Senate Confirms Mineta as DOT Chief

The Senate unanimously confirmed Norman Y. Mineta - who served as commerce secretary late in the Clinton administration - as the new secretary of transportation.

	U.S. Dept. of Commerce
	Norman Y. Mineta

Mineta told the Senate Commerce Committee during his confirmation hearing on Wednesday that he will examine trucking’s proposed hours-of-service rules for drivers, hazardous material shipments by truck, and truck safety standards.

Mineta was unanimously confirmed by the full Senate even as the hearing was still under way.

He told the senators his goals are to ensure the safety of the public and to determine whether sufficient money has been appropriated to accomplish a number of transportation projects and achieve the recommendations as detailed in a recent inspector general report.

Senators asked him a variety of questions relating to all modes of transportation, focusing on passenger service by airlines and high freight prices charged by railroads.

Applauding the action was Walter B. McCormick Jr., president and chief executive officer of the American Trucking Associations.

McCormick issued a statement saying: “The ATA and our members – the leaders of the trucking industry – congratulate Secretary Mineta on his confirmation. His sound judgment and keen understanding of both trucking and transportation issues in general should serve the country and the new administration well. ATA looks forward to a productive working relationship with Secretary Mineta as we address vital issues important to improving highway safety and moving the U.S. economy.”