Elaine Chao Confirmed as Transportation Secretary 93-6

Elaine Chao, was confirmed as transportation secretary 93-6 by the Senate Tuesday. Six Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., voted against her confirmation; Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who is Chao's husband, didn't vote. She held several cabinet positions in prior Republican administrations and was well regarded during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Commerce Committee (see 1701110031). Committee Chairman John Thune, R-S.D., praised her confirmation. In a statement, he said Chao "has the experience, ability, and now the bipartisan backing of the Senate to address our nation’s transportation and infrastructure challenges." Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said Chao is "well-positioned to address" rural America's infrastructure such as improving internet access. The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems looks forward "to foster a favorable policy environment" for drones as they get integrated into the national airspace, CEO Brian Wynne said. "Sustained industry-government collaboration is key to advancing the innovation needed to create jobs and keep the U.S. at the forefront of this growing and exciting field." Intelligent Transportation Society of America wants to help Chao "accelerate the widespread deployment of intelligent, transformational transportation systems" that's being driven by artificial intelligence, automation, cloud computing and robotics, said President Regina Hopper.