[IMAGE]LaHood-panel-full.jpg[/IMAGE] Former central Illinois Rep. Ray LaHood was confirmed as the new Transportation Secretary by voice vote Thursday night.

During the confirmation hearing, held Wednesday, Jan. 21, LaHood answered many questions regarding various transportation issues, including Amtrak. "I have been a strong supporter of Amtrak...it's the lifeblood of so many communities around America," LaHood said, adding that he would do all that he could to help fund the national rail service.

LaHood also expressed his support for seeking additional funding for New Starts projects.

For more on the confirmation hearing, click here: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/22/us/politics/22lahood.html