Elaine Chao testifying before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Jan. 11.Elaine Chao, President Trump’s nominee to head the Department of Transportation, received committee-level approval Tuesday. The Senate’s Commerce, Science and Transportation committee voted to favorably recommend Chao’s nomiation — the first step toward her confirmation as Transportation Secretary.
Her nomination now moves to the full Senate. For Chao to be confirmed to run the DOT and serve in Trump’s Cabinet, a majority vote is needed in the Senate. Chao’s confirmation is expected to see little opposition.
The Senate has not yet scheduled a vote on Chao’s nomination, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has signaled in recent weeks the Senate intends to stamp approval on Trump’s picks quickly to establish the new administration.
Chao said earlier this month during her confirmation hearing she intends to make infrastructure funding and more sensible regulations top priorities as DOT Secretary.
