President Biden announced Buttigieg as his nominee to lead the Transportation Department back in December. Secretary Buttigieg is expected to play a key role in the Biden administration's push for a potential bipartisan infrastructure package.
The Senate approved Buttigieg's nomination in an 86-13 vote. The confirmation makes Buttigieg the first openly LGBTQ Cabinet member to be confirmed by the Senate in U.S. history. He will also be the youngest person ever to serve as Transportation Secretary. He succeeds former Secretary Elaine Chao, who served in the role under President Trump.
Several industry associations have expressed support for Buttigieg's appointment as Transportation Secretary, including the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), American Public Transportation Association (APTA), and the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America).
