WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Thune (R-SD), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released the following statement after meeting with Secretary of Commerce nominee Penny Pritzker and Secretary of Transportation nominee Anthony Foxx today in his office:

“I would like to thank both nominees for taking the time to meet with me in my office today. The confirmation process should be a rigorous, fair, and thorough exercise and I appreciate the nominees sharing more about their backgrounds, qualifications, and vision for both cabinet agencies.

“Americans continue to suffer from weak economic growth and persistent, high unemployment, and I had an opportunity to hear from Ms. Pritzker how she believes the Commerce Department can better work to address those and other issues. I expressed to Mayor Foxx that our nation faces a number of transportation challenges that will require strong leadership and effective communication with Congress to keep our nation moving.

“I will continue to review the paperwork they submitted in preparation for their confirmation hearings next week and expect that they will continue to be open and forthcoming as the process moves forward.”

Mayor Foxx’s hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 2:30 PM ET and Ms. Pritzker’s is scheduled for Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 11:00 AM ET. Photos of Senator Thune and the nominees can be viewed here.  

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