Former South Bend mayor Pete Buttigieg was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Secretary of the Department of Transportation on Tuesday.
The Senate voted 86-13 to approve Buttigieg's nomination.
Hoosiers politicians from both parties congratulated Buttigieg, including both of Indiana's Republican Senators who voted to approve his nomination.
"Investing in America's infrastructure like roads, rails, and waterways is not a partisan issue, and I'm pleased to have a Hoosier at the helm of the Department of Transportation," Sen. Todd Young said. "I look forward to working with Secretary Buttigieg to continue to bring investment to Indiana."
U.S. Sen. Mike Braun also voted to confirm Buttigieg.
"Today, I voted to confirm fellow Hoosier Pete Buttigieg as Secretary of Transportation following conversations with him where he committed to finding bipartisan solutions to confront the transportation and infrastructure challenges facing our country and acknowledged that funding infrastructure with more debt is not sustainable," Braun said. "As the former CEO of a transportation and logistics company headquartered in Jasper, I know firsthand that Indiana is the Crossroads of America and a hub for auto manufacturing, and Hoosiers need robust and sustainable assistance from the federal government to maintain and expand our transportation infrastructure."
Rep. Andre Carson, D-Indianapolis, tweeted his congratulations to the newest member of President Joe Biden's cabinet.
Congratulations to SECRETARY Pete Buttigieg, who has been confirmed by the Senate to lead the @USDOT! You make Hoosiers proud. I'm looking forward to working with you to address the vital transportation and infrastructure priorities of our state and our nation.
— André Carson (@RepAndreCarson) February 2, 2021
Indiana Democrats also tweeted their congratulations.
Congrats and make us proud, Secretary @PeteButtigieg!
— Indiana Democrats (@INDems) February 2, 2021
Should you ever miss home, we can be sure to ship a care package from the South Bend Chocolate Company (@ChocolateBend) to your new office. 🏳️🌈🥳🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/HzYOr63j7H
U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski, R-Jimtown, also congratulated Buttigieg.
"I look forward to working together to strengthen our nation's infrastructure and ensure the safety and efficiency of our transportation system," Walorski said in a tweet. "As the crossroads of the nation, Indiana has long been at the forefront of innovative infrastructure solutions. Having a Hoosier leading the Department of Transportation will be an opportunity to build on our state's proven record of success."
