For Release: Friday, June 23, 2006
Contact: David Gillies: (202) 225-5661

COSTELLO STATEMENT ON RESIGNATION OF TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY NORMAN MINETA

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) issued the following statement concerning today's announcement that Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta will resign from that position on July 7, 2006:

"Norm Mineta has been at the heart of transportation policy in this country for almost half a century and his departure leaves a void that will be difficult to fill.  He has witnessed a period of enormous change in the economics and technological sophistication of transportation and his steady hand has been invaluable over that time.  He will always be remembered for his leadership on September 11, 2001, when under his guidance U.S. airspace was efficiently and safely shut down after the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington.  He has seen the best and the worst of the United States and through it all he has always been there for his country.   I appreciate his friendship and his great service, and wish him and his family all the best in the future."  

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