WASHINGTON — Elaine L. Chao, a veteran cabinet secretary who has served under two Republican presidents, offered remarkably few specifics but many promises of cooperation on Wednesday as she cruised through her confirmation hearing to become transportation secretary.

Democrats on the Senate committee charged with reviewing Ms. Chao’s nomination by President-elect Donald J. Trump made it clear that they have no objections to her, suggesting that she will be easily confirmed in a full Senate vote.

Senator Bill Nelson of Florida, the top Democrat on the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, praised Ms. Chao for acting with “grace and excellence” in her previous government service.

“I certainly look forward to you, in this new administration, doing the same,” he said.

Senator John Thune, Republican of South Dakota and the committee’s chairman, called her “an ideal candidate.”