He is expected to play an important role in promoting Biden’s sweeping green initiatives, helping to oversee stronger automotive fuel economy standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the president’s push later this year on a $2 trillion climate and infrastructure plan. That plan will be focused on rebuilding roads and bridges and expanding zero-emission mass transit while boosting electric vehicle infrastructure, including building 500,000 charging stations over the next decade.
Speaking on the Senate floor before the vote, Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell, the incoming chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, praised Buttigieg s energy and fresh approach and said she looked forward to his leadership to address an aging infrastructure, including the “crumbling off of bridges, delayed trains, buses, congestion, railroads, or any of the many issues.
Buttigieg Thanks Husband, Talks Policy in Senate Confirmation Hearing
Pete Buttigieg, President Biden s nominee for secretary of Transportation, could become the first out Senate-confirmed Cabinet member. January 21 2021 3:07 PM EST
Pete Buttigieg opened his confirmation hearing for secretary of Transportation Thursday morning by laying out his vision for the department and thanking his husband, Chasten Buttigieg.
The nominee introduced his husband, who sat behind him, masked, in the hearing before the Senate Commerce Committee, saying, “I’m really proud to have him by my side. I also want to take this chance to thank him for his many sacrifices and his support in making it possible for me to pursue public service.”
Former Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg speaks as US President-elect Joe Biden looks on after he was nominated to be Secretary of Transportation (Getty/Kevin Lamarque)
Pete Buttigieg is poised for a swift confirmation hearing on Thursday (21 January), just one day after Joe Biden takes office.
The former South Bend mayor and presidential hopeful requires confirmation by the Senate for his new role as secretary of transportation, which will make him the first out gay cabinet member to be Senate-confirmed.
Controversial gay Trump loyalist Richard Grenell previously occupied a cabinet seat on an acting basis for three months while another nominee was approved by the Senate, but no out LGBT+ person has ever held a full-time role.
ANOTHER VIEWPOINT: Mayor Pete poised to make history
Anderson Herald Bulletin
Former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg is a fantastic choice for transportation secretary.
In an administration led by the oldest man ever elected as president, Buttigieg would bring the energy of youth. He’ll turn 39 the day before Biden takes the oath of office.
He is also the first openly gay person ever nominated for such a position, a milestone he addressed at the event to announce his nomination.
Buttigieg recalled his own reaction as a 17-year-old when President Bill Clinton nominated James Hormel, an openly gay man, as ambassador to Luxembourg. In that era, a gay man could not even get a hearing in the Senate, and the nomination wound up being pushed through as a recess appointment.
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