Confirmation hearing on Trump’s Transpo nominee set for next week

President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Transportation Department will get a confirmation hearing next Wednesday.

The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee will consider the nomination of Elaine Chao, a non-controversial pick who is expected to sail through the confirmation process.

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Chao ran the Department of Labor under George W. Bush and served as deputy Transportation secretary in the George H.W. Bush administration. She is married to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).

Chao was spotted making the rounds on Capitol Hill late last year to meet with senators.

“I’m here to listen to their concerns and to learn from them,” Chao told reporters at the time. “I’m looking forward to confirmation.”

In a questionnaire from the Transportation panel, Chao signaled that she wants to enforce safety regulations, expedite the process for infrastructure projects and ensure there is equal access to transportation in both rural and urban areas.

Chao’s confirmation hearing is one of several slated to take place Jan. 11, when Trump is scheduled to hold a press conference in New York after postponing a previous news conference to discuss his business.