Former 18th District Congressman Ray H. LaHood became the 16th U.S. Secretary of Transportation just before 1:00 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23. He was joined for an official swearing-in ceremony in his new office by his wife, Kathy, son, Sam, and Assistant Majority Leader, U.S. Senator Richard J. Durbin.

LaHood's former boss Bob Michel and Durbin introduced him at Wednesday's confirmation hearing.

The oath of office was administered by Linda Washington, Assistant Secretary for Administration, and took place before an audience of his new staff and members of the Department of Transportation transition team.

The full Senate confirmed LaHood by voice vote on Jan. 22, following his being reported out of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee the day before.

As a central Illinois congressman, Ray LaHood supported earmarks. He told a congressional committee Jan. 21 that he would be committed to President Obama's plan to eliminate earmarks.

Durbin says LaHood embodies an ideal of the new president. "I know President Obama started out informing his cabinet, wanting to make sure it was bipartisan and to show there were leading politicians who could serve in his cabinet and do so effectively. I'll be honest with you: I went to him and said, 'I think Ray LaHood is that person," Durbin said.

LaHood told committee members that one of his first tasks would be effectively spending economic recovery money on transportation projects.

A ceremonial swearing-in will be scheduled at a later date.