Nominations Sent to the Senate
9/3/2025
Action Summary
- Nominations Sent to the Senate:
Presidential nominations include key appointments for positions in multiple federal agencies:- Department of Labor: Commissioner of Labor Statistics (Erwin Antoni from Pennsylvania) for a four‐year term.
- Federal Maritime Administration: Two nominations for Federal Maritime Commissioner positions from Florida with differing term expirations.
- Commerce and Treasury: Nominations for Assistant Secretary roles (Commerce – Steven Haines from Virginia; Treasury – Sriprakash Kothari from Massachusetts) as well as an Assistant Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis at the Treasury (Peter Metzger from DC).
- Transportation: Nomination for Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy (Ryan McCormack from Virginia).
- Attorney Roles:
- United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania (Brian David Miller from Pennsylvania).
- General Counsel of the CIA (Joshua Simmons from Virginia).
- Additional Key Positions:
- United States Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (George Holding from North Carolina).
- Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Stability (Christopher Yeaw from Virginia).
- Member of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (Trent Morse from Florida).
- Nominee Details and Succession Information:
Each nomination notes the nominee’s state affiliation, the intended term (with some positions specifying four-year terms or specific expiration dates), and indicates the predecessors or vice incumbents, some of whom have resigned or whose terms have expired. - Withdrawals Sent to the Senate:
Withdrawn nominations for critical posts include:- Chairman of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Terrence Gorman from Florida; six-year term; submitted August 1, 2025).
- Deputy Secretary of Education (Penny Schwinn from Tennessee; submitted January 22, 2025).
- United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia (Christopher Gilbert from Virginia; four-year term; submitted June 30, 2025).
Risks & Considerations
- The nominations and appointments listed do not directly impact Vanderbilt University, as they pertain to federal positions in various departments and agencies. However, changes in leadership at the Department of Education and other relevant agencies could indirectly affect policies and funding that impact higher education institutions.
- The withdrawal of Penny Schwinn’s nomination as Deputy Secretary of Education may delay or alter potential policy changes within the Department of Education, which could affect federal education initiatives and funding priorities.
- Vanderbilt University should monitor these appointments for any shifts in policy direction, particularly in areas related to education, labor statistics, and transportation, as these could influence research funding and regulatory compliance.
- Changes in leadership at the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Commerce could impact economic policies that affect university endowments and financial planning.
Impacted Programs
- Office of Federal Relations at Vanderbilt may need to engage with new appointees to advocate for the university’s interests and stay informed about potential policy changes.
- Peabody College of Education and Human Development should remain attentive to any shifts in federal education policy that could arise from changes in the Department of Education’s leadership.
- The Vanderbilt University Law School may find opportunities to analyze and provide expertise on the implications of these federal appointments, particularly in areas related to labor statistics and maritime law.
Financial Impact
- While the immediate financial impact on Vanderbilt University is minimal, changes in federal leadership could influence future funding opportunities and regulatory environments that affect university operations.
- Vanderbilt’s financial planning and investment strategies may need to consider potential economic policy changes resulting from new appointments at the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Commerce.
Relevance Score: 2 (Minor considerations for the university to address, primarily involving monitoring and engagement with federal agencies.)
Key Actions
- Office of Federal Relations should monitor the nomination of Penny Schwinn, of Tennessee, for Deputy Secretary of Education, as her withdrawal could impact federal education policies that affect Vanderbilt. Understanding the implications of this withdrawal will be crucial for strategic planning in educational initiatives.
- Vanderbilt’s Department of Political Science should analyze the potential impacts of the new appointments in the Department of Labor and the Department of Commerce. These changes could influence labor statistics and commerce policies, which may affect research funding and economic studies at the university.
- Vanderbilt’s Law School should evaluate the implications of the new appointments in the Department of the Treasury and the Central Intelligence Agency. These roles could affect financial regulations and national security policies, which are relevant to legal studies and research at Vanderbilt.
Opportunities
- The appointment of new Federal Maritime Commissioners presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering to explore research and development projects related to maritime technology and logistics. Engaging with these commissioners could lead to collaborative initiatives and funding opportunities.
- The nomination of a new United States Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development offers Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management a chance to engage in international finance and economic development projects. This could enhance the school’s global reach and influence.
Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures due to potential impacts on education, labor, and commerce policies.)
Timeline for Implementation
- January 22, 2025: Withdrawal for the Deputy Secretary of Education nomination (Penny Schwinn) was sent to the Senate.
- June 30, 2025: Withdrawal for the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia nomination (Christopher Gilbert) was sent to the Senate.
- August 1, 2025: Withdrawal for the Chairman of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals nomination (Terrence Gorman) was sent to the Senate.
- September 3, 2025: The primary nominations and appointments directive was set.
The earliest directive date is January 22, 2025, indicating there is ample time (over 180 days from typical current timelines) to comply.
Relevance Score: 1
Impacted Government Organizations
- Department of Labor: The nomination of Erwin Antoni as Commissioner of Labor Statistics impacts the Department of Labor.
- Federal Maritime Commission: Nominations for Federal Maritime Commissioners (Laura DiBella and Robert Harvey) directly affect this commission.
- Department of Commerce: The nomination of Steven Haines as Assistant Secretary of Commerce involves the Department of Commerce.
- Department of the Treasury: With nominations for an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury (Sriprakash Kothari) and for Assistant Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis, the Treasury’s responsibilities are expanded.
- Department of Transportation: The nomination of Ryan McCormack as Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy impacts the Department of Transportation.
- Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority: The appointment of Trent Morse as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority involves this local governmental entity.
- Department of Justice: Through nominations for United States Attorneys for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the Western District of Virginia, the Department of Justice is impacted.
- Central Intelligence Agency (CIA): The nomination of Joshua Simmons as General Counsel affects the CIA.
- Department of State: The nomination of Christopher Yeaw as Assistant Secretary of State (Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Stability) influences the Department of State.
- European Bank for Reconstruction and Development: George Holding’s nomination as the United States Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development affects this international financial institution.
- Board of Veterans’ Appeals: The withdrawal of the nomination for Terrence Gorman as Chairman of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals impacts this entity.
- Department of Education: The withdrawal of Penny Schwinn’s nomination for Deputy Secretary of Education affects the Department of Education.
Relevance Score: 4 (A wide range of key Federal agencies and governmental entities are impacted by these nominations and withdrawals.)
Responsible Officials
N/A – The text does not specify any implementation directives; it only announces nominations and appointments.
Relevance Score: 1 (The actions involve nominations without direct implementation directives.)