Former Wisconsin Congressman Sean Duffy appeared before the Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee for his confirmation hearing to become the next Secretary of Transportation. The hearing, marked by a bipartisan display of support, saw Duffy flanked by Wisconsin's current senators. Duffy, who previously represented Wisconsin for five terms in the House and later worked at Fox News, expressed his gratitude for the nomination by President Trump.
Duffy introduced his family, including eight of his nine children and his wife, Rachel Campos-Duffy, co-host of "Fox & Friends Weekend." He emphasized the profound impact the Department of Transportation has on American lives and highlighted President Trump's understanding of infrastructure development. Duffy also shared a personal connection to highway safety, referencing a serious car accident his wife survived.
Senators on both sides of the aisle engaged with Duffy on various transportation-related issues. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) shared his own experience with a drunk driving accident and commended Duffy's focus on safety. Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) echoed the importance of highway safety, recounting being hit by a car as a child. Duffy pledged to address concerns within the airline industry and work to restore public trust, particularly regarding Boeing.
Regional infrastructure needs were also a prominent topic. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) pointed out the lack of road access for many Alaskan communities, while Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Ted Budd (R-N.C.) pressed Duffy on the ongoing recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene, particularly the reconstruction of Interstate 40. Duffy committed to prioritizing this issue and pledged to visit the affected region as his first official act as Secretary.
Further discussions included alternative transportation funding, with Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) highlighting the cost difference between car ownership and public transit, and Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) raising the issue of electric vehicles not contributing to the highway trust fund. Duffy agreed on the need for a solution. Other topics touched upon included passenger rail service, particularly in the Midwest, and recent drone sightings in New Jersey, raised by Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.).
