Sean Duffy Has Confirmation Hearing
By the time this article is published for the world to see, Donald Trump will have taken office as the 47th president of the United States. On January 15th, however, former Wisconsin representative Sean Duffy had a three-hour confirmation hearing with the Senate Commerce Committee to see if he is a quality candidate to become the Secretary of Transportation.
Details
Duffy wore his partisanship on his sleeve during the confirmation hearing, making it clear in no uncertain terms that were he to become the head of the Department of Transportation, it would be a 180 from his predecessor Pete Buttgieg.
“If confirmed, we [Trumps’ transportation department] will craft clear regulations that balance safety, innovation and cutting-edge technology,” Sean Duffy told the 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.”
When asked about various emerging topics in the trucking industry such as vehicle autonomy and electric vehicles, it was asked in a broad manner, not regarding simply trucks, but all manner of motor vehicles that travel on America’s roads. He hopes to establish federal standards for autonomous vehicles as a one-size-fits all solution considering the naturally interstate nature of transportation. As for electric vehicles, he believes that there should be a minor use tax on road usage akin to standard fuel taxes, but currently does not have a plan for how that would be implemented.
Conclusion
To become the Secretary of Transportation, Duffy would need 51 out of 100 votes from the Senate. With 52 Republicans in the Senate, a simple vote across party lines would be enough to get him there, though the odds may be even more likely than that as some Democrats have voiced support for him.
News of his all-but imminent confirmation has been met with positive reception from the American Trucking Associations (ATA). “…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” ATA president said in a statement.
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