advertisement

---

After serving as U.S. transportation secretary for more than five years, Norman Mineta is ready to step down. On Friday, he submitted his resignation, effective July 7.

Mineta will “move on to other challenges,” according to a resignation letter he sent to President Bush.

The longest-serving transportation secretary, Mineta helped create the Transportation Security Administration. During his tenure, the U.S. Department of Transportation recorded the lowest-ever rail and vehicle fatality rates, highest safety belt usage rate and safest three-year period in aviation history.

Prior to becoming transportation secretary in January 2001, Mineta served as U.S. secretary of commerce under President Clinton. He previously was vice president of Lockheed Martin Corp.

Between 1975 and 1995, Mineta was a member of the House, representing California’s Silicon Valley. From 1971 to 1974, he was mayor of San Jose, Calif.