Anthony Foxx was confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate Thursday to be secretary of the Department of Transportation. Foxx was most recently the mayor of Charlotte, N.C., and a political ally of President Barack Obama.
As mayor, Foxx was instrumental in hosting the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte last year. He is a friend of President Barrack Obama and was a key advocate for Obama during his re-election campaign.
Foxx worked to complete a major highway widening and improve a major bridge in Charlotte, which reduced congestion, improved the flow of commerce and increased public safety.
Safety will be Foxx’s top priority, the Associated Press reported. He also plans to focus on improving the efficiency and performance of the transportation system and rebuilding transportation infrastructure.
“The president has nominated a smart, energetic leader to head the Department of Transportation,” said American Highway Users Alliance President and CEO Greg Cohen. “Foxx’s performance was impressive throughout his confirmation hearing, and we have no doubt that the new secretary will be successful in shifting gears to become the Obama administration’s chief transportation policy maker."
“We congratulate Anthony Foxx on his confirmation as U.S. transportation secretary, and we look forward to continuing the strong partnership that exists between our organizations,” said Bud Wright, executive director of the American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO). “In his confirmation testimony Mr. Foxx pledged to continue his predecessor’s campaign against distracted driving, look for creative ways to fund the nation’s highway and transit programs and encourage the use of innovative technologies. AASHTO shares these priorities, and we look forward to working with the secretary as he addresses the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
