President Trump’s nominee for transportation secretary easily won confirmation yesterday, amid fallout from the administration’s temporary ban on travelers from seven majority-Muslim nations.
In a 93-6 vote, the U.S. Senate endorsed Elaine Chao to lead the transportation department, where she is expected to be a crucial ally in helping Trump move a massive infrastructure package through Congress.
Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sens. Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Elizabeth Warren (D- Mass.) all voted against her.
Chao was joined for the swearing-in ceremony by her husband, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), and several of her sisters and their husbands and children.
