The Senate Commerce Committee Monday night approved the nomination of Anthony Foxx to be Secretary of Transportation. Foxx’s nomination now goes to the full Senate, which is expected to approve it.

In another development, the chairman of the committee, Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., announced that Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., will take over chairmanship of the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation.

Warner is stepping into the vacancy left last week by the death of Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J.

The subcommittee is of particular importance to trucking because it handles safety issues such as electronic onboard recorders and size and weight regulations.

“Senator Warner knows first-hand the importance of making investments in our transportation system and how they fuel our economic engine,” said Rockefeller in a statement.

“He brings unique ideas and experience to this position, and a staunch commitment to rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure and expanding all modes of transportation.”