Nominations Transmitted to the Senate
January 22, 2025
Action Summary
- Nominations Overview: Presidential nominations transmitted to the Senate on January 22, 2025, for key leadership roles across multiple federal agencies.
- Detailed Nominations:
- Under Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment: Michael Boren (Idaho), succeeding Homer L. Wilkes (resigned).
- Deputy Secretary of Transportation: Steven Bradbury (Virginia), succeeding Polly Ellen Trottenberg (resigned).
- Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration: William Briggs (Texas), succeeding Dilawar Syed (resigned).
- Deputy Secretary of Energy: James Danly (Tennessee), succeeding David Turk (resigned).
- Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm Production and Conservation: Richard Fordyce (Missouri), succeeding Robert Farrell Bonnie (resigned).
- Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: David Fotouhi (Virginia), succeeding Janet Garvin McCabe.
- Assistant Secretary of the Treasury: Kenneth Kies (Virginia), succeeding Lily Lawrence Batchelder.
- Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy: Michael Kratsios (South Carolina), succeeding Arati Prabhakar.
- Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs: Paul Lawrence (Virginia), succeeding Tanya J. Bradsher (resigned).
- Deputy Secretary of the Interior: Katharine MacGregor (Florida), succeeding Tommy P. Beaudreau (resigned).
- Chief Counsel for Advocacy, SBA: Casey Mulligan (Illinois), succeeding Darryl L. DePriest (resigned).
- Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency: William Pulte (Florida) for a five-year term, succeeding Sandra L. Thompson.
- Deputy Secretary of Education: Penny Schwinn (Tennessee), succeeding Cynthia Minette Marten (resigned).
- Effective Timing: All nominations were sent for immediate Senate review as of January 22, 2025.
Risks & Considerations
- The nomination of Penny Schwinn from Tennessee as Deputy Secretary of Education could influence educational policies that directly affect Vanderbilt University. Her background and policy preferences may shape federal education initiatives, potentially impacting funding and regulatory environments.
- James Danly’s nomination as Deputy Secretary of Energy may affect energy policies and research funding, which could be relevant to Vanderbilt’s engineering and environmental programs.
- Michael Kratsios as Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy could influence national priorities in science and technology, affecting research funding and collaboration opportunities for Vanderbilt’s STEM departments.
- Changes in leadership at the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Interior may impact environmental regulations and conservation efforts, which could affect Vanderbilt’s research initiatives in these areas.
Impacted Programs
- Peabody College of Education and Human Development may need to adapt to new educational policies and initiatives introduced by the Department of Education under Penny Schwinn’s leadership.
- Vanderbilt School of Engineering and Vanderbilt Institute for Energy and Environment could see changes in research funding and collaboration opportunities due to shifts in energy and environmental policies.
- The Office of Federal Relations at Vanderbilt may need to engage with new appointees to advocate for the university’s interests and secure funding opportunities.
- Vanderbilt’s STEM departments might experience shifts in research priorities and funding opportunities based on the policies set by the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Financial Impact
- Potential changes in federal funding priorities could impact Vanderbilt’s research grants and financial aid programs, necessitating strategic adjustments in grant applications and partnerships.
- New policies from the Department of Education may affect federal financial aid programs, impacting Vanderbilt’s student financial aid strategies and enrollment management.
- Environmental and energy policy changes could influence funding for related research projects, affecting budget allocations within Vanderbilt’s research departments.
Relevance Score: 3 (The nominations present moderate risks involving compliance or potential changes in funding and policy priorities.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor the confirmation process of Penny Schwinn as Deputy Secretary of Education. Given her Tennessee background, there may be opportunities to strengthen ties with the Department of Education and influence policies that could benefit the university.
- The School of Engineering should engage with Michael Kratsios, nominated as Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, to explore potential collaborations in technology and innovation initiatives that align with federal priorities.
- Vanderbilt’s Energy and Environmental Policy Program should consider reaching out to James Danly, nominated as Deputy Secretary of Energy, to discuss potential partnerships or research opportunities in energy policy and innovation.
- The Peabody College of Education and Human Development should prepare to engage with the new Deputy Secretary of Education to discuss educational initiatives and potential funding opportunities that align with federal education priorities.
Opportunities
- The nomination of Penny Schwinn presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Peabody College to influence educational policy at the federal level, particularly in areas related to educational reform and innovation.
- Vanderbilt can leverage its connections with James Danly and Penny Schwinn, both from Tennessee, to enhance its influence and collaboration with federal agencies in energy and education sectors.
- The nomination of Michael Kratsios offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s research centers to align with national science and technology priorities, potentially leading to increased funding and collaborative projects.
Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to engage with new federal appointees and explore collaboration opportunities.)
Timeline for Implementation
- January 22, 2025: The nominations were transmitted to the Senate for immediate release.
Relevance Score: 5
Impacted Government Organizations
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): Two nominations are submitted—one for the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment and another for the Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation—indicating significant leadership changes within the USDA.
- Department of Transportation (DOT): The nomination for Deputy Secretary of Transportation targets a pivotal role in overseeing the nation’s transportation policy and infrastructure.
- Small Business Administration (SBA): Two nominations are listed—a Deputy Administrator and a Chief Counsel for Advocacy—highlighting upcoming shifts in the SBA’s leadership.
- Department of Energy (DOE): The nomination for Deputy Secretary of Energy is an essential component for managing the nation’s energy policies and strategic resources.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The Deputy Administrator nomination for the EPA points to heightened emphasis on environmental protection and policy enforcement.
- Department of the Treasury: The nomination for an Assistant Secretary underscores the role of the Treasury in financial policy and regulatory oversight.
- Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP): The Director nomination suggests an increased focus on integrating science and technology into federal policymaking.
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): The Deputy Secretary nomination reflects continued efforts to bolster programs and services for veterans.
- Department of the Interior: The nomination for Deputy Secretary signals upcoming changes in the management of the nation’s natural resources and public lands.
- Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA): The term appointment for the Director indicates a scheduled leadership change affecting housing finance regulation.
- Department of Education: The nomination for Deputy Secretary of Education demonstrates a strategic initiative to influence educational policy and administration.
Relevance Score: 4 (Eleven distinct federal agencies are impacted by these nominations.)
Responsible Officials
- N/A – The text consists solely of nominations sent to the Senate without any directives or implementation actions.
Relevance Score: 1 (Only nominations are provided, not directives affecting implementation.)