Illinois Congressman To Head Transportation Department

Rep. Ray LaHood (R-Ill.), who presided over the impeachment of President Clinton, will be Secretary of Transportation in President Barack Obama's administration and the second Republican selected for his cabinet. LaHood served on the House aviation subcommittee for several years and was cited by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association in 2000 as a "strong advocate of general aviation." According to his official biography, he has been a proponent of improving local airports through securing funds for construction and expansion, while also working with officials to increase air service.