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Eric R. Byer
Vice President, Government & Industry Affairs
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ebyer@nata.aero
OBAMA’S SELECTION OF LAHOOD AS DOT SECRETARY “EXCELLENT CHOICE” ACCORDING TO COYNE
Alexandria, VA, December 19, 2008 — Retiring GOP Member of the U.S. House of Representatives Ray LaHood (R-IL) was named by President-elect Obama today as his nominee to become the next U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
LaHood, a moderate Republican, served as the longtime chief of staff to former House Minority Leader Bob Michel (R-IL) before winning the seat in his own right upon Michel’s retirement in 1994. LaHood served on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure from 1995-2000. While a member of the House Subcommittee on Aviation, LaHood was an advocate for improving local airports in Illinois by working with the community and local officials to increase air service and secure funds for new construction and expansion of airports. From 2001 to the present, LaHood served on the powerful House Committee on Appropriations.
“President-elect Obama has made an excellent choice in selecting Congressman LaHood as the next secretary of transportation,” NATA 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 this continuing support and his leadership as transportation secretary.”
Representative Rahm Emanuel (D-IL), who will serve as President-elect Obama’s chief of staff in the White House, is among the many Illinois Members of Congress who have a very high opinion of LaHood. LaHood is known for trying to organize “civility retreats” and other activities to help House Republicans and Democrats work more collaboratively on legislative issues.
“Congressman LaHood’s record of reaching across party lines and working with both parties is absolutely critical in this town,” Coyne concluded. “There are a number of contentious issues that the new secretary will have to confront immediately upon taking office. Congressman LaHood’s nomination gives me confidence that these issues will be addressed in a bi-partisan and objective manner.”
NATA, the voice of aviation business, is the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before Congress and the federal agencies.
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