Positive Reaction From Both Sen. John Thune (R-SD) And Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA)

The leadership of the committees with jurisdiction over transportation issues have issued statements praising the nomination of Elaine Chao as Secretary of Transportation.

The Senate Commerce Committee has legislative jurisdiction for the Department of Transportation including nominations subject to Senate confirmation.

“Elaine Chao is very well qualified to lead the Department of Transportation as Secretary. I support the President-elect’s choice and expect the Senate Commerce Committee will expeditiously consider this nomination once the new Congress begins in January," said Senator John Thune (R-SD), the committee chairman (pictured, left).

"From safely integrating unmanned aircraft into our skies to supporting development of self-driving vehicles, the Department of Transportation has responsibility for overseeing fundamental changes happening in our transportation system. As a former Secretary of Labor and Deputy Secretary of Transportation, as well as a former chair of the Federal Maritime Commission, Elaine Chao has a distinguished record of serving the nation, and has already shown she can work effectively with members on both sides of the aisle. Her leadership will benefit the Department of Transportation in guiding investment in our infrastructure and making transportation safer and better for the public.”

“From the start, it was my hope that President-elect Trump would select someone to run the Department of Transportation who has a background leading large organizations, knowledge of how Congress and the legislative process work, and the right mixture of public and private experience necessary to oversee a bold agenda to transform America’s transportation and infrastructure systems for the 21st Century.  Elaine Chao embodies these qualities,” said Congressman Bill Shuster (R-PA), chair of the House Transportation committee (pictured, right).
 
“America faces a number of important challenges when it comes to our transportation networks that will require strong leadership from the executive branch. I am committed to working with Secretary Chao and President Trump to make responsible investments in our infrastructure, streamline transportation improvements, reduce regulatory burdens, encourage private-public partnerships, and encourage innovation to preserve and strengthen America’s economic competitiveness.”

(Source: Released statements. Image from file)

FMI: www.commerce.senate.gov, http://transporation.house.gov