Duffy confirmation hearing marked by bipartisanship, pledge to visit Helene-devastated states
Former Rep. Sean Duffy, R-Wis., was met with bipartisan support as he kicked off his confirmation hearing for the position of Secretary of Transportation before the Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee. Sitting Wisconsin senators stood by his side as he expressed his gratitude for President Trump’s nomination and introduced his family, including his wife Rachel Campos-Duffy and eight of his nine children.
Duffy emphasized the critical role of the Department of Transportation in impacting Americans’ daily lives and loved ones. He highlighted President Trump’s focus on infrastructure and stressed the importance of maintaining and building critical infrastructure. The issue of highway safety hit close to home for Duffy, as his wife survived a deadly head-on automobile collision, bringing the importance of road safety to the forefront in his family.
During the hearing, several senators shared personal experiences related to transportation safety. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan disclosed his involvement in an accident with a drunk driver, while Sen. Edward Markey shared his own experience of being hit by a car at a young age. Duffy pledged to improve transportation safety and restore Americans’ trust in the airline industry, particularly in the wake of recent incidents involving Boeing.
The discussion also touched on the need to support alternative transportation means and address challenges such as the lack of funding from electric vehicle drivers for the highway trust fund. Duffy expressed his commitment to finding solutions that ensure all vehicles contribute to funding the roads they use.
Senators highlighted regional transportation issues, such as the need for passenger rail service in the Heartland and the impact of recent mysterious drone sightings in New Jersey. Duffy promised to prioritize rebuilding infrastructure in areas affected by natural disasters, such as Hurricane Helene, and to address transit issues in New York City suburbs.
In a lighter moment, senators joked about potential official trips to various states, including Hawaii, and the importance of supporting regional transit projects. Duffy’s confirmation hearing showcased bipartisan support for his nomination and highlighted the key transportation issues facing the nation.
As Duffy prepares to take on the role of Secretary of Transportation, he will focus on improving transportation safety, rebuilding critical infrastructure, and addressing the diverse transportation needs of communities across the country. With bipartisan support and a commitment to finding solutions, Duffy is poised to lead the Department of Transportation in addressing the challenges and opportunities of the modern transportation landscape.
