Daschle was raised in Scott City, Kansas, and attended Kansas State University, Manhattan. She was appointed Deputy Administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration by President Bill Clinton. She is responsible for the promotion and enhancement of the safety and security of the national air transportation system. As Director of the Office of Congressional, Community and Consumer Affairs for the Civil Aeronautics Board, she worked with Congress to obtain funding for Kansas airports, Essential Air Service for rural towns, and funding for the Airport Improvement Programs. She has served with the American Association of Airport Executives and the Air Transport Association of America.