Ray H. LaHood Becomes the 16th U.S. Secretary of Transportation

Ray H. LaHood became the sixteenth U.S. Secretary of Transportation just before 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 23. Can the new U.S. Maritime Administrator’s naming be far behind?

LaHood was joined for an official swearing-in ceremony in his new office by his wife Kathy, son Sam and fellow Illinoisan and Assistant Majority Leader, U.S. Senator Richard J. Durbin. The oath of office was administered by Linda Washington, Assistant Secretary for Administration, and took place before an audience of his new staff and members of the Department of Transportation transition team.

The full Senate confirmed LaHood by voice vote on January 22, following his being reported out of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee just the day before, on January 21.

MarEx Editor’s Note: Secretary LaHood will be one of the final decision-makers involved in the search, nomination and hopefully, timely confirmation of a new Maritime Administrator. Sean Connaughton will be a tough act to follow. Hopefully, the next MARAD Administrator will be as proactive and effective as was Connaughton.