(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chairman of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement after President-elect Obama announced his nomination of Rep. Ray LaHood to be the next Transportation Secretary. As Chairman of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Murray oversees the Department of Transportation’s budget and operations.
“Our country is faced with enormous transportation challenges. From crumbling bridges and highways, to an outdated air traffic control system, to a dwindling Highway Trust Fund, we have a lot of work ahead to get our citizens and economy moving.
“Solving these challenges at a time of economic turmoil will require a dedicated and dynamic Transportation Secretary. It will require leadership that can cut through bureaucratic hurdles to put people to work quickly. It will also require a collaborative, innovative approach to building a transportation system that meets the needs of our families and businesses.
“Rep. LaHood has a track record of bringing diverse interests together to get the job done. I look forward to sitting down with him and getting to work on our transportation needs.
“In the coming months, we will make a historic investment in our country’s transportation infrastructure. I will be working with Rep. LaHood to ensure that every dollar of this stimulus investment goes to creating jobs and improving our communities.
“I also look forward to working with Rep. LaHood on new strategies to reduce green house gases, modernize our Air Traffic Control system, shore up our Highway Trust Fund, and improve Amtrak.”
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