O n January 25, Norman Y. Mineta became the 14th U.S. Secretary of Transportation. The day before, the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee approved Mineta's nomination and sent it forward for unanimous approval by the entire U.S Senate, even before Mineta's confirmation hearing concluded.
Transportation is pivotal to both our economic success and to our quality of life.
Prior to joining the Commerce Department, Mineta worked for Lockheed Martin as the senior vice president of its Transportation Systems and Services Division. From 1975 to 1995 he served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing the heart of California's Silicon Valley. As a member of Congress, Mineta was known for his dedication to the people of his district, for consensus building among his colleagues, and for forging public-private partnerships. Mineta's legislative and policy agenda was wide and varied, including major projects in the areas of economic development, science and technology policy, trade, transportation, the environment, intelligence, the budget, and civil rights. Mineta served as a chair of the House Public Works and Transportation Committee between 1992 and 1994.