Week ahead: A vote, at last, for Foxx

{mosads}Foxx is expected to be easily confirmed after winning unanimous approval of the Senate’s transportation committee earlier this month.

Foxx, who is black, would be a second African-American member of Obama’s Cabinet, along with Attorney General Eric Holder. The president had previously faced criticism about a lack of diversity in second-term Cabinet appointments.

Foxx has promised to work across party lines if he is confirmed.

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

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

Elsewhere on Capitol Hill this week, lawmakers will begin consideration of new passenger rail funding bill on Thursday.

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s rail subcommittee will hold a hearing to begin working on a new Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (PRIIA).

The current PRIIA bill, which authorizes funding for Amtrak, among other things, is set to expire in September.

Lawmakers in both parties have identified extending the rail funding bill a priority for 2013, and jockeying has already begun between supporters and opponents of long-distance railways like Amtrak.

The House Transportation Committee will also hold a hearing on freight rail on Wednesday titled “How Logistics Facilitate an Efficient Freight Transportation System” and a hearing about Coast Guard readiness.