Thune Statement on Naming of Elaine Chao as Secretary of Transportation Designee

“Elaine Chao is very well qualified to lead the Department of Transportation as Secretary”

November 29, 2016

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released the following statement on President-elect Donald Trump’s intention to nominate Elaine Chao as the next Secretary of Transportation.

“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. 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.”

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