Biden introduces Buttigieg as transportation chief in 'historic' U.S. Cabinet

[webfact]

Biden introduces Buttigieg as transportation chief in 'historic' U.S. Cabinet

By Jarrett Renshaw

 

FILE PHOTO: Former Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg endorses former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden at Chicken Scratch in Dallas, Texas, U.S., March 2, 2020. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz/File Photo

 

WILMINGTON, Del. (Reuters) -President-elect Joe Biden touted the diversity of his incoming administration as he introduced former rival Pete Buttigieg on Wednesday as his choice for U.S. transportation secretary to take the lead in upgrading America's aging infrastructure.

 

Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, would be the first openly gay Cabinet secretary confirmed by the Senate if he is approved.

 

"The Biden-Harris Cabinet will be a historic Cabinet - a Cabinet that looks like America, a Cabinet that taps into the best of America, a Cabinet that is opening doors and breaking down barriers and accessing the full range of talent ... in this nation," Biden said as he puts forth what is shaping up to be the most diverse Cabinet in U.S. history.

 

President-elect Joe Biden on Wednedsay formally introduced former rival Pete Buttigieg as his pick for U.S. secretary of transportation, adding to what is shaping up to be the most diverse Cabinet in U.S. history.

 

Appearing with Buttigieg in Wilmington, Delaware, Biden said the 38-year-old would confront the task of restoring what he called "our crumbling roads, bridges and ports." Biden has proposed a massive boost in infrastructure spending.

 

Buttigieg emerged from relative obscurity to mount a surprisingly robust campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination eventually won by Biden. A military veteran who served in Afghanistan, Buttigieg is in the vanguard of the next generation of Democratic politicians and is widely seen as a future presidential contender.

 

"I'm also mindful that the eyes of history are on this appointment, knowing that this is the first time an American president has ever sent an openly LGBTQ Cabinet member to the Senate for confirmation," Buttigieg said.

 

When Buttigieg ended his campaign and endorsed Biden in March, Biden offered him high praise, saying the Indiana native reminded him of his late son, Beau.

 

As transportation secretary, Buttigieg would oversee a sprawling federal agency that regulates the nation's airlines, transit systems and interstate highways. Buttigieg would also play a central role in Biden's proposed infrastructure and environmental initiatives, including plans to add 500,000 charging stations nationwide for electric vehicles.

 

"Americans shouldn't settle for less than our peers in the developed world when it comes to our roads and bridges, our railways and transit systems. The U.S. should lead the way, and I know that in this administration we will," Buttigieg said.

The outline of Biden's climate change team is growing clearer. Sources told Reuters on Tuesday that Biden intends to make Gina McCarthy, the former Environmental Protection Agency head, his domestic climate "czar" and former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm his energy secretary.

 

Biden has methodically assembled his administration despite President Donald Trump's refusal to concede after losing the Nov. 3 election. The Republican president has made unfounded claims of widespread election fraud.

 

"Too soon to give up," Trump wrote on Twitter on Wednesday.

 

Biden, who served as vice president under the nation's first Black president, Barack Obama, has vowed to build a government that reflects the country's diversity.

 

In addition to Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, who will become the first Black person, Asian American and woman to serve as the nation's No. 2, Biden has named multiple women and minorities to Cabinet-level positions.

 

They include Janet Yellen, who would be the first female treasury secretary; Lloyd Austin, who would be the first Black defense secretary; and Alejandro Mayorkas, who would be the first immigrant and first Latino to head the homeland security department.

 

Biden also is expected to pick Brenda Mallory of the Southern Environmental Law Center green advocacy group to lead the White House Council on Environmental Quality, sources familiar with the process told Reuters.

 

TRANSPORTATION ISSUES

Buttigieg would lead a department with 54,000 employees and an $80 billion annual budget. It oversees all modes of transportation and pipeline safety. Biden's administration is expected to seek to shift more transportation spending toward environmentally friendly modes like high-speed rail and electric vehicles.

 

"This administration can deliver policies and resources that will create jobs, rise to the climate challenge, and equitably serve all Americans, all while continuing to ensure the safety of travelers and workers alike," Buttigieg said.

 

U.S. transit systems have faced a collapse in ridership amid the coronavirus pandemic and are seeking billions of dollars in additional assistance after Congress approved $25 billion in April. The U.S. passenger railroad Amtrak also is seeking a new $3 billion infusion of public funds.

 

Passenger airlines, which have received $25 billion in payroll assistance from Congress, have laid off more than 32,000 workers and are seeking more public funding to bring back workers.

 

Congress is considering legislation to change how the Federal Aviation Administration certifies new airplanes after two fatal crashes involving Boeing Co 737 MAX planes.

 

Another issue will be how Biden's administration deals with vehicle fuel-efficiency requirements. Trump's administration in March finalized a rollback of U.S. standards to require 1.5% annual increases in efficiency through 2026, well below the 5% yearly boosts in Obama-era rules that it discarded.

 

(Reporting by Julia Harte, Jarrett Renshaw and David ShepardsonWriting by Will DunhamEditing by Colleen Jenkins and Alistair Bell)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2020-12-17

 

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[pegman]

Smart guy, hopefully he has the spine to bring the FAA under gov rather than industry control. There needs to be a good housecleaning there. What went on with the BOEING 737 MAX was inexcusable. 

[RJRS1301]

No need to "tout" as did Trump/Ivanka about "tolerance" and diversity , then to immediately undermine rights.

Biden is just bringing in talent, even former competitors, irrespective of orientation, to do a job

More of a man than 45 will ever be, I hope this is indicative of a progressive team on merit, not sycophants and people bringing in favours.

 

[Jingthing]

Mayor Pete is clearly future presidential Tinder (or Grindr). 

[RJRS1301]

31 minutes ago, webfact said:

 

"Too soon to give up," Trump wrote on Twitter on Wednesday.

The delusions continue.

The curtain has been drawn back to reveal that there is a lame incumbent of no substance.

His leagy will be the deaths of over 300,000 people and more federal executions in a hurried example of preying on those who have no say, what a piece of human detritus 

[RJRS1301]

2 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Mayor Pete is clearly future presidential Tinder (or Grindr). 

Would a similar comment be elicited about a heterosexual orientated male?

 

Edited December 16, 2020 by RJRS1301

[Jingthing]

7 minutes ago, RJRS1301 said:

Would a similar comment be elicited about a heterosexual orientated male?

 

So you're accusing me of homophobia? 

It was a bit of a joke from a fellow friend of Dorothy.

Anyway, it is important to note the historic nature of Buttigieg's rise in power because there has NEVER been an openly gay person at that high executive branch level before. Just as it is historic for Kamala Harris to be the very first female vice president. Both are big deals though Vice President is a bigger one. 

Of course people shouldn't be selected as tokens based on their identities. However, representation matters. It matters a lot.

Edited December 16, 2020 by Jingthing

[Solinvictus]

44 minutes ago, pegman said:

Smart guy, hopefully he has the spine to bring the FAA under gov rather than industry control. There needs to be a good housecleaning there. What went on with the BOEING 737 MAX was inexcusable. 

Respect your opinion. However, it's quite naive in regards to who he really is and what he has done for Indiana locals.

 

#getaclue

[RJRS1301]

26 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

So you're accusing me of homophobia? 

It was a bit of a joke from a fellow friend of Dorothy.

Anyway, it is important to note the historic nature of Buttigieg's rise in power because there has NEVER been an openly gay person at that high executive branch level before. Just as it is historic for Kamala Harris to be the very first female vice president. Both are big deals though Vice President is a bigger one. 

Of course people shouldn't be selected as tokens based on their identities. However, representation matters. It matters a lot.

Not accusing you of homophobia, but had someone else made the comment we both have jumped.

It very important that Biden show acceptance of talent irrespective of race and orientation or gender, especially following the toxicity of the current incumbent.

It appears that acceptance has arrived, not tolerance but accpetance nothing less is desirable

[Chomper Higgot]

Buttigieg is a good pick, a rising star in the Democrat party and a representative of young America, highly intelligent, a first class education and a man who has served his nation in public office and and in the military.

 

Biden is giving him the cabinet exposure he needs to build his already promising future.

 

What a difference an election makes.

[Jeffr2]

I was hoping the presidential ticket would have been Kamala as pres and Pete as VP.  That would have really <deleted> off Trump and his cult members.  A half black lady as president and a gay guy as VP.  Too funny.

[thailand49]

2 hours ago, pegman said:

Smart guy, hopefully he has the spine to bring the FAA under gov rather than industry control. There needs to be a good housecleaning there. What went on with the BOEING 737 MAX was inexcusable. 

Good luck with that!  and I'm a Democrat!  For the record the guy has been in politics for 50 years so now all of a sudden he is going to what?  I heard that from Obama when he was running yet with the two of them in office he in large government when he ran on downsizing.

 

There is a saying in investing,  you pick a mutual fund looking at 1-3-5 performance past performing isn't indicative of future performance but it is a good indicator so when you look at Biden record 50 years you can pretty much guess where he might be headed and put a bet down to it. It that doesn't make sense then how about this?  A alcoholic comes out of rehab, two months later back on the sauce goes back to rehab, come back out, 3 months later back on the sauce goes to rehab, comes back out, now if I ask you what is the chance?

 

Nearly every cabinet member being nominated is campaign payback. Harris, Rice, the list goes on? the key now who he is going to name as DOJ?

 

Yes, what happen to Boeing was sad but it started way before Trump with the FAA,  it goes back 50 years? it has always been with FAA react after the fact instead of proactive!

 

I like you hope for the best but after 50 years the writing is on the wall, unless all of a sudden he has finally figure out that he is actually president and at his age doesn't have to swim in the swamp and kiss A-- and does a reverse!  But based on my opinion I think you know where I plan to put my bet?

Edited December 17, 2020 by thailand49

[TopDeadSenter]

9 minutes ago, thailand49 said:

For the record the guy has been in politics for 50 years so now all of a sudden he is going to what?

Do you have any credible evidence to prove that after 47 years as a swamp creature biden can not change his life-long stance on everything now that he is suddenly thrust into the spotlight? People can change. But if the democrat voters really want biden to change they will have to get the press to start holding him accountable, giving the guy a free pass for literally everything and making him beyond any and all criticism will not help the guy to modernize.

[Jeffr2]

18 minutes ago, TopDeadSenter said:

Do you have any credible evidence to prove that after 47 years as a swamp creature biden can not change his life-long stance on everything now that he is suddenly thrust into the spotlight? People can change. But if the democrat voters really want biden to change they will have to get the press to start holding him accountable, giving the guy a free pass for literally everything and making him beyond any and all criticism will not help the guy to modernize.

Biden is not a swamp creature.  He wasn't like Trump, McConnell, Graham, Rand Paul, etc.  Becoming a turncoat and putting up with 4 years of lies.  The current senate has accomplished almost nothing. 

 

If nothing else, he and Obama saved us from one of the greatest recessions ever.  One created by the GOP.  Congrats to him for that.

 

You should read this.  Seems your news source is a bit off.  Again.

 

https://www.miamidadedems.org/joe-biden-accomplishments-list

[TopDeadSenter]

17 minutes ago, Jeffr2 said:

Biden is not a swamp creature.  He wasn't like Trump, McConnell, Graham, Rand Paul, etc.  Becoming a turncoat and putting up with 4 years of lies. 

You might want to rethink that. According to highly rated The Hill he is a serial liar, a bully, a plagiarist and a fantasist. All hallmarks of what we affectionately dub the swamp.

 

https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/499065-lies-damned-lies-and-the-truth-about-joe-biden

Edited December 17, 2020 by TopDeadSenter

[Jeffr2]

2 minutes ago, TopDeadSenter said:

You might want to rethink that. According to highly rated The Hill he is a serial liar, a bully, a plagiarist and a fantasist. 

 

https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/499065-lies-damned-lies-and-the-truth-about-joe-biden

From that highly rated media outlet.

 

By Liz Peek, Opinion Contributor — 05/22/20 08:00 AM EDT 1,247

The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the view of The Hill

 

P.S. and a Fox News contributor!  You fall for this every time.  She's hard core anti-Biden.  Look at her Twitter feed.  No wonder you like her.

Edited December 17, 2020 by Jeffr2

[pegman]

1 hour ago, thailand49 said:

Good luck with that!  and I'm a Democrat!  For the record the guy has been in politics for 50 years so now all of a sudden he is going to what?  I heard that from Obama when he was running yet with the two of them in office he in large government when he ran on downsizing.

 

There is a saying in investing,  you pick a mutual fund looking at 1-3-5 performance past performing isn't indicative of future performance but it is a good indicator so when you look at Biden record 50 years you can pretty much guess where he might be headed and put a bet down to it. It that doesn't make sense then how about this?  A alcoholic comes out of rehab, two months later back on the sauce goes back to rehab, come back out, 3 months later back on the sauce goes to rehab, comes back out, now if I ask you what is the chance?

 

Nearly every cabinet member being nominated is campaign payback. Harris, Rice, the list goes on? the key now who he is going to name as DOJ?

 

Yes, what happen to Boeing was sad but it started way before Trump with the FAA,  it goes back 50 years? it has always been with FAA react after the fact instead of proactive!

 

I like you hope for the best but after 50 years the writing is on the wall, unless all of a sudden he has finally figure out that he is actually president and at his age doesn't have to swim in the swamp and kiss A-- and does a reverse!  But based on my opinion I think you know where I plan to put my bet?

Nixon-China

[Tug]

Smart guy vet young lots of energy get her done Pete!

[Chomper Higgot]

2 hours ago, TopDeadSenter said:

Do you have any credible evidence to prove that after 47 years as a swamp creature biden can not change his life-long stance on everything now that he is suddenly thrust into the spotlight? People can change. But if the democrat voters really want biden to change they will have to get the press to start holding him accountable, giving the guy a free pass for literally everything and making him beyond any and all criticism will not help the guy to modernize.

There is no such thing as ‘a swamp creature’.

 

As for ‘free passes’, you’re having a laugh.

[Rimmer]

Troll post and reply removed

[RJRS1301]

2 hours ago, TopDeadSenter said:

Do you have any credible evidence to prove that after 47 years as a swamp creature biden can not change his life-long stance on everything now that he is suddenly thrust into the spotlight? People can change. But if the democrat voters really want biden to change they will have to get the press to start holding him accountable, giving the guy a free pass for literally everything and making him beyond any and all criticism will not help the guy to modernize.

I was under the mistaken impression that the KIC had drained the said swamp

Were there no Rep in the swamp to 47 years, who may have held the CIC position ?

Press holding them accountable, but when that happened over the past 4 years it was labelled as "fake" as I recall.

 

[Jingthing]

The speech.

 

 

[Thingamabob]

The swamp returns. Oh dear....

[GroveHillWanderer]

5 hours ago, TopDeadSenter said:

According to highly rated The Hill he is a serial liar, a bully, a plagiarist and a fantasist.

Not "according to" the Hill. It's an opinion piece and as the prominent disclaimer at the very, very top says:

 

Quote

The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the view of The Hill.

 

[RJRS1301]

5 hours ago, TopDeadSenter said:

You might want to rethink that. According to highly rated The Hill he is a serial liar, a bully, a plagiarist and a fantasist. All hallmarks of what we affectionately dub the swamp.

Sounds like 45 textbook 

 

Also it was an opinion piece not the view of the media outlet.

FACTS not FAKE please

[simple1]

24 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

The swamp returns. Oh dear....

 

I would call out the comment above as utter tripe, but curtesy requires one to provide the opportunity for explanation based upon facts, not conspiracy theories and relevant to the OP  - over to you....

 

You do realise the trump administration is (soon to be 'was'} the essence of 'the swamp' with nepotism, appointing persons, including advisers, will zero relevant experience for the role other than being supporters of trump, removing / ignoring checks and balances, firing people who spoke truth to power and so on and so on.

Edited December 17, 2020 by simple1

[Silurian]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

President-elect Joe Biden touted the diversity of his incoming administration as he introduced former rival Pete Buttigieg on Wednesday as his choice for U.S. transportation secretary to take the lead in upgrading America's aging infrastructure.

 

I like Pete but this feels a little bit like a token assignment. I would think his talents and personality would be better suited to a more visible role. Pete is almost made for TV. To "hide" him in the Transportation Department seems strange to me.

 

How many people can actually recall (without searching the Internet), who acted in the past as US Secretary of Transportation? Not a very high profile job. Well, maybe Pete can change that.

 

Edited December 17, 2020 by Silurian

[RJRS1301]

5 minutes ago, simple1 said:

 

I would call out the comment above as utter tripe, but curtesy requires one to provide the opportunity for explanation based upon facts, not conspiracy theories - over to you....

 

You do realise the trump administration is (soon to be 'was'} the essence of 'the swamp' with nepotism, appointing persons, including advisers, will zero relevant experience for the role other than being supporters of trump, removing / ignoring checks and balances, firing people who spoke truth to power and so on and so on.

Please do not let facts get in the way of a good jealous hissy fit from a person suffering the grief through loss. They will get to bewilderment and disbelief, soon on the way to acceptance

Edited December 17, 2020 by RJRS1301

[spidermike007]

Really good pick. Any administration is going to benefit from someone of Pete's smarts and ability. The astonishing thing about many of the Biden picks so far, is that most are based on actual merit, something we never saw during Trump's tenure. That administration was literally stacked from top to bottom with incompetents, and bottom of the barrel selections. 

[Opl]

51 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

The swamp returns. Oh dear....

Isn't Betsy DeVos leaving?

Edited December 17, 2020 by Opl