Former Charlotte mayor sworn in as new Transportation chief

Former Charlotte, N.C., Mayor Anthony Foxx (D) was sworn in as the 17th secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOT) on Tuesday, according to Obama administration officials. 

Foxx took the oath of office to assume the Cabinet post in a private ceremony at the DOT’s headquarters at about 11 a.m., the agency said.

The newly installed Transportation secretary was unanimously confirmed
by the Senate last week. 

He said in a statement after his swearing-in ceremony that he planned to
continue the work on improving transportation safety that had been done
by his predecessor, former Republican Rep. Ray LaHood (Ill.).

{mosads}“Safety will remain our top priority at DOT,” Foxx said in a statement. 
“At the same time, I will work to improve the efficiency and performance
of our current transportation system while building the infrastructure
we need for future generations,” said Foxx.  “In doing so, I
look forward to bringing my ‘on the ground’ experiences as a mayor,
while embracing the tremendous knowledge, skill and ingenuity of the DOT
workforce and our many stakeholders.” 

Foxx resigned his mayoral post on Monday, clearing the way for to join President Obama’s second-term Cabinet.

The former two-term mayor was tapped by Obama in April to
replace LaHood, who has served as Transportation secretary since the beginning of Obama’s presidency and announced his
retirement earlier this year.

Foxx, who is seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party, beat out several rumored candidates who were better known in Washington, like National Transportation Safety Board Chairwoman Deborah Hersman, for the DOT secretary post.

The DOT released a photograph of Foxx taking the oath of office for his new position. The new Transportation secretary is not expected to make public comments until after the July 4th holiday.

Photo credit: Department of Transportation

-This story was originally posted at 10:18 a.m. and it was subsequently updated with new information.