Duffy Promises Bold Vision as Trump’s Transportation Nominee
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WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to run the U.S. Department of Transportation promoted domestic energy initiatives and pro-commerce safety programs during his nomination hearing Jan. 15.
Former Rep. Sean Duffy’s appearance before the Senate Commerce Committee featured signs of bipartisan support from senators who championed ongoing investments in supply chain connectivity projects.
Duffy, a cable television personality before and after his near-decade stint as a member of Congress, emphasized his policymaking experience. He represented a primarily agriculture-centric Wisconsin district in the U.S. House of Representatives during the Obama-era tea party wave. He also signaled the likelihood of undoing or pausing Biden-era rules and regulations specific to emissions, emerging technologies and severe-weather resilience.
“If confirmed, we will craft clear regulations that balance safety, innovation and cutting-edge technology,” the nominee told senators. “Transportation impacts every aspect of life — from the efficiency and security of our ports to the ease of commuting to work, school and church. Together with President Trump, this committee, and the entire DOT team, we will usher in a golden age of travel.”
(Commerce Dems via YouTube)
Throughout the hearing, Duffy also pushed back on the current administration’s enthusiasm for inclusivity if it would hinder meritocracy.
Responding to a questionnaire from the committee, Duffy said he has a command of the federal budget process and his vision for DOT would be to “ensure safe vehicle standards and infrastructure,” as well as “move dollars out of the door efficiently and according to the laws passed by Congress.” He also said he intends to “foster an environment where innovation can flourish.”
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Trump tapped the former congressman to lead an agenda expected to prioritize domestic energy production and traditional sources of fuel.
Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) touted Duffy’s credentials. As he put it, “Rep. Duffy is a dedicated public servant who is well qualified to lead this important department. In addition to nearly a decade of service as northwestern Wisconsin’s representative to Congress, he is a former prosecutor, a family man, and someone who cares deeply about the future of this country. As a father of nine, Rep. Duffy knows better than most the truth of President-elect Trump’s comment on ‘how important it is for families to be able to travel safely, and with peace of mind.’ ”
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In introducing Duffy to the committee, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), a senior member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, pointed to a freight-centric legislative portfolio: “He worked to address the shortage of commercial truckers and introduced legislation to prevent trains blocking grade crossings. He is passionate about safety in our aviation, rail and highway systems.”
Democrats on the committee highlighted ongoing programs funded by 2021’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), the panel’s ranking member, congratulated Duffy for earning the trust of the president-elect to join his Cabinet. At the hearing she called on the nominee to “make sure that we’re continuing to make the investments that the Congress has already appropriated and assigned, because obviously building resilient systems that can’t be disrupted help us drive an even bigger economy in the United States of America.”
“It is crucial that DOT continues to implement the law as Congress directed. And Illinois and every other state needs to receive all the funding that has been awarded to it on time and without undue delay,” Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), a senior member of the committee, told the nominee.
The Republican-led Senate intends to confirm Duffy and other senior Cabinet-level nominees this month. If confirmed, Duffy would succeed Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Trump’s inauguration is scheduled for Jan. 20.
American Trucking Associations is among the groups endorsing Duffy for the secretary post. “As secretary, he will focus DOT’s attention and resources on physical infrastructure projects that support the efficient transportation of goods. Rep. Duffy’s experience serving on the House Financial Services Committee further reinforces that he will be a diligent and responsible steward of DOT’s critical mission to deliver a globally competitive and safe transportation system. Moreover, Rep. Duffy’s collaboration with the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association while serving in Congress highlights his unique comprehension of the intricacies of the trucking industry and its indispensable role in the nation’s economy and supply chain,” said ATA President Chris Spear.
“Ultimately,” Spear continued, “a well-maintained and reliable transportation network is crucial to the delivery of the nation’s freight and vital to our country’s economic well-being. As the 119th Congress begins its work crafting a comprehensive, robust surface transportation reauthorization package, Rep. Duffy’s extensive experience and understanding of our nation’s transportation needs will be invaluable and will facilitate a reliable partnership between DOT and Capitol Hill.”
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