Obama To Nominate Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx As Transportation Secretary
President Obama is set to nominate Charlotte, North Carolina Mayor Anthony Foxx as the next Transportation Secretary. The news comes from a White House official, who added that the nomination is set to take place on Monday.
Foxx first gained notoriety last year when Charlotte hosted the Democratic National Convention. Foxx also made a surprise announcement earlier this month that he would not seek another term as mayor.
The mayor explained he wanted to spend more time with his family. In revealing the expected nomination, a White House official praised Foxx’s ability to improve the city’s transit infrastructure along with a streetcar project, which will bring a modern electric tram to the city. The official added:
“These initiatives and investments are important pieces of a comprehensive plan to meet Charlotte’s transportation needs and maintain its position as a leader in high-tech industry and 21st century job creation.”
Ray LaHood, the current Secretary of Transportation, planned to leave his position early into President Obama’s second term. However, budget battles in Washington, D.C., kept him in the position longer than he expected. LaHood will stay on as Transportation Secretary until his successor is confirmed by the Senate.
The nomination should be interesting, mainly because of the divisiveness in the Senate with previous cabinet nominees. While current Secretary of State John Kerry had a fairly easy time during confirmation hearings and in the vote on the Senate floor, current Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Defense Secretary John Brennan experienced numerous issues.
The most prominent opposition to Brennan’s nomination came when Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) conducted a 13-hour-long filibuster of the nomination on the Senate floor. The outspoken congressman only ended his filibuster because he had to use the restroom. It is hoped that Foxx will have an easier time getting through the confirmation process. The White House official added of the Charlotte mayor’s abilities:
“Foxx’s career as a public official, in a rapidly changing urban environment, has been marked by an ability to integrate local, state and federal resources to meet important transportation challenges — expertise he will bring to his critical interactions with leaders at the state and local level as Secretary of Transportation.”
President Obama is expected to nominate Charlotte Mayor Foxx to the Transportation Secretary position on Monday.
[Image via Bz3rk]
