was in that role at.
Senator Lujan. Appreciate that. So would you say you have
experience leading a major legal office in advising on Federal
law and regulatory issues?
Mr. Zerzan. Yes, sir.
Senator Lujan. Do you have substantive legal experience in
transportation law?
Mr. Zerzan. Not with respect to the Department itself, but
given the interconnectedness of transportation with everything
we do in this country, it is unavoidable.
Senator Lujan. How about infrastructure policy or
regulatory issues specific to the Department of Transportation?
For example, aviation, rail, highway safety, motor carrier
rules?
Mr. Zerzan. I am not a lawyer who has a substantial amount
of background with that set of laws.
Senator Lujan. Now, the Department of Transportation
General Counsel typically needs deep knowledge across
transportation-specific sectors. And as you know, our country
faces tremendous transportation and safety issues right now, as
I was just questioning Ms. Oz, air traffic controllers,
autonomous vehicles, rail safety, all the rest. This
administration just continues to baffle me with its staffing
decisions. There are experts out there that are deep in all of
this policy. I appreciate your honesty and your candor in that
response, sir.
I just do not understand, Mr. Chairman, why, with all the
depth of experts in and around specific areas that sometimes
this happens. I just, I do not--I just do not understand that.
Nothing against you personally, I appreciate the work you do at
the Department of Interior. I am sure you are fabulous with the
energy companies that you have supported as well. We should
nominate you to be at the Department of Energy, or we should
put you back into this spot at the Department of Interior,
because you are doing well there. But nonetheless, that is just
my opinion.
Mr. Rutherford, one question I guess I have for you, sir,
is January 6, so I am sorry to bring this up again, but you
posted that--you said that January 6, that it was a
``disruption''. You said that your father, a former
Congressman, was one of the few to continue to vote against
certifying the votes after the January 6th disruption. Would
you call January 6th an ``insurrection''?
Mr. Rutherford. Mr. Senator, I will tell you, I am the son
of a policeman, my father who is a Congressman, and I certainly
do not condone violence against members of our law enforcement.
So if you are speaking to that that is one thing. If you are
speaking to the certification of the vote, I think every Member
of Congress is required by law to certify the vote, and it is
not until Congress has certified a vote that the President is
elected.
Senator Lujan. My question is not those, sir.
Mr. Rutherford. OK.
Senator Lujan. My question is very specific. Was January
6th an insurrection?
Mr. Rutherford. I would leave that to someone else to
describe.
Senator Lujan. So you stand by calling it a ``disruption''?
Mr. Rutherford. It certainly disrupted the process of the
day.
Senator Lujan. I mean, look, to your point, I appreciate
what you are saying there. People died that day. Officers were
beaten. Some of them are no longer with us. Words matter, you
all, and we are going to be leaders in these positions. There
is just----
Mr. Rutherford. Sir----
Senator Lujan.--if I could finish, sir. Because my time is
up as well and I appreciate the indulgence, Mr. Chairman, I
just hope just down the road with some of these things, we just
remember that. You know, it all matters. I appreciate the
service of your father as well, and the work that was done in
those spaces. You are you are all going to be confirmed. But
just, words matter, as we just get through all this stuff, is
all that I am asking.
Thank you for the indulgence, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. I would just, I thank my friend from New
Mexico, and I would note that the Department of Transportation,
Office of Multimodal Transportation is unlikely to have any
direct responsibilities concerning January 6. And if we want to
have a discussion about January 6, I am more than happy to do
so. And I am happy to say under no way, shape, or form was
January 6 an insurrection. I think that is a term that is
loaded with partisan content and is--inaccurately describes
what occurred that day. But given this hearing is on DOT
nominees, this is probably not the right----
Senator Lujan. Mr. Chairman, I think we can both agree it
was a bad day, though.
The Chairman. I think this is not the right forum for that
discussion. Senator Moreno.
STATEMENT OF HON. BERNIE MORENO,
U.S. SENATOR FROM OHIO
Senator Moreno. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman. And
congratulations to all of you on being nominated, I am sure it
is--that you feel the way most people would feel in your
position, which it is a great honor to be asked by the
President of the United States to serve their country.
Ms. Oz, I will start with you. When you look at your job
and making certain that we are advancing research and
technology in the automobile industry do you--where do you see
a vision of where we are from a transportation perspective in,
let us say, 10 or 15 years? Is private ownership of cars still
a factor, or are self-driving autonomous vehicles going to be
the primary and only means of transportation?
Ms. Oz. Senator, first of all, it is good to see you. I
enjoyed our time together in your offices, beautiful offices.
And we touched on some of these subjects. And I appreciate your
interest in the automotive industry and of your continued
commitment. I do believe Americans deserve a choice. They
deserve a choice on what type of modality they wish to use to
get from point to--point A to point B.
In some cases, we may not--we may no longer want or need to
drive in traffic anymore. And in some cases, we want to turn on
the ignition and just, you know, go on a deep rural drive
somewhere in the back road. So we should have that choice.
There are some learnings that we can take probably from the
first use cases for the self-driving cars other than freight,
will most likely be in the realm of fleet management, because
it is going to be easier to maintain fleets of vehicles; turn
them onto home base, get them maintained properly. But that
will also mean more cars being sold in total volume, because if
you can drive 100,000 miles in 1 year on a fleet vehicle with
90 percent utility optimization, you can sell more cars.
Senator Moreno. Well, again, I am not--I am not concerned
about the number of vehicles sold. I am concerned about,
ultimately, are we looking to replace private ownership of
cars? Like that is my main question, because here is the
concern I have. During the Biden administration, they had a
very unhealthy obsession with EVs, and that led to a disastrous
amount of government money, spent hundreds of billions of
dollars in subsidies. They drove car companies almost off the
cliff to make EVs, California, of course, lost their mind,
whatever was left of it, and wanted everybody driving an
electric vehicle.
Thanks to the Congressional Review Act, we ended that.
Thanks to our Chairman who did a lot of work with the one big
beautiful bill, we have now made kind of an old-fashioned
concept come true, which is car companies should make the cars
that people want to buy.
So my question to you, and what I worry about, is that we
do not want to go from an obsession with EVs to an obsession
with AVs. And we obviously understand level 1 autonomy, the
level 4 autonomy, totally understand as long as it is optional,
as long as it is not mandated that somebody buy that--you know,
one of the things I find interesting is my colleagues talk
about how all these safety technologies should be mandated. I
took the time to find out what kind of cars they personally
drive, and you would be shocked to know that they did not
purchase, themselves, those advanced driving technologies.
So they do not want to spend their own personal money to
buy more safety systems in their own cars, but want to mandate
that very same technology for all Americans. You know, rules
for thee, but not for me.
My question to you when you are advising our great
Secretary of Transportation/NASA Administrator, maybe we will
nominate him to be the Chairman of the Federal Reserve too. He
would definitely do a better job than Jerome Powell. But that
is a different topic for different day.
The Chairman. I think they are giving that to Marco Rubio.
[Laughter.]
Senator Moreno. Well he, I think the quota is four jobs. So
Sean still has a couple more left. But back to the point, when
you are advising him, I just want to be clear-eyed about your
advice to him. Is it going to be: Hey, we have to move to a
level 5 autonomy and start down the path of eliminating private
ownership of cars? Or is this: How do we invest more in level 1
through level 4 to drive those technologies to be less
expensive so that more customers, on their own, like my
colleagues who currently have not chosen to buy those
technologies because maybe they thought they were too expensive
to have them? That is a big difference in that conversation.
Ms. Oz. Senator, I appreciate the analysis, and costs and
affordability is a critical measurement in terms of this
freedom, and I think we support, and I will support all of the
above in terms of level 1 through level 4. I do not think we
will see level 5 in my lifetime, but I do think that we can see
this capability deployed on all different types of engines,
whether they are ICE, or electric. So in that case I think I
would support your view on this. Thank you.
Senator Moreno. Yes. Because what I do not want to live is
in a dystopian future in which big tech controls the
transportation industry in America. You know, as you know, we
talked about this in my office, America did not invent the
automobile, but we invented what the automobile became. And the
automobile is the ultimate expression of freedom. The idea that
I am here in Washington D.C., I can go wherever the heck I want
in a car that I own. Not controlled by big tech, not controlled
by government. I can decide what kind of car I buy with my own
money. It is a concept that my Democrat colleagues, over the
last four years, lost sight of.
They said all of the above. They said we want to give
consumers choice, but in reality, the heavy, heavy hand of
government was taking away those choices. And I just want to be
incredibly clear that from your perspective, this is not about
mandating or driving America toward the point in time in which
the only people that control transportation in this country is
giant technology companies that would mine our data and have
complete control over our lives because it can control where we
went and how we went there. I just want to be clear that that
is absolutely not something that you would support.
Ms. Oz. I will support the freedom of choice, and the
freedom to drive in this country, because it is a part of our
way of life.
Senator Moreno. OK. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman. Thank you. Senator Kim.
STATEMENT OF HON. ANDY KIM,
U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW JERSEY
Senator Kim. Thank you, Chairman.
Mr. Rutherford, I would like to start with you. You know,
the FAST Act of 2015 required the Department of Transportation
established a National Multimodal Freight Network to assist
states in strategically directing their resources, improving
performance of our freight system. OSTF is currently in the
process of developing this network and has published a draft
map for public comment includes the rail line, highways, ports,
rivers, and airports. I believe that this effort is crucial for
effectively modernizing these systems and can serve as a larger
purpose as well as to help guide our own support. So I just
wanted to ask if you could commit that the National Multimodal
Freight Network be finalized under your leadership, should you
be confirmed?
Mr. Rutherford. Thank you for the question, Senator. And
first and foremost, I agree with you about the significance of
it, not only for DOT--within DOT, but also at the individual
State DOTs. It is a key area of alignment across the Federal,
state, and local levels, and finalizing that is certainly a
priority, day one, if confirmed.
Senator Kim. OK, great. Is that something you would work
with me on to make sure that we can keep that going?
Mr. Rutherford. Absolutely. Because the way I look at the
National Multimodal Freight Network is it really gives us a
sense of the current state of play and that needs to be the
point of departure from which we then develop a broader
National Freight Strategic Plan. Yes.
Senator Kim. Another part of that would be, you know, there
is the Freight Logistics Optimization Works initiative, FLOW,
it is crucial understanding and responding to the supply chain
disruptions. This was something that was launched in 2022 in
response to some of the supply chain disruptions that we are
facing at that time establishes that public private partnership
between the industry partners and the government so that we
can, you know, have a better understanding of the purchase
order data from importers, et cetera. So I just wanted to ask,
if you are confirmed can you commit to continuing this program
under your leadership and working with Congress to ensure its
success?
Mr. Rutherford. Yes, Senator. And supply chain visibility,
it is everything. You know, I like to describe transportation
as being an outdoor sport, you have got to be able to change as
the operating environment changes. And that forward-looking
visibility that FLOW provides, I think, is incredibly helpful.
And we have got a great point of--a great base from which to
build, but there is a lot more that we can do with that. And I
look forward to exploring those opportunities, if confirmed?
Senator Kim. Yes. Just, you know, it is something that, you
know, when we look back on, I mean, we want to make sure we
never have that kind of supply chain disruption for the effect
that it caused on families, on higher prices, and all sorts of
other issues. So I am glad to hear that, and hope to be able to
work with you on that.
And Ms. Oz, I would like to just kind of follow up on some
points a colleague of mine had asked you earlier about the
autonomous vehicle efforts, especially when it comes to Google,
asked, you know, in terms of the issues about Google disclosing
that their self-driving cars had logged over, you know, 140,000
miles, they disclosed that in 2010.
I guess I just wanted to ask you, kind of, point blank
again, do you think that there was any reason for Google to
disclose and to--you know to be able to be more transparent
about the training as well as the testing that they were doing
when it came to autonomous vehicles?
Ms. Oz. Senator, thank you for the question. As I mentioned
to Senator Lujan, Google was at the time operating under a
testing scenario which was fully compliant with their
capabilities, and the decision to test on public roads was also
fully compliant. That was during the time that I actually had
not joined yet. So my comments were made after the fact.
And my comments were more related to the ability for them
to test and to lead, and not being distracted, and focus on
what they were doing, so as not to be, you know, distracted by
outside comments and interests on what we were doing.
Senator Kim. I guess I would be kind of curious now that
you are seeking a position that is going to have some oversight
over this in terms of understanding. I mean, I can see how you
can have that position when you are working for Google. But
where is a line here? Where is a line in which a company needs
to be transparent about testing and testing technology that is
still not fully proven, you know, still has concerns over
accidents, and doing it in the general public without the
public understanding that this is being tested? Uncertain when
these tests are going to occur, you know, doing it alongside
others.
I guess I am just kind of--just trying to think through
like, where does that go from here? Where do you--where do you
draw that line?
Ms. Oz. Well, the world has changed quite substantially
since then. So right now we do have statewide regulations on
what is required by each state. It is fairly--it is fairly open
and transparent, but there is no there is no Federal framework
right now. And that is mainly the reason why I am here, sir, is
to help inform NHTSA and other regulatory policy bodies on how
we can, most safely, with the most integrity using the most
unbiased and objective data, ensure that we do this in the in a
public domain and we can scale in an accelerated fashion.
Senator Kim. Yes, I guess, you know, just as I am wrapping
up here, I guess I just want to raise the point, I understand
that and I do think that there needs to be conversation about a
Federal level, across the states as well, you are talking about
it. But I guess it just makes me uneasy about what position you
would take, you know, when it comes to your position, if your
position is going to basically stand by, you know, the kind of
approach that Google and other companies should just be able to
do whatever they do because any type of public criticism or
transparency is going to get in the way. Is going to, you know,
``distract'' them, I think, is the word that you used.
I do not think congressional oversight or our ability to
look into what companies are doing, is about distracting these
companies from what they are doing. I do think that there
should be public transparency. So I would just raise, that I am
worried about what position you will take when it comes to
Federal rules, and Federal approaches to this all.
And with that, I yield back.
The Chairman. Thank you very much. And I want to thank each
of the nominees for being here.
Mr. Oz, Mr. Rutherford, Mr. Zerzan, my final question is
required of all nominees. If confirmed, do you pledge to work
collaboratively with this Committee to provide thorough and
timely responses to the Committee's requests and to appear
before the Committee when requested?
Ms. Oz. I do, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Rutherford. I do.
Mr. Zerzan. Yes, sir.
The Chairman. Thank you. Senators will have until the close
of business on Friday, July 25 to submit questions for the
record. The nominees will have until the close of business on
Monday, July 28 to respond to those questions.
That concludes today's hearing. The Committee stands
adjourned.
[Whereupon, at 11:14 a.m., the hearing was adjourned.]
A P P E N D I X
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Marsha Blackburn to
Seval Oz
Question 1. In your role as Assistant Secretary for Research and
Technology, you will be tasked with overseeing the University
Transportation Center program. UT Knoxville is home to one of these
UTCs, focusing on improving freight transportation to ensure efficient
and resilient supply chains. UTK is at the forefront of transportation
innovation, please explain how you plan to partner with universities
and other stakeholders outside of the Department of Transportation to
ensure that the United States remains at the forefront of innovation in
transportation, supply chain resiliency, and logistics?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work closely with the UTCs on their
important work in improving freight transportation, supply chain
resiliency and logistics. I recognize that UTCs play a key role in
transportation research.
Question 2. I have focused on for years the right sizing the
Federal government and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are going towards
worthwhile, applicable research. I have been pleased that President
Trump and Secretary Duffy share this concern for the smart allocation
of taxpayer funds. How do you plan to ensure that Federal dollars are
spent on worthwhile research, retaining the partnerships that keep us
at the forefront of innovation and technological advancement?
Answer. The role in which I am nominated to serve focuses on
research for the Department and does not have a decision in the
spending of Federal dollars.
Question 3. We often hear that the patent process is broken,
especially when it comes to critical and emerging technologies. China
is working to surpass the United States in this field, leading the
world in 57 of 64 critical technologies. That's why I introduced the
Leadership in Critical and Emerging Technologies Act, which would
require the USPTO to establish a pilot program to expedite the
examination of 15,000 patent applications for certain critical and
emerging technologies. Can you describe your experience patenting
autonomous technologies and what barriers exist for innovators in this
arena?
Answer. While working at Continental, my team and I filed multiple
patents, which was an expensive and labor-intensive process.
China has capitalized our slow patent system to quickly file
similar patents in other venues, essentially copying or stealing our
innovations. If confirmed, I will work with the Senate Commerce
Committee to fix this problem.
Question 4. In your new role, you will coordinate with modal
agencies on autonomous vehicle research and adoption. It is critically
important to our competition with China for technological dominance
that the United States get this right. Please explain how you will
apply your experience to your new role, ensuring that the United States
is the world leader in the technology of the future.
Answer. If confirmed, I will work closely with the modal agencies,
such as NHTSA, to ensure the safety, efficiency, and reliability of
advanced systems to improve the United States' competitive edge.
Question 5. What specific advantages does China have over the
United States in autonomous technology, and how will you work to
mitigate those in your role as Assistant Secretary?
Answer. The Chinese government has promoted a national framework
for the acceleration of automated vehicles (AVs) across their
metropolitan cities that also fueled commercialization of the robo-taxi
and passenger vehicle industry.
If confirmed, I plan to advise the Secretary and inform DOT's
regulatory framework on the safest and most advanced research and
technical knowledge to promote the safe deployment for advanced
technologies.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Bernie Moreno to
Seval Oz
I. Preserving Individual Car Ownership
Question 1. Ms. Oz, private car ownership is a foundational
American value. In your view, can the future of autonomous vehicles
coexist with widespread private vehicle ownership, and do you support
or anticipate recommending any policies that would directly or
indirectly limit the right to own a personal vehicle?
Answer. Yes, these vehicles will co-exist as different communities
will have different needs and demands. No, I absolutely will not
recommend, nor do I support any policies to limit vehicle ownership.
Question 2. Do you foresee a future in which AV fleets displace or
restrict access to personally owned vehicles? If so, what would the
impact be--particularly on rural and underserved communities that rely
on car ownership?
Answer. No, I do not foresee AV fleets displacing or restricting
access to personally owned vehicles. If AV fleets exist in the future,
it would be in response to a demand most likely in specific
geographical locations.
Question 3. Would you support a temporary suspension of AV
technologies that do not have a human driver in the vehicle for five
years?
Answer. If confirmed, I would lead the Department's research
efforts in advanced technology to ensure the safety and reliability of
these systems. NHTSA, not OST-R, is responsible for such decisions. I
will follow all the laws of Congress and the policies of the Department
of Transportation as set by the President and the Secretary.
II. Cost Impacts and Federal Mandates
Question 1. In your testimony, you spoke about the life-saving
potential of AVs. What measures are being taken to ensure that AV
adoption does not increase the cost of vehicles for working Americans
who may neither want nor need these technologies?
Answer. If confirmed, I would lead the Department's research
efforts in advanced technology to ensure the safety and reliability of
these systems. The Office of Research and Technology does not make
these decisions about which technologies to include in cars. However, I
support vehicle choice and strongly support private ownership of
vehicles.
Question 2. Do you believe DOT should be prohibited from mandating
that all new vehicles include AV technologies, especially if such
mandates would price millions of Americans out of the new car market?
Answer. If confirmed, I would lead the Department's research
efforts in advanced technology to ensure the safety and reliability of
these systems. The Office of Research and Technology does not make
these decisions. However, I support vehicle choice, strongly support
private ownership of vehicles, and support affordability. The Congress,
the President, and the Secretary make these choices.
III. Data Privacy and Big Tech
Question 1. How can we prevent AV manufacturers, many of which are
large technology companies, from collecting, storing, or selling
personally identifiable location and behavioral data from vehicles?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work to ensure strong, updated data
encryption privacy and cybersecurity is part of our AV framework.
Question 2. What safeguards should be put in place to prevent
government agencies or corporations from using AV data for
surveillance, profiling, or commercial exploitation?
Answer. Strong AV data encryption can prevent unauthorized actors
from monitoring the movement of our vehicles and people. If confirmed,
I will work with the Senate Commerce committee to analyze proposals to
update and reinforce encryption safeguards.
IV. Market Competition and Centralized Control
Question 1. What would you say to concerns that the current AV
policy landscape favors large, centralized fleets controlled by
corporations or governments--at the expense of competition and private
ownership?
Answer. If confirmed, I would work to inform AV policy that
supports innovation while supporting and preserving private ownership.
Question 2. What policies are necessary to ensure a competitive
marketplace that prevents monopolistic control of the AV ecosystem by a
few dominant players in the tech or transportation sectors?
Answer. If confirmed, I would lead the Department's research
efforts in advanced technology to ensure the safety and reliability of
these systems. The Office of Research and Technology does not make
these decisions. However, I strongly support vehicle choice and private
ownership of vehicles.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Maria Cantwell to
Seval Oz
Safe NAS Integration. OST-R's Highly Automated Systems Safety
Center of Excellence (HASS COE) issued a 2024 report on Electronic
Conspicuity which indicated that equipping airspace users with
technologies like ADS-B supports the safe integration of Unmanned
Aerial Systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS) and also
creates a safe and secure environment for future evolutions.
Question 1. Ms. Oz, if confirmed, how will you use your research
role at the Department to help inform the safe integration of UAS into
the NAS?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work with OST-R's Highly Automated
Systems Safety Center of Excellence to research and advance
technologies like Electronic Conspicuity, and work cross modally with
the FAA and OST-X to foster the deployment of new technologies that are
safe and secure within the NAS.
Question 2. Do you support ensuring that more operators in the NAS
are equipped with ADS-B Out and other senses and avoid safety
technologies to better achieve this goal and help the commercial drone
industry move forward?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the Senate Commerce
Committee to develop and deploy those safety technologies which are
appropriate to help the commercial drone industry move forward.
Volpe Center. The Volpe Center, which would fall under your
authority if confirmed, is DOT's world-class transportation research
center in Cambridge, MA. Its focus is on developing innovative
solutions to transportation challenges. Most of Volpe's 600 Federal
staff are technical professionals with advanced degrees. Volpe receives
no direct appropriation from Congress. All of its work is funded by
fees from project sponsors. About 85 percent of that work is sponsored
by DOT modal offices, including FAA, FRA, and FHWA.
Question 1. Do you support this business model and, if confirmed,
would you commit to working with DOT operating administrations to
continue to direct research to the Volpe Center?
Answer. I am not yet at the agency and therefore do not know the
specific details for Volpe's business model.
Bureau of Transportation Statistics. If confirmed, the Bureau of
Transportation Statistics (BTS) would fall under your authority. BTS is
one of 13 Federal statistical agencies. BTS collects, compiles, and
analyzes data on all modes of transportation, and that data provides
critical context to transportation decision makers, including Congress.
BTS data is expected to be objective, independent of political
influence, and unbiased.
Question 1. If confirmed, do you commit to supporting BTS in its
mission of providing transportation data that is independent and free
from political bias?
Answer. If confirmed, I will support the entities under my
authority, including BTS in its mission of providing transportation
data that is independent and free from political bias.
Question 2. If confirmed, would you support increasing resources
for the Bureau?
Answer. I am not yet at the agency and therefore cannot comment on
the BTS' needs.
University Transportation Centers. The Trump Administration $54
million in funding to University Transportation Centers because they
were too radical. This includes centers performing cutting edge
research into how AI can improve the efficiency of transportation
systems.
Question 1. If confirmed, will you commit to awarding these funds
through a new Notice of Funding Opportunity?
Answer. If confirmed, I will support the agencies in the Department
in their funding efforts, in consultation with the Office of Management
and Budget.
Question 2. If confirmed, would you commit to fairly and unbiasedly
reviewing the applications of the Universities that lost funding?
Answer. If confirmed, I will commit to following the policies in
fairly and unbiasedly reviewing funding applications.
______
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Amy Klobuchar to
Seval Oz
Question 1. Research Investments. The Department of
Transportation's Office of Science & Technology Research works with
public, private, and academic sector partners on research
collaboration, coordinates research investment, and oversees the
development of Annual Modal Research Plans.
Do you commit to being an advocate for science and maintaining
academic partnerships at the Department?
Answer. If confirmed, I will be an advocate for application of the
scientific method in analysis and replicable academic research.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Ben Ray Lujan to
Seval Oz
Question 1. The role of the Department of Transportation is to
ensure all vehicles, including those equipped with partially or fully
automated driving systems, are safe for all road users. Studies show
that by 2030, nearly 70 percent of all vehicles sold in the U.S. will
have ``some level of driving automation, specifically SAE levels 2 and
above'' \1\. One of the most prevalent issues leading to AV crashes is
over-trust in the automated system, leading to lack of oversight by the
human in the loop. Trust in these systems is built on the assumption
that the government is performing its oversight duties to ensure cars
and roads are safe for everyone.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ https://www.autobodynews.com/news/majority-of-new-vehicles-
will-have-level-2-autonomy-by-
2030#: :text=The%20analysis%20by%20ABI%20Research%20predicts%20almost,1%
2C%20
2024.%20*%20Read%20Time:%201%20Min.
a. What do you plan to do to ensure drivers' trust in AV technology
is not misguided?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work with NHTSA on testing, and
comprehensive educational and training programs to ensure drivers'
trust in AV technology is not misguided.
b. How do you plan to enforce safety mechanisms in all levels of
autonomous vehicles so we can all benefit from the promise of these
technologies?
Answer. If confirmed, I will coordinate with NHTSA, key
stakeholders, and the Secretary on the benefits of these safety
mechanisms.
Question 2. What do you believe are the biggest safety concerns or
challenges that are unique to autonomous vehicles? Please outline your
answers for varying levels of automation as necessary.
Answer. In general, errors in vehicle control, cybersecurity,
spoofing GPS/sensors, ransomware, and hacking are some of the primary
safety concerns unique to AVs. If confirmed, I will work with NHTSA to
coordinate appropriate safety mechanisms in all levels of autonomous
vehicles.
Levels 0-2 driver assistance/partial automation: Human Factors
(Distractions)
Level 3 conditional automation: Response Time (Disengagements)
Level 4 self-driving: Environmental Conditions (E.g. Sensor and
perception limitations include snow, fog, glare or heavy rain
when the system cannot see or maneuver around road furniture or
other vehicles
Question 3. During your testimony, I asked you about a quote
attributed to you, in which you stated ``Keeping the project quiet
enabled Google to test under the radar of public opinion and lawmakers.
We just didn't want the program to slow down for any reason.'' \2\ This
was regarding Google's decision not to inform the public or lawmakers
about testing its self-driving cars on public roads. You told me the
goal was ``keeping the engineering teams focused'' and ensuring ``there
was no distraction''. I understand you were not at the company at the
time, but you did defend their decisions. Do you support Google's
decision to keep the public and lawmakers in the dark while using
public roads to test new technology?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ https://www.pcmag.com/opinions/teslas-tussle-with-feds-over-
model-x-accident-is-a-fools-errand
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answer. I support transparency, especially if the matter involves
safety.
Question 4. In your testimony, you stated that self-driving cars
have ``proven to be safer by all metrics shown in the public records.''
a. What data are you referencing in this answer? Please provide
links to relevant reports or studies.
Answer. Independently peer-reviewed publications:
Comparison of Waymo Rider-Only Crash Data to Human Benchmarks
at 7.1 Million Miles
Comparative Safety Performance of Autonomous-and Human Drivers:
A Real-World Case Study of the Waymo One Service
b. Do you believe we collect sufficient safety data on autonomous
vehicles? Please outline your answers for varying levels of automation
as necessary.
Answer. Since I am not yet at the agency, I do not have access to
data that has already been collected.
c. How do you plan to increase transparency and public access to
safety data for autonomous vehicles, particularly when much of that
information is currently treated as proprietary?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the relevant entities in the
Department to protect proprietary data.
Question 5. The purpose of the Department of Transportation is to
ensure that every form of transportation is safe for Americans. Yes or
No: Would you take an action that is in conflict with those goals due
to political pressure?
Answer. If confirmed, my primary goal would be to make advanced
technologies as safe as possible.
Question 6. Yes or No: Would you go against a direct order from the
President or his cabinet if you believed it put lives at risk or was
illegal?
Answer. The President of the United States and his cabinet would
never put lives at risk or give illegal orders.
Question 7. Yes or No: Did Joe Biden lawfully win the 2020
presidential election?
Answer. Former President Joseph Biden was certified as the winner
of the 2020 presidential election and sworn in as the forty-sixth
President on January 20, 2021.
Question 8. Yes or No: Did Donald Trump lawfully win the 2024
presidential election?
Answer. President Trump was certified as the winner of the 2024
presidential election and sworn in as the forty-seventh President on
January 20, 2025.
______
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. John Hickenlooper to
Seval Oz
Question 1. The Global Positioning System (GPS) provides critical
services to the U.S. economy. These include precise navigation
services--including during natural disasters, support for precision
farming to optimize crop yields and resource management, and efficiency
in fleet management and public transportation. Today, our GPS system
relies on a constellation of satellites that communicate with ground-
based radars to transmit key information to users. In 2018, Congress
directed the Department of Transportation to demonstrate the
performance of a backup and complementary Positioning, Navigation, and
Timing (PNT) system.
Ms. Oz, if confirmed, how will you lead DOT to work with
interagency partners such as DOD and DHS to demonstrate and advance a
backup GPS capability?
Answer. Since I'm not yet at the agency, I'm not aware of current
backup GPS capabilities available. If confirmed, I will work with
appropriate interagency partners to analyze this effort.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Marsha Blackburn to
Michael Rutherford
Question 1. If confirmed, you will be tasked with updating the
National Freight Strategic Plan, which outlines the DOT's policy goals
to improve the movement of freight. Memphis, Tennessee, is known as the
Logistics Hub of America and Tennessee is a vital artery of commerce
and supply chain resiliency for our Nation. Please discuss specifically
how you plan to prioritize and support America's intermodal hubs, like
Memphis, when you're building out the National Freight Strategic Plan.
Answer. If confirmed, I would work closely with the Senate Commerce
Committee, TDOT and the broader freight community to make certain that
DOT properly assesses the needs and opportunities in Memphis and
Tennessee more generally through the National Freight Strategic Plan
assessment.
Question 2. It is vitally important for you to visit Memphis and
see the important logistics and transportation work that is occurring
there. Will you commit to visiting Memphis in your role and engaging
with our many stakeholders as you focus on DOT's strategic plan?
Answer. If confirmed, I gladly look forward to visiting Memphis
again.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Maria Cantwell to
Michael Rutherford
Freight investments in the surface transportation reauthorization.
Four out of 10 jobs in my state are in freight dependent industries.
Freight cannot wait in the Pacific Northwest. Delays cost money for
consumers, farmers and manufacturers. That is why I championed historic
investments in our Nation's freight infrastructure in the bipartisan
infrastructure law including:
1. a 78 percent increase for the INFRA freight grant program,
2. a historic $2.25 billion in port infrastructure investments, and
3. for the first time in a surface transportation reauthorization--
freight rail investments through my grade crossing elimination
grant program and CRISI.
Question 1. Yes or No: Do you think the next infrastructure law
needs to continue funding for the INFRA grant program?
Answer. If confirmed, I would use every resource available to DOT
to ensure we can advance the mission of the Freight Office, which will
include any funding and programs Congress authorizes in the next
Surface Transportation Reauthorization.
Question 2. Yes or No: Do you think the next infrastructure law
needs to continue funding for the Port Infrastructure Development
Program?
Answer. If confirmed, I would use every resource available to DOT
to ensure we can advance the mission of the Freight Office, which will
include any funding and programs Congress authorizes in the next
Surface Transportation Reauthorization.
Question 3. Yes or No: Do you think the next infrastructure law
needs to continue funding for the CRISI Program?
Answer. If confirmed, I would use every resource available to DOT
to ensure we can advance the mission of the Freight Office, which will
include any funding and programs Congress authorizes in the next
Surface Transportation Reauthorization.
Question 4. Yes or No: Do you think the next infrastructure law
needs to continue funding for the Railroad Crossing Elimination grant
program?
Answer. If confirmed, I would use every resource available to DOT
to ensure we can advance the mission of the Freight Office, which will
include any funding and programs Congress authorizes in the next
Surface Transportation Reauthorization.
Question 5. How can DOT improve multimodal freight planning and
coordination between the public and private sectors?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work with state DOTs and engage the
freight community-at-large, as appropriate, to ensure the success of
the National Freight Strategic Plan.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Amy Klobuchar to
Michael Rutherford
Question 1. Freight Bottlenecks. Efficient flow of freight across
our transit systems is crucial to the competitiveness of our economy.
When shippers are delayed by major congestion and outdated
infrastructure, products don't arrive on time, businesses suffer, and
costs for consumers go up.
If confirmed, how will you work to address freight bottlenecks?
Answer. The National Multimodal Freight Network draft process and
the National Freight Strategic Plan, informed in part by the review of
individual state DOT freight plans, will help to ensure that we drive
and align on priorities across the federal, state and local levels.
2. Container Supply Chain. During the pandemic, ocean carriers were
unloading containers at American ports but refusing American exports
and returning to Asia with empty containers. U.S. exporters saw the
price of shipping containers increase four-fold, especially on Asia-
Pacific routes. My Ocean Shipping Reform Act with Senator Thune worked
to address these supply chain challenges by making it harder for ocean
carriers to arbitrarily turn away goods at ports that are ready to be
shipped abroad.
If confirmed, how will you work to reduce supply chain disruption
and enhance resiliency?
Answer. If confirmed, I will use the Freight Logistics Optimization
Works (FLOW) program to offer forward-looking supply chain visibility,
enabling shippers to make timely decisions about how best to route
their freight to destination in response to changes in the operating
environment at our Nation's ports
______
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Tammy Duckworth to
Michael Rutherford
Question. GAO released a report this week on air cargo. The report
found DOT's Multimodal Freight Office--which is supposed to help reduce
freight congestion--hasn't taken action to address challenges facing
air cargo.
In fact, it appears the office hasn't even been communicating with
air cargo stakeholders or the FAA about infrastructure needs. According
to GAO, ``Of the 30 stakeholders that responded to our question about
coordination with DOT, none said they had communicated with the
Multimodal Freight Office about air cargo issues. . .''
If the office had been paying attention, it would have found, as
GAO did, that there are a host of infrastructure problems causing
congestion around airports. Poorly configured roadways and a lack of
truck staging and parking areas are leading to trucks blocking traffic.
Air cargo is huge for our Nation's economy. In 2022, it generated
more than $106 billion in economic output and supported more than 1
million jobs.
Yet, DOT's Multimodal Freight Office appears to be doing nothing to
address the critical surface transportation challenges to air cargo
operations.
DOT seems more focused on staff cuts than growing our economy and
creating jobs.
A. If confirmed, will you oppose staff cuts to the Multimodal
Freight Office?
Answer. I am not yet at the Department, and therefore, cannot
testify to the staffing needs of any part of DOT.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Ben Ray Lujan to
Michael Rutherford
The purpose of the Department of Transportation is to ensure that
every form of transportation is safe for Americans.
Question 1. Yes or No: Would you take an action that is in conflict
with those goals due to political pressure?
Answer. If confirmed, my primary goal would be to make freight
transportation as safe and efficient as possible.
Question 2. Yes or No: Would you go against a direct order from the
President or his cabinet if you believed it put lives at risk or was
illegal?
Answer. The President of the United States and his cabinet would
never put lives at risk or give illegal orders.
Question 3. Yes or No: Did Joe Biden lawfully win the 2020
presidential election?
Answer. Former President Joseph Biden was certified as the winner
of the 2020 presidential election and sworn in as the forty-sixth
President on January 20, 2021.
Question 4. Yes or No: Did Donald Trump lawfully win the 2024
presidential election?
Answer. President Trump was certified as the winner of the 2024
presidential election and sworn in as the forty-seventh President on
January 20, 2025.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. John Hickenlooper to
Michael Rutherford
Small businesses and retailers across the country rely on
predictable supply chains for imported goods and services. Imports and
key consumer products rely on railways, highways, and runways to
deliver consumer products to store shelves or American's front doors.
Since January, the President has announced a series of investigations
across product sectors (e.g., aircraft parts, pharmaceuticals) while
threatening to delay, pause, or issue new tariffs on imported goods
from our trading partners.
Question 1. Mr. Rutherford, what impact do you believe our tariff
policies have had on the multi-modal freight network?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work to reduce congestion and increase
performance of the multimodal freight network to ensure it continues to
support importers, exporters, and domestic shippers. The Office of
Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy does not address tariffs.
Question 2. Mr. Rutherford, will you commit to working closely with
small businesses to navigate any disruptions or bottlenecks in our
multi-modal freight network?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work with any stakeholders to improve
disruptions and bottlenecks in our freight systems.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. John Fetterman to
Michael Rutherford
Question 1. Pennsylvania has a vast system of inland waterways. In
southwestern Pennsylvania alone, there are 200 miles of commercially
navigable waterways, and Pittsburgh is home to one of the busiest
inland ports in the Nation. Even so, our inland waterways are
underutilized. Mr. Rutherford, what is your plan to incentivize
shippers and carriers to increase their use of containers and
palletized freight on our Nation's inland waterways? Do you see
increased reliance of inland waterways as a means to decrease traffic
on our roads and highways and address other potential bottlenecks in
our supply chains?
Answer. While shifting containerized freight by inland waterways is
currently less common, it could provide benefits in specific
circumstances. If confirmed, I look forward to exploring opportunities
like these to better capitalize on our inland waterways.
Question 2. Pennsylvania's three ports (Erie, Philadelphia, and
Pittsburgh) move millions of tons in goods each year. These ports are
critical to our supply chains and our national security. If confirmed,
how will you prioritize opportunities for growth and infrastructure
improvement at ports in Pennsylvania and across the nation?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work to ensure that DOT prioritizes
strategic investments in the broader context of changes in multimodal
freight market trends to strengthen the economy in Pennsylvania and
across the Nation.
Question 3. The Port of Erie is a critical shipping hub along the
Great Lakes. It's also a driver of jobs and economic opportunity in
northwestern Pennsylvania. In your view, how should shipping and the
movement of freight on the Great Lakes factor into our national freight
strategy?
Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the Great Lakes and St.
Lawrences Seaway Administration to promote the use of Great Lakes ports
as key contributors to our industrial revitalization.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Maria Cantwell to
Gregory Zerzan
DOT's proposed new enforcement procedure. On May 16, 2025, the
Transportation Department issued a proposed rule, ``Administrative
Rulemaking, Guidance, and Enforcement Procedures,'' which I believe
significantly chills enforcement actions. This proposed rule creates a
new process that would allow a company being investigated by the
Department to accuse DOT inspectors of misconduct and then petition
you, if confirmed as General Counsel, to intervene on the company's
behalf. Alarmingly, the rule would authorize you to pursue disciplinary
action against DOT investigators and other employees, such as
suspensions, demotions, or even terminations. I have serious concerns
that this new process may be used to retaliate against DOT inspectors
and discourage robust enforcement of our safety laws.
I understand my staff raised this proposed rule during your staff
interview on July 21, 2025, so you are familiar with it.
Question 1. Yes or No: Do you think this new process creates a
chilling effect on enforcement?
Answer. Because I am not at the Department I am not familiar with
the policy discussions that led to this proposal. In addition, because
the rulemaking remains in the proposal stage it may appear
predecisional for a nominee with potential policy or enforcement
authority to comment on matters which may come under the purview of the
office to which the person is nominated. However, if I am confirmed I
commit to doing whatever is within my power to ensure the law is
followed without fear or favor, partiality or prejudice.
Question 2. Do you think exposing DOT safety officials to new
personal liability like this will encourage them to pursue robust
enforcement actions?
Answer. Because I am not at the Department I am not familiar with
the policy discussions that led to this proposal. In addition, because
the rulemaking remains in the proposal stage it may appear
predecisional for a nominee with potential policy or enforcement
authority to comment on matters which may come under the purview of the
office to which the person is nominated. However, if I am confirmed I
commit to doing whatever is within my power to ensure the law is
followed without fear or favor, partiality or prejudice.
Question 3. Yes or No: If confirmed, will you publicly disclose any
petition a company files pursuant to this new process asking you to
intervene in an enforcement matter?
Answer. Because I am not at the Department I am not familiar with
the policy discussions that led to this proposal. In addition, because
the rulemaking remains in the proposal stage it may appear
predecisional for a nominee with potential policy or enforcement
authority to comment on matters which may come under the purview of the
office to which the person is nominated. However, if I am confirmed I
commit to doing whatever is within my power to ensure the law is
followed without fear or favor, partiality or prejudice.
Question 4. Yes or No: If confirmed and this rule is finalized,
will you publicly release detailed guidance on how you will enforce
this new process?
Answer. Because I am not at the Department I am not familiar with
the policy discussions that led to this proposal. In addition, because
the rulemaking remains in the proposal stage it may appear
predecisional for a nominee with potential policy or enforcement
authority to comment on matters which may come under the purview of the
office to which the person is nominated. However, if I am confirmed I
commit to doing whatever is within my power to ensure the law is
followed without fear or favor, partiality or prejudice.
10 for 1 deregulatory requirement. In President Trump's first term,
the requirement to repeal two Federal requirements for every new
requirement delayed or obstructed DOT from completing important safety
requirements. For instance, a requirement for aviation manufacturers to
have mandatory Safety Management Systems to prevent safety risks
languished on the previous General Counsel's desk despite its clear
relevance to the Boeing 737 Max crashes.
Now, this Administration is looking to repeal 10 safety
requirements for every new one. There are a number of important
bipartisan transportation safety requirements in the recent FAA
reauthorization and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that would
prevent crashes, save lives, and protect consumers.
This includes common sense requirements like overhauling safety
standards to prevent helicopter air tour crashes like the April Hudson
River tragedy, automatic emergency brakes for large trucks, and
preventing families from being charged extra fees to sit together on
flights.
Question 1. Should the 10 for 1 requirement apply to bipartisan
life-saving safety requirements?
Answer. I am not at the Department but it is my understanding that
Secretary Duffy and the President are committed to ensuring the safety
of the American people.
Question 2. Will you commit to exempting congressionally mandated
safety requirements from the 10-for-1 mandate?
Answer. I commit to seeking to ensure that all rulemakings are
consistent with the law as passed by Congress.
Question 3. Please name 10 transportation safety requirements that
you think should be repealed?
Answer. Because I am not at the Department I am not aware of what
role, if any, the General Counsel will have in determining the
appropriateness of individual safety standards, which may be a task
best reserved for the relevant subject matter experts; however, it is
my understanding that safety requirements are a priority for Secretary
Duffy and the President.
DOT workforce cuts and infrastructure investments. Politico
recently reported that over 20 percent of the Federal Highway
Administration and over 30 percent of the Federal Transit
Administration have taken deferred resignation offers. These are the
workers who approve NEPA documents, prepare grant agreements, and
oversee grants to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars.
Question 1. Mr. Zerzan, as General Counsel, you will be responsible
for approving grant agreements. I have heard from constituents who were
concerned that the process to receive Federal funds was too slow
before, how do you plan to ensure the efficient distribution of funding
with this reduced workforce?
Answer. If I am so fortunate as to be confirmed I will endeavor to
ensure that funding is efficiently distributed consistent with the law
and the direction of the Secretary.
Question 2. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided $350 billion
for transportation projects--how will you work to prevent waste, fraud,
and abuse of taxpayer dollars with a drastically reduced workforce to
oversee these funds?
Answer. If I am so fortunate as to be confirmed I will endeavor to
ensure that funding is efficiently distributed consistent with the law
and the direction of the Secretary.
FAA Reauthorization Aviation Consumer Protections. After hearing
directly from my constituents who had their travel plans ruined during
the Southwest Airlines' meltdown, I knew we needed to make sure the
flying public was not left holding the bag wondering if they would ever
be made whole after getting their flight cancelled or delayed.
Thanks to the FAA law, we ensured passengers are entitled to
hassle-free refunds when their flights are cancelled or significantly
delayed by an airline--no matter the cause. And we empower the DOT to
be a strong cop on the beat by establishing a new Office of Aviation
Consumer Protection and tripling fines for consumer protection
violations.
But I'm concerned that DOT will revert back to a 2020 Trump
Administration rule that weakened airline oversight. We cannot afford a
light-touch approach to consumer protections when Americans have
experienced so many widespread travel disruptions in the past three
years.
Question 1. DOT must show they are committed to upholding and
enforcing protections for everyday travelers. Yes or No: If confirmed,
will you make protecting passenger rights a priority under your
leadership?
Answer. I will make protecting passenger rights a priority
consistent with law and in accordance with the policy directions of the
Secretary.
Question 2. Our 2024 FAA law requires a stronger DOT approach to
consumer protection. Yes or No: Do you commit to ensuring the Office of
Aviation Consumer Protection gets fully stood up to protect passenger
rights as required by the law?
Answer. I commit to following the law as passed by Congress.
Question 3. If confirmed, how would you leverage DOT's enforcement
authorities to act on behalf of consumers who have had their rights
violated by airlines?
Answer. I will seek to ensure that all authorities are used to
protect the rights of consumers, consistent with the law and the policy
direction of Secretary Duffy. It is my understanding that Secretary
Duffy and the President are committed to ensuring the rights of
consumers are protected.
Grant Review. The Trump Administration is in the process of
reviewing 3,200 projects went through a rigorous selection process and
were in the final stages of execution during the Biden Administration.
Many of them were ready to go, but on day one, President Trump put a
historic pause all 3,200 of those projects and created a new step in
the grant approve process, requiring grants to be re-evaluated to make
sure were not funding ``woke'' roads. As a result, grants that were
selected under a fair and competitive process have been delayed.
Question 1. Yes or No: Do you think it is fair to change the rules
of the game and re-evaluate grants that have already been selected and
announced based on criteria that weren't even part of the original
application process?
Answer. I believe it is the duty of the Department to follow all
applicable laws.
Question 2. Yes or No: Do you commit to improving the transparency
of the Department's grant review process and working with recipients to
get remaining grants obligated as soon as possible so that funds can
start to benefit our communities?
Answer. I believe it is important to follow the law as passed by
Congress, including with respect to transparency.
Question 3. Yes or No: Do you commit to making sure that DOT grant
programs remain free from political bias and that projects under this
Administration are selected based on merit?
Answer. I believe it is important to follow the law as passed by
Congress, including with respect to political bias.
Immigration Cooperation to Receive Federal Transportation Funds.
DOT sends billions of dollars every year to States and local
communities for highways, airports, transit, ports, and all sorts of
critical transportation projects.
On April 24, 2025, Secretary Duffy issued a ``Follow the Law''
letter to recipients of DOT funding stating that they are obligated to
comply with all Federal laws, including cooperating with ICE in the
enforcement of immigration law.
Failure to follow those requirements could result in Federal
transportation funding being terminated. I see this as just creating
more red tape for construction projects.
Question 1. As DOT General Counsel you will be providing legal
advice to Secretary Duffy and your office will have final authority on
questions of law for the Department. Do you believe the Federal
government has the legal authority to compel States to cooperate with
Federal immigration enforcement in order to receive critical
transportation funding?
Answer. It may be premature to discuss analysis related to legal
authorities with respect to matters in which the United States may
become a party to litigation.
Department of the Interior ``M-Opinions.'' Mr. Zerzan, as the
acting DOI Solicitor, you issued a memo on February 28, 2025, that
placed every legal opinion by the Solicitor's office (known as ``M-
Opinions'') issued under the Biden Administration under a ``Suspension
Review.'' Twenty legal opinions were suspended, ranging from issues on
migratory bird protections, mineral ownership in North Dakota, and land
trusts for Alaska Natives. While previous solicitors in new
Administrations have suspended or withdrawn certain M-Opinions, they
had done so on a case-by-case basis.
Question 1. What criteria, if any, did you apply when deciding
which M-Opinions to suspend?
Answer. I must respectfully demur with respect to questions related
to the internal legal deliberations of the Department of the Interior.
Question 2. Yes or No: If confirmed, do you plan on rescinding or
otherwise targeting DOT legal decisions simply because they were issued
during the Biden Administration?
Answer. I commit to exercising legal judgments based on the
substantive merits and applicable law and facts.
Question 3. You also reinstated one M-opinion that a Federal
district court ruled unlawful and vacated. Yes or No: Do you agree that
an executive order does not give an agency the authority to violate a
binding court order?
Answer. Executive orders do not generally override court orders.
Impartial Legal Advice. I understand you have held a personal
friendship with Secretary Duffy for at least 15 years.
Question 1. Please detail your relationship with Secretary Duffy,
including when and how you become friends.
Answer. I have known Secretary Duffy since he was a candidate for
Congress. I consider him to be a patriot and a great American.
Question 2. Yes or No: Do you agree that the role of DOT General
Counsel is to provide sound legal guidance to advance the Department's
interests, not any individual's personal interests?
Answer. It is a fundamental principle of legal ethics that the duty
of a lawyer is to uphold the interests of the lawyer's client,
consistent with the law.
Question 3. Will you commit to always providing impartial legal
advice if confirmed?
Answer. If I am so fortunate as to be confirmed I commit to
upholding laws, rules and best ethical practices.
______
Response to Written Question Submitted by Hon. Amy Klobuchar to
Gregory Zerzan
1. Oversight Cooperation. In previous administrations, the General
Counsel has supervised Congressional oversight requests related to the
Department of Transportation. The Department's cooperation is crucial
to this Committee's work, including in investigating and working to
prevent recent plane collisions and near-misses.
If confirmed, will you work in good faith to provide prompt
responses to congressional oversight as required by law?
Yes.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Tammy Duckworth to
Gregory Zerzan
Question 1. Steven Bradbury was Department of Transportation (DOT)
General Counsel during Congressional 737 MAX investigations, DOT did
not cooperate with this committee's requests for documents and
information.
Chair Wicker's final report on our committee's investigation
concluded, ``The level of cooperation by the FAA and DOT has been
unacceptable and at times has bordered on obstructive.''
The report specifically called out Bradbury's failure to produce
relevant documents requested by Chair Wicker.
If you are confirmed, Mr. Bradbury will be your boss at DOT.
A. Why should this committee trust that you will be any more
cooperative than Mr. Bradbury was with requests for documents and
information?
I cannot speak to the facts of the particular matter you mention,
but I commit to work in good faith to provide prompt responses to
congressional oversight as required by law.
B. If confirmed, will you provide this committee with a breakdown
of the number of Department of Transportation employees--by mode and
job category--who have left or are scheduled to leave DOT employment,
so far, this year? This is not a request for names or personal
identifying information.
I commit to work in good faith to provide prompt responses to
congressional oversight as required by law
Question 2. As you know, the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection
(OACP) sits within the Office of General Counsel. The OACP handles
complaints filed by flying passengers, including passengers with
disabilities, who might want recourse when--for example--their
wheelchair gets broken. Many of my priorities included in the FAA
Reauthorization Act that was signed into law last year were intended to
improve the travel experience for passengers with disabilities and
would be implemented under the OACP. Please answer the following yes-
or-no questions:
A. If confirmed, will you ensure the various rulemaking
requirements and issuance of sub-regulatory guidance required by the
FAA Reauthorization Act, particularly under title V, will be published
in the Federal Register on time? For any deadlines that may already
have been missed, please list the date upon which we can expect to see
these published.
I commit to endeavoring to follow the law as passed by Congress.
B. With respect to Sec. 549, which was a priority of Senator
Baldwin and me, I am concerned about your past efforts to deregulate
industries at other departments. If confirmed, will you ensure DOT will
investigate disability-related complaints within 120 days of receiving
the complaint, and notify the complainant and relevant airline of the
facts underlying the complaint and any action DOT is taking in response
to the investigation?
I commit to endeavoring to follow the law as passed by Congress.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Ben Ray Lujan to
Gregory Zerzan
Question 1. The purpose of the Department of Transportation is to
ensure that every form of transportation is safe for Americans. Yes or
No: Would you take an action that is in conflict with those goals due
to political pressure?
I commit to follow the law as passed by Congress.
Question 2. Yes or No: Would you go against a direct order from the
President or his cabinet if you believed it put lives at risk or was
illegal?
I commit to follow the law as passed by Congress.
Question 3. Yes or No: Did Joe Biden lawfully win the 2020
presidential election?
It is my understanding that Joseph Biden was certified the winner
of the electoral college vote on January 7, 2021, thereby making him
the lawfully elected President of the United States.
Question 4. Yes or No: Did Donald Trump lawfully win the 2024
presidential election?
It is my understanding that Donald Trump was certified the winner
of the electoral college vote on January 6, 2025, thereby making him
the lawfully elected President of the United States.
______
Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. John Hickenlooper to
Gregory Zerzan
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included major programs designed
to improve safety, strengthen the resiliency of supply chains that rely
on rail, highway, or aviation modes of transportation and modernize
critical infrastructure across each state. The American government
includes a separation of powers where the Legislative Branch passes
laws that, after enactment, are implemented by the Executive Branch. By
next year, Congress and this Committee must decide on how we will
reauthorize surface transportation programs to meet the needs of our
states.
Question 1.Mr. Zerzan, do you believe an Executive Order has the
power to override the will of laws that are crafted by Congress? Why or
why not?
Executive orders do not generally override laws passed by Congress.
Question 2. Mr. Zerzan, will you commit to advising Secretary Duffy
to implement Federal policies, award discretionary grants or formula
funds on a timely basis, and faithfully review project applications as
intended by Congress?
I commit to advising the Secretary to follow all applicable law.
[all]