On the recordJanuary 31, 2017
Mr. President, I have sought recognition to speak in support of Secretary Elaine Chao to be the Secretary of Transportation. It would be hard to come up with a more qualified nominee than Secretary Chao for this important role. In addition to serving for 8 years as the U.S. Secretary of Labor, Secretary Chao has also served as the Deputy Secretary of the Department that she has now been tapped to lead. Her extensive experience also includes the United Way of America, the Peace Corps, and the Federal Maritime Commission. The Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, which I am honored to chair, held a hearing on Secretary Chao's nomination on January 11 of this year. To no one's surprise, she demonstrated her experience, her thoughtfulness, and her commitment to working collaboratively with Congress on the challenges facing our transportation system. Last week, the Commerce Committee acted by voice vote to report her nomination favorably to the floor, and I am hopeful that the Senate will confirm her overwhelmingly today. The agency Secretary Chao has been nominated to lead plays a vital role in facilitating and promoting the safe and efficient movement of goods and people throughout the country and around the world. Our economy is truly dependent upon a thriving transportation sector. Without a robust and efficient transportation sector, rural States like mine would be unable to get their goods to the market.…





