Sen. McConnell meets with DOT nominee Foxx

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) met on Wednesday with President Obama’s Transportation Secretary nominee Anthony Foxx (D), the Kentucky senator’s office said.

Foxx’s nomination was approved this week by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, clearing the way for a vote of the full Senate that could come as early as next week if McConnell grants his blessing to proceeding.

McConnell’s office said he talked with Foxx on Wednesday about “the importance of several Kentucky transportation projects, including the Brent Spence Bridge in Northern Kentucky, Ohio River Bridges in Louisville and the I-69 Bridge in Henderson.”

{mosads}“As Republican Leader, I am able to meet face to face with Administration officials to ensure that Kentucky priorities are brought to their attention,” McConnell said in a statement. “I appreciate Mayor Foxx taking the time to discuss with me the importance of several Kentucky transportation projects and the challenges to building them during these tough economic times.”

Foxx is currently the mayor of Charlotte, N.C., a position he has held since 2009.

Foxx has appeared since his nomination to be on a glide path to confirmation, appearing on Capitol Hill last month for a congenial confirmation hearing where he even drew praise from staunch conservatives like Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).

Foxx has pledged to work with Republicans in Washington if he is confirmed as Transportation secretary, citing his experience reaching across the aisle as a mayor.

“There is no such thing as a Democratic or Republican road, bridge, port, air field or rail system,” Foxx said when he was first introduced as Obama’s DOT choice in April.  

“We must work together across party lines to enhance this nation’s infrastructure,” Foxx continued.

McConnell’s office tweeted a picture of the Senate minority leader sitting down with Foxx in his Capitol office.