Regulations and Government
Ray LaHood chosen to lead DOT
Former Rep.

Former Rep. Ray LaHood (R-Ill.), who retired in December at the end of his seventh term in Congress, has been confirmed to serve as secretary of transportation in President Obama’s Administration, making him the second Republican (after Defense Secretary Robert Gates) to sit in his Cabinet.

LaHood served on the House aviation subcommittee for several years. According to his official biography, he has been a proponent for improving local airports through securing funds for new construction and expansion, while also working with officials to increase air service. In 2000 AOPA called him a “strong advocate of general aviation.”