Pete Buttigieg speaks at the Senate of Commerce, Science and Transport nomination hearings to examine his likely appointment as Secretary of Transportation in Washington.
Ken Cedeno | Reuters
The US Senate confirmed Pete Buttigieg as transport secretary on Tuesday, handing the former presidential candidate a wide range of challenges – from President Joe Biden’s environmental priorities to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, obtained approval from the Senate Commerce, Science and Transport Committee last week after a largely friendly hearing. He was asked about issues related to Covid-19, improving the much-needed infrastructure and strengthening the powers of the Federal Aviation Administration if he took over the reins of the DOT of 55,000 people.
In its first two weeks, the Biden government has already taken a hard line on transport measures aimed at containing the spread of Covid-19. Biden extended an entry ban to most non-American citizens who have recently been to Brazil, the United Kingdom and much of Europe. On Tuesday, the US government began requiring passengers to wear masks on planes, trains, buses, ferries and other means of transport.
Buttigieg’s DOT can become a driving or limiting force in the adoption of emerging technologies, specifically autonomous and electric vehicles.
Biden has already instructed federal agencies to consider revising fuel emission standards for vehicles that have been cut by the Trump administration. He also said he plans to replace the government’s fleet of cars and trucks with electric vehicles assembled in the U.S.
The 39-year-old man will be the first openly gay person to be confirmed to hold a position in the Cabinet and one of the youngest of all time.
–CNBC’s Michael Wayland contributed to this article.