The Honorable Jay Rockefeller IV
Chairman
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
254 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable John Thune
Ranking Member
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
254 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510
RE: NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE STRONGLY SUPPORTS THE CONFIRMATION OF MAYOR ANTHONY FOXX AS THE NEXT SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION
Dear Chairman Rockefeller and Ranking Member Thune:
As President and CEO and on behalf of the National Urban League, it is with great pleasure that I strongly support and urge the confirmation of Mayor Anthony Foxx as the next U.S. Secretary of Transportation. Established in 1910, the National Urban League is the nation's largest historic civil rights and urban advocacy organization serving over 2 million people each year through 95 affiliates in urban communities in 36 states and the District of Columbia.
As we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the great March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, we reflect on the most pressing demands in 1963 that were centered on economic equality, on educational opportunity and parity, and civil rights – battles that we are still fighting to this day. No other state official has demonstrated an understanding of how the rising tides of economic empowerment raises all boats as much as Mayor Foxx. During his tenure as Mayor of Charlotte he has shown a commitment to ensuring that his region attains economic security by planning, building and maintaining a world class transportation system.
His use of infrastructure investments as a mode of immediate and future job creation is extremely commendable. With the extension of their light rail system, completing a highway widening, opening another runaway and creating a freight hub at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Mayor Foxx has ensured that Charlotte will become and remain competitive as a major entry and exit locale.
Additionally, as a supporter of Charlotte Works, a private/public partnership that brings together Charlotte area resources to educate, empower and engage Charlotte's workforce to meet the current needs of the Charlotte businesses, Mayor Foxx further showed his willingness and adeptness at working with CEOs, labor leaders and the federal government. Those who have worked with him can attest that he is a pragmatic leader and a consensus builder.
In light of his stellar career as a dedicated public servant, it is only fitting that Mayor Foxx be confirmed as the next U.S. Secretary of Transportation. The National Urban League therefore looks forward to a swift confirmation of Mayor Anthony Foxx as the next U.S. Secretary of Transportation to help us realize a national transportation system to benefit our workforce and economic needs for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Marc H. Morial
