Chao Confirmed as New Secretary of Transportation, Airline Industry Was Strongly in Favor

The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

The Senate voted on Tuesday to confirm Elaine Chao as secretary of transportation with a 93-to-6 vote.

Chao, who served as secretary of labor under President George W. Bush and was the only official in his administration to serve all eight years, won praise from Democrats and Republicans alike.

“It would be hard to come up with a more qualified nominee than Secretary Chao for this important role,” said Senator John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota. “Secretary Chao has repeatedly proven her willingness to roll up her sleeves to address the challenges facing our nation.”

“I think we need Secretary Chao as someone who has the experience and who has common sense and that will be in the position to offer level-headed, good experience-based advice to the government going forward,” said Senator Bill Nelson, a Democrat from Florida.

Following her nomination, the airline industry in the United States came out strongly behind the appointment.

“Elaine Chao is an outstanding pick to be the next Secretary of Transportation,” said Nicholas Calio, CEO of Airlines for America, the trade association representing major U.S. airlines. “She is a distinguished public servant and leader whose experience in transportation and labor issues, among others, as well as her political skills and the known ability to manage a large organization, will serve the Trump Administration well.”

Prior to serving as secretary of labor, Chao, who was born in Taiwan, served as director of the Peace Corps and later as deputy transportation secretary under President Bush.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)