Foxx confirmed as next US transportation secretary

U.S. Senate on Thursday unanimously approved the nomination of Charlotte mayor Anthony Foxx as transportation secretary. The Senate voted 100 to zero in favor of Foxx, who will succeed Ray LaHood at the helm of Department of Transportation. The unanimous vote was rare for a Cabinet appointee and the 42-year- old Foxx will also be the youngest member of the Obama Cabinet. "Anthony knows firsthand that investing in our roads, bridges and transit systems is vital to creating good jobs and ensuring American businesses can grow and compete in a 21st century global economy," said the White House in a statement after the Senate's approval. Foxx drew national attention when his city hosted the Democratic National Convention last year. Charlotte is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Carolina, and the country's second largest financial center by assets following New York City. While serving as Charlotte mayor since 2009, Foxx extended a light-rail line, built another runway at the airport, widened a major highway, improved a major bridge and brought streetcars back to Charlotte. Now as secretary, Foxx will oversee the U.S. aviation, rail, transit and highway systems, as well as auto safety. At the nomination hearing by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee about a month ago, Foxx said safety will be his top priority.