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Charlotte, N.C., Mayor Anthony Foxx confirmed as transportation chief

The Senate Thursday confirmed Anthony Foxx, to be the next transportation secretary by unanimous vote. file photo. UPI/Kevin Dietsch
The Senate Thursday confirmed Anthony Foxx, to be the next transportation secretary by unanimous vote. file photo. UPI/Kevin Dietsch | License Photo

WASHINGTON, June 27 (UPI) -- Mayor Anthony Foxx of Charlotte, N.C., won a unanimous Senate confirmation Thursday to be the next secretary of transportation.

"I am pleased that the Senate today voted unanimously to confirm Anthony Foxx as the next secretary of transportation," President Obama said in a statement. "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. I welcome Anthony to my team, and I look forward to working with him as we aim to modernize the infrastructure that powers our economy."

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Foxx, who succeeds Ray LaHood, faces a budget fight and several touchy airline rules for consumer protection and safety, USA Today reported.

USA Today said the issues include:

-- Congressional debate on spending cuts for the Federal Aviation Administration after the sequester forced a week of air-traffic controller furloughs in April.

-- The Transportation Department's development of a consumer protection rule on the marketing of items such as baggage fees and seat assignments.

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-- Two pending FAA safety rules that stem from a fatal crash in 2009 that would require more training for airline co-pilots and more simulator training for how to recover from a stall.

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