Senate Confirms Sean Duffy for DOT Secretary

Former Wisconsin Congressman Pledges Focus on Safety, Efficiency in Trucking
Sean Duffy
The Senate vote followed the Commerce Committee’s swift approval of Duffy on Jan. 22. (Susan Walsh/Associated Press)

[Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.]

WASHINGTON — Former congressman Sean Duffy, a Republican from Wisconsin, on Jan. 28 was easily confirmed by the Senate to lead the U.S. Department of Transportation.

By a vote of 77-22, Duffy ascended to the top post of a federal department tasked with overseeing commercial and commuter transportation operations nationwide. DOT is central to the implementation of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021.

Addressing senators last week, the nominee pledged to proceed with the Biden-era bipartisan infrastructure law’s implementation. Responding to questions from Democrats on the panel, he also affirmed, “If confirmed as secretary, I will continue to seek the best possible information to ensuring truck transportation is as safe and efficient as possible across U.S. roadways.”



The Senate vote followed the Commerce Committee’s swift approval of President Donald Trump’s pick to lead transportation policy. “Duffy will take the helm of a department with more than 55,000 employees, leading the administration’s efforts to make it easier and faster for families, commuters, truckers and flyers to get around without running into traffic, potholes or delays,” committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said last week.

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), the panel’s ranking member, also endorsed Duffy’s nomination.

“During our hearing last week, Mr. Duffy, and in subsequent meetings, has had the opportunity to talk about the many things that are important, not just to my state, but to the nation on [building] a strong and resilient transportation network that allows us to compete in a global economy,” Cantwell said.

RoadSigns

David Bell, CEO of CloneOps.ai, discusses the impact of AI on the trucking industry. Tune in above or by going to RoadSigns.ttnews.com.  

On Jan. 20, Trump signed an executive order titled “Unleashing American Energy” meant to advance domestic oil and gas production as well as pause Biden-era programs designed to advance the adoption of electric and alternative-fuel vehicles.

Many transportation groups had endorsed his nomination. American Trucking Associations welcomed the confirmation.

“Throughout his congressional service, Secretary Duffy was a steadfast supporter of hardworking truckers and the work that they do to deliver the nation’s freight,” ATA President Chris Spear said in a statement. “We look forward to building on our partnership with Secretary Duffy in the years ahead to modernize our infrastructure and increase the resiliency of our supply chain.”

Dave Bauer, president and CEO of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, also applauded Duffy’s confirmation. “We are eager to partner with him and the U.S. Department of Transportation team to highlight the vital economic and safety benefits of robust federal investment in highways, bridges, public transit and airports, and to reduce the regulatory burdens that increase project costs and delays,” Bauer said.

Image
Lee Zeldin

Zeldin 

Also gaining confirmation in the Senate was Lee Zeldin for the top post at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. On Jan. 29, the chamber voted 56-42 to place the former New York congressman at the helm of the nation’s top environmental policy regulator.

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairwoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) facilitated Zeldin’s nomination process. “I have been continually impressed by Rep. Zeldin’s character, and his dedication to our country through service in both the U.S. Army and Congress. I am confident he will perform the role of EPA administrator exceptionally well, and be a central member of President Trump’s Cabinet as they enact policies and solutions to the environment, infrastructure, and energy challenges of our time,” the senator said.

ATA congratulated the new EPA administrator. “Zeldin is a proven, collaborative leader America’s truckers deserve to restore balance at EPA,” Spear said. “By reviving the productive partnership with our industry, he can build on our impressive environmental achievements without disrupting the supply chain. We look forward to working with Administrator Zeldin to replace electric truck mandates with national emission standards that are technologically achievable, encourage innovation, and account for the operational realities of our essential industry.”

A coalition of freight stakeholders seeking to resolve long-standing industry concerns also applauded the confirmation. “Administrator Zeldin’s leadership comes at a crucial time and offers the incoming administration an opportunity to expand on their efforts to provide greater stability for the commercial motor vehicle industry,” said Clean Freight Coalition executive director Jim Mullen.

The Senate Commerce Committee scheduled a vote Feb. 5 on the nomination of Howard Lutnick to become secretary of Commerce. Responding to a questionnaire from the panel, the nominee said the department “must be united in its efforts to achieve a cohesive set of objectives that are fully aligned with President Trump’s mandate.”

Image
Howard Lutnick

Lutnick 

“As secretary of Commerce, I will refocus the department’s efforts, advancing the key priorities that drive domestic manufacturing, productivity, and growth,” Lutnick said. “Investment in America and the promotion of American production and the enforcement of our policies are central to this mission.”

Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) pressed colleagues to support the nomination. He cited Trump’s upcoming agenda: “Over the next few years, the department will be leading on key issues, such as export controls of emerging technologies, keeping the Gulf [of Mexico] open for oil and gas exploration, expanding commercial access to mid-band spectrum, and ensuring America’s leadership in [artificial intelligence] innovation and commercial space regulation, and helping lead the resurgence of manufacturing in America.”

Want more news? Listen to today's daily briefing below or go here for more info: