JOHN W. BARNUM PAPERS, 1971-78 (1979-1999)

John W. Barnum began his career in public service as the General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Transportation in July of 1971. During his tenure he provided legal advice and counsel to the Secretary of Transportation on a multitude of initiatives within the Department. Barnum’s time as the General Counsel culminated in his nomination as Undersecretary of Transportation, a position he assumed in July of 1973, and a subsequent appointment as Deputy Secretary of Transportation in 1974, a position he held until the end of the Ford administration in January 1977.

As the Deputy Secretary of Transportation, Barnum represented the Secretary on two boards that played a pivotal role in rail reorganization during the 1970s, the United States Railway Association (USRA) and the National Passenger Railroad Corporation (Amtrak). The USRA was charged with the duties of formulating a plan to bring all the bankrupt northeast freight rail lines under the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) in what became known as the Final System Plan, while Amtrak took over the intercity passenger services previously provided by the Penn Central Transportation Company. The Final System Plan was adopted within the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976, which also allowed for Amtrak’s acquisition of rail lines and facilities in the Northeast Corridor.

In addition, Barnum worked to further no-fault vehicle insurance, the construction and operation of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and the Law of the Sea Treaty.

As the Deputy Secretary, Barnum also had a role in aspects of the rapidly evolving and dynamic air transportation industry. He participated in initiatives impacting domestic and international air transportation issues including the flight and landing rights of the Concorde Supersonic Transport in the United States. As the proponent department for air transportation the Department of Transportation oversaw many air carrier mergers, and worked alongside parallel agencies, like the Civil Aeronautics Board, during air carrier reorganizations, the writing of air transport legislation, and the many air carrier investigations that were conducted during the period.

Barnum also served as a council member on the Administrative Conference of the United States, a rulemaking and advice body operating within the Executive Branch. During his tenure the Conference created rules that would increase the efficiency of agencies of the Executive Branch, including the strengthening of regulatory agency management.

Following government service Barnum became a research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) from 1977-78, where he continued to write and speak on transportation issues. He remained a visiting fellow at the institute until 1986. After leaving his resident fellowship at AEI, Barnum returned to the private practice of law.

Related Materials (September 2015)
Significant related materials on the Transportation Department include such White House Central Files (WHCF) subject file categories as CA (Civil Aviation), FG (Federal Government), HI (Highways & Bridges), SA (Safety-Accident Prevention), and TN (Transportation). Significant materials also appear in the files of staff members of the Domestic Council, the White House Congressional Relations Office, the office of the White House Counsel, and the James E. Robson Papers (Chairman, Civil Aeronautics Board).