Story ID: 
Illinois Congressman To Head U.S. DOT
By: AIN Staff
Caption: Retiring Rep.
Word Count: 183
Retiring Rep. Ray LaHood (R-Ill.), who presided over the impeachment of President Clinton, will be the new Secretary of Transportation in President-elect Barack Obama’s Administration and the second Republican to sit in his Cabinet. LaHood served on the House aviation subcommittee for several years and was cited by AOPA in 2000 as a “strong advocate of general aviation.” According to his official biography, he has been a proponent for improving local airports through securing funds for new construction and expansion, while also working with officials to increase air service. As DOT Secretary, 63-year-old LaHood would play a major role in overseeing transportation infrastructure programs that Obama is expected to put forth as part of a huge economic stimulus package. Although LaHood strongly supported McCain in the election, he developed a close relationship with Obama while working on the House Appropriations Committee on behalf of the state of Illinois. LaHood also is friendly with Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.), who will be Obama’s chief-of-staff. Former National Air Traffic Controllers Association president John Carr said that LaHood is an “outstanding pick” for the transportation post.