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U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta Dec. 10 named John Magaw President Bush's nominee for under secretary of transportation security, a new position charged with forming and heading an agency responsible for providing increased transportation safety while minimally disrupting rail, highway and aviation systems.
Currently acting executive director of Office of National Preparedness within Federal Emergency Management Agency, Magaw previously served as director of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and U.S. Secret Service.
He received the 1991 and 1999 Presidential Rank Meritorious Award, and 1995 Presidential Rank Distinguished Award.
The five-year under secretary position — which requires Senate confirmation — was part of the aviation security bill passed by Congress and signed into law in November by President Bush.
If confirmed, Magaw would create the new transportation safety agency within U.S. Department of Transportation. The agency's top priorities would be to replace private airport passenger- and baggage-screeners with federal employees, and implement a program designed to inspect all checked bags for explosives.