Senate confirms Chao as secretary of transportation

By |  February 1, 2017
Elaine Chao

Elaine Chao

The Senate confirmed Elaine Chao as secretary of transportation after a 93-6 vote, according to a USA Today report.

Chao, the wife of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, served in President George W. Bush’s administration as secretary of labor from 2001 to 2009. She also served in President George H.W. Bush’s administration as deputy secretary of transportation from 1989 to 1991.

Chao received praise from both Democrats and Republicans in the Senate, USA Today adds. Sen. John Thune, R-South Dakota, heads the committee that reviewed Chao’s nomination, and he notes that Chao has an opportunity to improve safety and innovation, expand the freight network and advance improvements for infrastructure.

The National Stone Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) advocated the confirmation of Chao since her nomination. The association reached out to members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation prior to her confirmation hearing and to all senators ahead of the vote, NSSGA adds.

“We congratulate Secretary Chao on being confirmed to lead the Transportation Department,” says Mike Johnson, NSSGA president and CEO. “With her experience leading both labor and transportation departments in the past, she is the ideal person to lead the charge on President Trump’s $1 trillion infrastructure plan.”

About the Author:

Megan Smalley is the associate editor of Pit & Quarry. Contact her at msmalley@northcoastmedia.net or 216-363-7930.

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