President Trump’s nominee for Transportation secretary easily won confirmation on Tuesday, even amid fallout from the administration’s temporary ban on travelers from seven majority-Muslim nations.
In a 93-6 vote, the Senate endorsed Elaine Chao to lead the Transportation Department, where she is expected to be a crucial ally in helping Trump move a massive infrastructure package through Congress.
Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sens. Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) all voted against her. Schumer told reporters he opposed Chao because she has yet to take a public position on the White House's immigration ban.
Chao, who is married to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and is a veteran Cabinet member, was unanimously approved by voice vote during committee consideration. McConnell, however, voted "present" on Tuesday.
Chao ran the Department of Labor under President George W. Bush and served as deputy Transportation secretary in the George H.W. Bush administration. She was also Federal Maritime Commission chairwoman and deputy Maritime administrator.
“It would be hard to come up with a more qualified nominee than Secretary Chao for this important role,” Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, said on the Senate floor Tuesday.
Chao is set to be sworn in at 5 p.m., White House press secretary Sean Spicer said Tuesday.
For the full report at The Hill, click here.
