AASHTO Journal - Duffy Confirmed by the Senate as USDOT Secretary

By a vote of 77 to 22, the Senate confirmed Sean Duffy as the 20th secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation on January 28.

[Above photo by USDOT]

“I am deeply honored by the trust placed in me by President Trump to lead this important department and for the Senate in swiftly confirming my nomination,” Duffy said in a statement. “We are already hard at work executing the President’s vision to usher in a golden age of transportation by taking immediate action to remove government overreach and lower costs for hardworking Americans.”

“Sean Duffy is an excellent choice to serve as USDOT secretary, and we look forward to working with him as he assumes his leadership role,” said Jim Tymon, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, in a statement.

“With his experience navigating the political landscape as a member of Congress, Secretary Duffy will be a valuable partner to state departments of transportation in building a world class transportation system that benefits all Americans,” Tymon added. “From reauthorizing the next federal surface transportation bill to enhancing safety, mobility, and quality of life in communities across the country, AASHTO members are eager to collaborate with the Trump administration and Congress to deliver an effective and efficient transportation network for generations to come.”

A former prosecutor who served as Wisconsin’s Ashland County District Attorney from 2002 until 2010, Duffy served as the U.S. representative for Wisconsin’s 7th congressional district from 2011 to 2019. As a member of the House of Representatives, he served on the Committee on Financial Services and as chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

He also served on the Subcommittee on Capital Markets and Government-Sponsored Enterprises; Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit; and the Subcommittee on Insurance, Housing, and Community Opportunity.

The 10th of 11 children, Duffy was most recently co-host of “The Bottom Line” program for the Fox Business channel, as well as a contributor to Fox News. He has a marketing degree from St. Mary’s University and a juris doctor from the William Mitchell College of Law.

Duffy noted in his confirmation hearing before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee on January 15 that his strategy focal points as USDOT secretary are safety, rebuilding U.S. transportation infrastructure, and fostering transportation efficiency and innovation.

“From eVTOLs [electric-powered vertical take-off and landing aircraft], drones, and autonomous vehicles to space travel, we are in a global race to out-innovate the rest of the world,” he emphasized. “Transportation influences how long it takes to get home to loved ones, and improving its safety and efficiency directly enhances Americans’ lives. If confirmed, we will craft clear regulations that balance safety, innovation, and cutting-edge technology.”

Overall, Duffy stressed that as the nation’s transportation network impacts every aspect of American life – from the “efficiency and security of our ports to the ease of commuting to work, school, and church” – it must deliver the best and safest service to its users. “This is America. Americans dream big and lead the world in innovation,” he said. “As secretary of transportation, I will work tirelessly to make travel in America more efficient, comfortable, and safe. Americans deserve to have travel experiences that make us proud.”