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Obama: 'Every American who travels' should thank LaHood for DOT work
President Obama praised Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on Tuesday, saying "every American who travels by air, rail or highway" should thank the outgoing Cabinet official for his work at his department.
"I want to thank Secretary LaHood for his dedication, his hard work and his years of service to the American people – including the outstanding work he’s done over the last four years as secretary of Transportation," Obama said in a statement released by the White House.
"As secretary of Transportation, he has fought to create jobs and grow our economy by rebuilding our roads, bridges and transit systems," Obama continued. "Under his leadership, we have made significant investments in our passenger rail system and laid the groundwork for the high-speed rail network of the future. And every American who travels by air, rail or highway can thank Ray for his commitment to making our entire transportation system safer and stronger."
"I have let President Obama know that I will not serve a second term as secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation," LaHood said in a statement released by the DOT on Tuesday. "I plan to stay on until my successor is confirmed to ensure a smooth transition for the department and all the important work we still have to do."
Obama, who was a member of the Illinois congressional delegation with LaHood before appointing him to be Transportation secretary, said he also wanted to "thank Ray for his friendship."
"Years ago, we were drawn together by a shared belief that those of us in public service owe an allegiance not to party or faction, but to the people we were elected to represent," Obama said. "And Ray has never wavered in that belief ... I am grateful to Ray for everything he’s done, and I wish him only the best going forward."
LaHood was one of two Republicans that were appointed to Cabinet positions by Obama in his first term. He was joined by former Defense Bob Gates, who was a holdover from former President George W. Bush's administration. Obama has also nominated former GOP Sen. Chuck Hagel (Neb.) to be his next secretary of Defense.
