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NATA CONGRATULATES LAHOOD ON SENATE CONFIRMATION AS DOT SECRETARY
Alexandria, VA, January 23, 2009 — Retired GOP Member of the U.S. House of Representatives Ray LaHood (R-IL) was confirmed yesterday by the U.S. Senate as the next secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
LaHood, a moderate Republican, appeared before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and discussed President Obama’s vision for our nation’s transportation system. LaHood highlighted ways in which the department will distinguish itself from its predecessor. He also said he would select a Federal Aviation Administration administrator who will resolve a stalemate between the agency and the air traffic controllers union over labor costs.
“President Obama has made an excellent choice in selecting Representative LaHood as the next secretary of transportation,” National Air Transportation Association President James K. Coyne stated. “The Congressman has been a long-standing advocate for general aviation during his tenure in Congress, and we look forward to working with him on critical issues facing the industry.
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NATA, the voice of aviation business, is the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before Congress and the federal agencies.