The former Wisconsin congressman has promised safer Boeing planes, less regulation and help for U.S. companies developing self-driving cars.

The Senate on Tuesday approved Sean P. Duffy’s nomination to lead the Transportation Department in a 77-22 vote, marking an end to an easy confirmation process for the former Wisconsin lawmaker. Duffy’s nomination is the first of many of President Donald Trump’s picks teed up for potential floor votes this week,

President Donald Trump said Duffy would use his past experience in Congress to help rebuild the country’s infrastructure and improve travel safety.

The U.S. Senate voted 77 to 22 on Tuesday to confirm former U.S. Representative Sean Duffy to head the U.S. Transportation Department. Duffy, who was nominated by President Donald Trump, says Boeing needs "tough love" to get back on track after a 2024 mid-air emergency and vowed not to approve additional 737 MAX production until the planemaker makes safety improvements.

Mr. Duffy, a former congressman who had appeared on track to sail through with little opposition, overcame a last-minute swell of Democratic anger over the White House’s sweeping funding freeze.