McConnell introduces wife at Senate confirmation hearing

A Senate confirmation hearing got off to a jovial start on Wednesday with some kind words and a ringing endorsement from the chamber’s top Republican.

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) made a guest appearance at the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing to introduce his wife, Elaine Chao, whom President-elect Donald Trump has tapped to lead the Transportation Department.

“The nominee before us is well-qualified, incredibly capable, and she’s got really great judgment … on a whole variety of things,” McConnell said to a packed Dirksen committee hearing room, which erupted in laughter.

{mosads}Transportation Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.) said that McConnell’s presence may be the first time a majority leader has testified in front of a confirmation hearing.

But McConnell pointed out that former Senate GOP Leader Bob Dole (Kan.) spoke out on behalf of his wife, Elizabeth Dole, who served as both Transportation and Labor secretary.

“I regret that I have but one wife to give for my country’s infrastructure,” McConnell said, quoting Dole.

Chao, who is expected to sail through the nomination process, ran the Department of Labor under President George W. Bush and served as deputy Transportation secretary in the George H.W. Bush administration.

“She will be brilliant,” McConnell said during his short and sweet remarks.

“I think that’s the first time we’ve ever seen McConnell hug anyone,” said Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii).

Chao responded: “I’m glad that was me!”

During her opening testimony, Chao fired back with her own joke in a nod to her relationship with McConnell.

“I’ll be working to lock in the majority leader’s support over dinner,” Chao said.

Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut joked that he and McConnell have something in common: “We both married above ourselves.”