Charlotte Mayor Tapped By President Obama To Succeed Ray LaHood

Leaders on Transportation committees in the U.S. House and Senate have weighed in on President Obama's nomination of Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx (pictured) to succeed Ray LaHood as the Secretary of the Department of Transportation.

“I am pleased the President has put forward a candidate to lead the U.S. Department of Transportation, and I congratulate Mayor Foxx upon his nomination," said House Transportation Committee chair Bill Shuster (R-PA). "Transportation is important for our country. These issues are about jobs, quality of life, and prosperity. I remain committed to building consensus about how to strengthen our infrastructure, promote economic growth, and make the Nation more competitive in the global marketplace. Once he has been confirmed by the Senate, I look forward to working with Mayor Foxx to achieve these goals for our country.
 
“I also thank Secretary LaHood for his years of service to our country and for his dedication to our Nation’s transportation system. I personally appreciate Ray’s friendship, and I wish him and his family the best in the future.”

Senate Commerce Committee chair John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV) said he plans to move Foxx's nomination quickly through his committee. "Our country faces daunting transportation challenges. We must make critical investments in our transportation network to remain economically competitive in the 21st Century. Mayor Anthony Foxx has established himself as a strong transportation advocate and shown the ability to move transportation infrastructure projects in Charlotte. He can be a driving force in the federal effort to take advantage of transportation opportunities. I look forward to meeting Mayor Foxx and discussing his vision for the Department and our transportation needs. I will move his nomination in the Commerce Committee as soon as possible."

“I want to thank Secretary LaHood for his years of service at both the Department of Transportation and before that in Congress," said Senator John Thune (R-SC), the ranking Republican on the committee. "He is a dedicated public servant and I wish Ray and Kathy the best. I look forward to reviewing Mayor Foxx's record and working with Chairman Rockefeller to ensure the confirmation process is fair and thorough. Without question, our nation faces a number of transportation challenges that will require strong leadership and effective communication with Congress to keep our nation moving."

A4A president and CEO Nicholas Calio released a statement commending President Obama for Foxx's nomination. “As an elected leader of a hub market, Mayor Foxx understands well how important airlines are to jobs and the economy,” Calio said. “A4A urges quick Senate confirmation, and looks forward to working with him to address policy and infrastructure challenges that impede airlines from competing globally and achieving sustained profitability.”

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