U.S. Chamber Supports Mineta Confirmation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce urged swift Senate approval of Norman Mineta for Secretary of Transportation, to ensure transportation problems do not undermine our nation's long-term economic vitality and growth.

"The record number of people and goods traveling by planes, cars, trucks and trains is causing congestion and delays that irritate consumers and cost businesses billions of dollars in lost productivity," said Thomas Donohue, Chamber President and CEO. "Mineta has the experience and the ability to work across party lines and build consensus around solutions to our transportation problems."

Investments in transportation infrastructure – improvements to roads, airports and ports – are not keeping pace with economic growth. The Chamber has called for increased infrastructure investment by ensuring that the billions of dollars collected by the federal government to improve the nation's transportation system are fully used for their intended purpose.

"The new, just-in-time economy relies on dependable infrastructure for air and road systems," said Donohue. "Without a concerted effort to resolve the problems of the aviation system, further gridlock is inevitable and the safety net for airline travel will be stretched."

The U.S. Chamber will host a 2-day Aviation Summit in Washington, D.C., February 1–2, where regulators, industry and customers can debate solutions to issues including: demand, infrastructure and capacity. Featured speakers include: FAA Administrator Jane Garvey, National Air Traffic Controllers Association President John Carr, Delta Air Lines Chairman and CEO Leo Mullin, and Jack Clemons, senior vice president Lockheed Martin Air Traffic Management.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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