President Obama nominated Charlotte, N.C., Mayor Anthony Foxx to be his
secretary of transportation Monday, succeeding Ray LaHood.
Obama called Foxx "one of the most effective mayors that Charlotte has ever
seen."
"Since Anthony took office, they've broken ground on a new streetcar project
that's going to bring modern electric tram service to the downtown area," the
president said. "They've expanded the international airport. And they're
extending the city's light rail system. All of that has not only helped create
new jobs, it's helped Charlotte become more attractive to business."
If approved by the Senate, Foxx, whose city hosted the Democratic National
Convention in September, would be the second African-American in Obama's Cabinet
and the first black agency officer nominated in Obama's second term. Eric Holder
has been attorney general since 2009.
Foxx has the respect of his peers from across the country, Obama said.
"And as a consequence, I think that he's going to be extraordinarily effective,"
he said.
Obama also plugged his "Fix-It-First" initiative as a way to put people back to
work as quickly as possible on the most urgent infrastructure projects.
"And to make sure taxpayers don't shoulder the entire burden, I've also proposed
a partnership with the private sector," he said. "But Congress has to step up,
fund these projects. They need to do it right away."
Obama praised LaHood for his service as transportation secretary.
"Ray has fought tirelessly to rebuild America's infrastructure -- creating good
jobs that strengthen our economy and allow us to better compete in the global
economy," Obama said. "So every American can thank Ray for his dedication to
make our transportation system not just stronger, but also safer."
Obama also is expected to nominate billionaire Obama donor and business
executive Penny Pritzker as commerce secretary and Deputy National Security
Adviser Michael Froman as U.S. trade representative, several news organizations
reported.
All three positions require Senate confirmation.
