An Introduction to the Presidential Cabinet: Part 5

The Transportation Secretary, the Secretary of Energy, the Department of Education Secretary

The secretary of the Department of Transportation

Transportation is more than roads and runways — it is the connective tissue of our democracy. It determines whether families can reunite across long distances, whether workers can commute safely, whether food and medical supplies reach those in need, and whether economic opportunity is evenly distributed. The U.S. secretary of Transportation, 14th in the presidential line of succession, advises the president on and oversees the transportation systems that make all this possible.

In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Department of Transportation Act, creating a Cabinet-level agency to coordinate air, rail, sea, and highway policy. He hoped this new department would allow “people and freight [to] move through this land of ours speedily, efficiently, safely, dependably, and cheaply.” Today, the secretary leads the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), consulting with other departments and state and local governments to maintain and modernize the nation’s infrastructure.

The role is far-reaching. The secretary helps negotiate international transportation agreements, enforces consumer protection regulations, monitors airline safety, and coordinates legislation on emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles and drones. The secretary also oversees safety with things like regulations to prevent alcohol and illegal drug misuse in transportation systems.

The department’s leadership has left a lasting impact. In 1983, Elizabeth Dole became the first woman to serve as secretary of Transportation, leading efforts to increase seat belt use and require airbags in vehicles. Norman Y. Mineta, the first Asian American to hold the post, oversaw the formation of the Transportation Security Administration and the harrowing task of closing and reopening the national airspace after 9/11, earning the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Elaine Chao, the first Asian American woman to serve as Transportation secretary, established the drone integration pilot program and guided the department through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Transportation shapes how Americans live, connect, and thrive. The secretary of Transportation is tasked not only with maintaining bridges and airports, but with building a more safe and connected nation — one where freedom of movement is a right shared by all.

The secretary of the Department of Energy

The U.S. secretary of Energy reports to and advises the president on energy-related matters and is 15th in the presidential line of succession. This Cabinet-level leader oversees the Department of Energy (DOE), which manages the nation’s nuclear infrastructure, promotes energy innovation, and coordinates federal energy policy.

The DOE was established in 1977 during a time of growing concern about both nuclear security and energy independence. In response to the Cold War and the oil crisis of the 1970s, President Jimmy Carter signed the Department of Energy Organization Act, consolidating nuclear research programs from the Manhattan Project era with scattered energy initiatives housed across other federal agencies.

Over time, the department’s focus has shifted to meet national and global needs.

In its early years, the DOE prioritized energy development and regulation. Following the Cold War, it emphasized nuclear weapons research, clean up, and nonproliferation. In the 21st century, the department turned its attention to climate resilience, environmental stewardship, and innovation in clean energy. Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden both directed their administrations to invest in solar, wind, geothermal, and advanced nuclear technologies to reduce carbon emissions and address the climate crisis.

The secretary of Energy works with numerous appointees, including undersecretaries for science, energy, and nuclear security. These offices sponsor transformative research through national laboratories and universities, advance clean energy adoption through the Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (formerly named the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy), and secure global nuclear safety via the National Nuclear Security Administration. The department’s mission is to “ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.” 

The qualifications for this role have varied, from legal and political experience to scientific expertise. Hazel O'Leary, a lawyer and the first woman to hold the office (1993-1996), declassified Cold War-era documents and called for an end to U.S. nuclear testing due to the effects on human health. Secretary Stephen Chu, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, pushed for nuclear safety reforms following the Fukushima disaster and advocated for a shift to clean energy sources from 2009-2013. And Ernest Moniz, a physicist known for his signature hairstyle, continued Chu's momentum from 2013-2017 and played a key role in negotiating the Iran nuclear agreement.

Through the leadership of the secretary of Energy, the nation has made lasting contributions to nuclear safety, clean energy innovation, and international security. At its best, this department helps shape a future that is not only more energy efficient, but more safe, peaceful, and sustainable.

The secretary of the Department of Education

The U.S. secretary of Education, 16th in the presidential line of succession, leads the Department of Education (ED), the smallest federal department by staff size. Despite its size, its impact is far-reaching: The secretary serves as the president’s chief advisor on education policy and is responsible for ensuring that access to learning remains open, fair, and responsive to the needs of all Americans.

The Department of Education was established as a Cabinet-level agency in in 1980 to consolidate education programs scattered across the federal government. Its legal mandate is to “supplement and complement” the efforts of states — not to override them — reflecting the balance of power outlined in the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Because the Constitution does not explicitly mention education, the department has long been the subject of debate. Some political leaders have called for its elimination, arguing that education should remain entirely a state and local matter.

And yet, the federal government plays a critical role in promoting equity and enforcing civil rights in education. Since as early as 1867, the federal government has gathered and distributed data to support states. Today, the secretary oversees policies and funding streams designed to ensure poverty, disability, or systemic inequality do not block a child’s path to education.

Major programs under the department’s umbrella include Title I, which provides funding to low-income schools to help close achievement gaps; the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which guarantees a free and appropriate education to students with disabilities; and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which makes higher education more accessible by offering grants and loans to qualifying students. The department also enforces civil rights protections, such as those outlined in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which ensures equal educational access for students with disabilities.

The department’s mission is to “promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.” Like the secretary of Health and Human Services protects the nation’s well-being, the secretary of Education is a guardian of opportunity, especially for those most at risk of being left behind.

At the time of this article’s publication, the Department of Education is in a period of significant reduction. Some programs have been closed at the federal level, including the special education office. The current administration plans to move most of its core functions to other federal agencies. For example, federal student loans will transition entirely to the Department of Treasury.

The role and existence of the Department of Education remains controversial and politically charged. Regardless of political debates, education remains one of the most powerful tools we have for shaping the future.

This article was written by Natasha Rogers, researcher and writer for Mormon Women for Ethical Government.