The Senate today unanimously confirmed Anthony R. Foxx as the next secretary of transportation.

Foxx, a Democrat and twice-elected mayor of Charlotte, N.C., was nominated by President Obama on April 29, one day before Foxx's 42nd birthday. He was confirmed by the Senate Commerce Committee earlier this month.

Foxx succeeds Ray LaHood, who has held the post since the start of the Obama administration. LaHood said earlier this year that he would resign the post but remain until the Senate confirmed his successor.

Foxx becomes the 17th secretary in the Department of Transportation's 46-year history.