On January 15, former Wisconsin Congressman Sean Duffy appeared before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation for his confirmation hearing as nominee for Secretary of Transportation. During his testimony, Duffy emphasized a commitment to enhancing transportation safety, modernizing infrastructure, and fostering innovation within the sector.
Duffy highlighted the critical need to address safety concerns, noting that approximately 40,000 lives are lost annually in roadway accidents. He shared a personal connection to this issue, mentioning his wife’s survival of a severe head-on car crash, which profoundly impacted their family. Duffy further pledged to prioritize road safety initiatives to prevent such tragedies.
Duffy also touched on the importance of restoring global confidence in American aviation following recent safety issues. He advocated for rigorous implementation of safety plans by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and called for increasing the number of air traffic controllers to enhance airspace safety.
Looking toward the future, Duffy expressed enthusiasm for working to reduce the red tape that slows critical infrastructure projects, ensuring funds are spent efficiently. He also spoke on emerging transportation technologies, including electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs), drones, and autonomous vehicles. He emphasized the importance of crafting clear regulations that balance safety with innovation, ensuring the U.S. remains at the forefront of global advancements in transportation.