WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) today issued the following statement upon learning of the resignation announcement of Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta:

“Norm and I have worked together very closely over the years. He has really been a tremendous Secretary for the transportation area. Because of his long service in the House of Representatives, he has a working knowledge of all of these issues, and he has applied himself in a very personal way to resolving the disputes that have occurred in the transportation sector.  In particular, he has been an outspoken proponent of seeking a modernization of the airways system. In addition, Norm’s impact in the transportation security area in the time after 9-11 has been outstanding.” 

“I am assured that this retirement is an action sought by the Secretary himself. I believe he’ll have an overwhelming impact in the business world, in whatever capacity he chooses. I wish Norm the best of luck in the future.”

Secretary Mineta's resignation will become effective July 7, 2006.