Oberstar Praises LaHood's "Legacy Of Civility;" AOPA, NATA Enthused About Choice

It's official. Illinois Congressman Ray LaHood (below) is President-elect Barack Obama's nominee to replace Mary E. Peters as head of the US Department of Transportation... and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, among others, says he appears to be the right man for the job.

"I want to express our enthusiasm in working with you in shaping aviation policy that improves safety and supports the air transportation system that is vital to the nation’s economy," said AOPA President-elect Craig Fuller. "Your background in Congress as a member of the House Aviation Subcommittee and the House Appropriations Committee gives you a special insight into the aviation industry and many of the issues we face. Your understanding of the importance of economic impact of aviation is especially important as you take on this leadership role."

In announcing his choice, Obama called LaHood an "outstanding public servant" and stressed he was committed to finding the best person for the job, regardless of party. LaHood's appointment reflects that "bipartisan spirit that we need to reclaim in this country to make progress," Obama added.

AOPA notes LaHood has been a leading advocate for improving the state of Illinois' transportation infrastructure, including being a proponent for improving local airports. "We have a task before us to rebuild America," said LaHood. "I understand what good infrastructure and transportation means to local communities."

LaHood, a moderate Republican, served as the longtime chief of staff to former House Minority Leader Bob Michel (R-IL) before winning the seat in his own right upon Michel's retirement in 1994. LaHood served on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure from 1995-2000. While a member of the House Subcommittee on Aviation, LaHood was an advocate for improving local airports in Illinois by working with the community and local officials to increase air service and secure funds for new construction and expansion of airports. From 2001 to the present, LaHood served on the powerful House Committee on Appropriations.

The choice was also praised by Jim Coyne, president of the National Air Transportation Association and himself a former US congressman. "President-elect Obama has made an excellent choice in selecting Congressman LaHood as the next secretary of transportation," Coyne said. "The Congressman has been a long-standing advocate for general aviation during his tenure in Congress, and we look forward to this continuing support and his leadership as transportation secretary."  

Coyne notes LaHood is known for trying to organize "civility retreats" and other activities to help House Republicans and Democrats work more collaboratively on legislative issues. "Congressman LaHood’s record of reaching across party lines and working with both parties is absolutely critical in this town," Coyne said.

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman James Oberstar (D-MN, shown above) praised LaHood for his "legacy of civility, of decency, of bringing people together, of reaching consensus and reaching across party lines." He said that LaHood would be "an excellent, superb in fact, secretary of Transportation.... What Ray LaHood brings to the department, and what the department needs, is managerial talent and the right temperament to get the job done," Oberstar added.

FMI: www.dot.gov, www.aopa.org, www.nata.aero, www.house.gov