Van Tine starts work as acting DOT deputy secretary
President Bush named Kirk Van Tine acting deputy secretary of transportation, allowing him to begin his duties pending confirmation by the U.S. Senate. Van Tine fills a vacancy created when Michael Jackson left the department in August.
The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee recommended him to the full Senate, which did not vote on his confirmation before adjourning for the winter holiday.
FedEx, upset with decisions Van Tine made related to air cargo while he was the department’s general counsel, opposes the nomination.