Obama Cabinet and Key White House Staff
11. Ray LaHood (R) - Secretary of Transportation
Former U.S. Representative, Illinois
Member, Appropriations Committee
Nominated: December 19, 2008
Obama’s comments:
“Few understand our infrastructure challenge better than the outstanding public servant I am asking to lead the Department of Transportation—Ray LaHood. As a Congressman from Illinois, Ray served six years on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, leading efforts to modernize our aviation system by renewing our aging airports and ensuring that air traffic controllers were using cutting edge technology. Throughout his career, Ray has fought to improve mass transit and invest in our highways. But he has not only helped rebuild our landscape, he has helped beautify it by creating opportunities for bikers and runners to enjoy our great outdoors. When I began this appointment process, I said I was committed to finding the best person for the job, regardless of party. Ray’s appointment reflects that bipartisan spirit—a spirit we need to reclaim in this country to make progress for the American people.”
Others’ comments:
“Mr. LaHood’s resume on transport matters was seen as thin by some critics. He does not currently serve on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, although he has in the past. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee he did not work on transportation funding.
“But Mr. LaHood, who is retiring from Congress, is very close to Mr. Emanuel and won high praise from key Democratic lawmakers for his efforts to bridge the sometimes bitter partisan divide in Congress. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman James Oberstar (D., Minn.) said Mr. LaHood’s skills as an arbitrator will be essential at the Transportation Department.
“‘In the case of DOT, you need a manager,’ Mr. Oberstar said. ‘The department largely carries out directives of the White House but must have ability to work with the House and Senate and with the broader constituency in transportation. Ray LaHood is uniquely capable of that.’”
—The Wall Street Journal
Approved: January 22, 2009
Sworn in: January 23, 2009
Appointment Impact: Rep. Aaron Schock (R) had already been elected to fill retiring Rep. LaHood’s seat
Challenges:
“The next transportation secretary will face an immediate challenge in handling the transportation component of an economic-recovery package that could run more than $500 billion. Mr. Obama has called for the biggest round of public-works spending—on roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects—since the interstate-highway system was built.”
—The Wall Street Journal
|