by Stefani Reynolds/Pool via AP

Approved by the Senate today (86-13), Pembroke’s own Pete Buttigieg ’05 made history as the first openly LGBTQ Cabinet member in US history.

At age 39, Buttigieg is also the first millennial and second youngest Cabinet member in history –following a trail blazed by 35 year-old Robert F. Kennedy who was confirmed as US Attorney General in 1961.

Buttigieg’s confirmation received support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle as he described bold plans for renewing US transportation infrastructure, paving the way the achievement of Biden’s lofty goals for climate change, racial justice and the recovery of the American economy.

Armed with an $87 billion budget, a team of 55,000 employees and the responsibility for shepherding a $2 trillion infrastructure plan through Congress, Pete will have a lot on his plate — but then recent history has proved that Buttigieg seems always up for a challenge.  We wish him well.

Congratulations Pete!

UPDATE: Feb 3, 2021 — Pete Buttigieg is sworn in as US Treasury Secretary.  Read about this historic event here

https://apnews.com/article/biden-cabinet-climate-south-bend-transportation-pete-buttigieg-254dc53fb5630266bf806713f37cf818