LaHood sworn in as secretary of transportation

Jan 26, 2009

Former Rep. Ray LaHood (R-IL) was sworn in as secretary of transportation on Jan. 23. LaHood, who served 14 years in Congress, listed four priorities (.pdf file) for leading the Department of Transportation: safety, economic health and job creation, sustainability of infrastructure investments, and a focus on people and communities in transportation planning. "I am mindful that safety – on the road, on the rails, in the air and on the water – has always been and must continue to be the central focus" of the department, LaHood said.

LaHood’s confirmation was delayed a week while the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation looked further into his background after questions were raised about earmarks and other financial matters. However, Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV (D-WV), who chairs the committee, said the nominee’s FBI report was "sparkling clean."