Foxx confirmation hearing concludes smoothly

Anthony FoxxAnthony Foxx

Yesterday’s confirmation hearing for President Obama’s nominee for Secretary of Transportation, Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx, concluded smoothly, with Foxx making few promises to the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and with no hostile questions raised, the New York Times reported.

Though the committee asked Foxx a number of  questions, the nominee made a point of keeping his number of promises low. The Charlotte mayor limited his promises his three intended focuses, which include keeping safety as a top priority, improving the efficiency and performance of the nation’s existing transportation system and working to build a transportation system to meet future needs.

Foxx has made transportation a priority in Charlotte. During his term as mayor, the city has expanded the LYNX light rail system and the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, began work on the Charlotte Regional Intermodal Facility and the  Charlotte Streetcar Project, completed the I- 485 beltway and repaired the Yadkin Bridge.

However, Foxx has little experience with national transportation issues. If confirmed, he will face a number of difficult funding issues for roads, air traffic control and the freight rail system.

There has been no word yet on an expected date for the committee’s decision.

The archived webcast of the hearing is available at the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee’s website. A transcript of Senator John D. Rockefeller IV’s opening statement is available here. To read the transcript of Foxx testimony, click here.