Politics. On Point.

Mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina, Anthony Foxx has some big shoes to fill. The newly nominated Secretary of Transportation will succeed the outgoing transportation secretary, Ray LaHood. During today's nomination the president called LaHood possibly the "best Secretary of Transportation that the nation's ever had." Anthony Foxx (middle) nominated as new Secretary of Transportation.  Getty photo. LaHood, a native of Illinois, has held the position since 2009. "From the day that he was sworn in, Ray has fought tirelessly to rebuild America’s infrastructure creating good jobs that strengthen our economy and allow us to better compete in the global economy", said Obama.  "Over the past four years, thanks to Ray's leadership, we’ve built or improved more than 350,000 miles of road enough to circle the world more than 14 times.  We’ve upgraded more than 6,000 miles of rail  enough to go coast to coast and back.  We’ve repaired or replaced...

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood spoke yesterday at the The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) legislative conference where he encouraged Congress to "be bold", "be brave" when it comes to ideas for building America's infrastructure and rail systems. "We've always been big and had bold ideas", said LaHood. He praised President Obama for his vision of high speed rail and called out Congress for stalling the president's plan to improve the nation's existing railroads and building infrastructure here in America that would rival any foreign country's rail system. "You all have been to China and have seen their railroads.  I'm sure when you return home you're scratching your head asking, "Why can't we do that?" The U.S. ranks near the bottom of countries with sustainable or advanced rail systems. During the conference's Q&A session LaHood, who is retiring this year, was asked ...

Via the White House Press Office. 500 rail industry companies to hire over 5,000 veterans in 2012. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, Association of American Railroads (AAR) President and CEO Ed Hamberger and Joining Forces Executive Director Brad Cooper announced that the railroad industry will hire more than 5,000 veterans in 2012. Five hundred companies and organizations including freight, inter-city passenger and commuter railroads, as well as rail supply companies represented by AAR are making today’s significant commitment. “As a result of their service, veterans have the right skills and training for successful careers in transportation,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. “Helping our veterans find work strengthening America’s transportation system is a commitment we are proud to fulfill.” The rail industry joins the First Lady and Dr. Biden’s Joining Forces initiative launched last year to bring Americans together to recognize, honor and take action t...

Aw, Spring.    The time of year when the White House boasts beautiful flowers of all types in its garden, and where thousands of kids come to play and hang out with the First Family during the annual Easter Egg Roll , a tradition that started in 1876 by then President Rutherford B. Hayes. President and First Lady cheer on youngsters during the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.  Photo/CD Brown. Kids near and far attended the traditional rolling of the Easter egg down the White House lawn (with a spoon) as did as a few celebrities to boot.   Even Department of Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood braved the long lines of kids and parents, bringing with him his two grandchildren. Rising rock star Willow Smith performed a few of her hits, while Colbie Caillat got things started by singing the National Anthem.  Weather guy Al Roker was on hand at one of the cooking stations preparing crepes with Mrs. Obama and 'Live With Regis and Kelly' t...