Washington — Sean Duffy is the new transportation secretary after the Senate confirmed his nomination with a 77-22 vote on Jan. 28.
A former U.S. representative from Wisconsin and TV host, Duffy takes over for Pete Buttigieg, who served in the position during the Joe Biden administration.
Duffy, who was nominated in November by then-President-elect Donald Trump, testified for three hours during a Jan. 15 confirmation hearing before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. He told lawmakers that, if confirmed, he’d lend support to multiple safety-sensitive issues.
A 28-0 committee vote on Jan. 22 advanced the nomination to the full senate.
Speaking Jan. 27 before the Senate voted 97-0 to invoke cloture on Duffy’s nomination, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), who chairs the committee, said the “resounding” bipartisan support for the nomination “demonstrates that Republicans and Democrats believe Congressman Duffy is eminently qualified to serve as the secretary of transportation.”
Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, congratulated Duffy in a press release.
“I am confident that under the secretary’s leadership we can improve America’s infrastructure by focusing our investments on core projects like roads and bridges, streamlining project delivery, and getting the department back to the fundamental missions of federal transportation programs – moving people and goods safely and efficiently,” Graves said.
In a separate release, the National Safety Council said it looks forward to collaborating with Duffy and DOT personnel to “make our roadways safer for everyone” while working toward the shared goal of eliminating roadway deaths by 2050.
“Tackling the current traffic safety crisis depends on us working together to accelerate advanced technology, prioritize safe road design programs and train motorists on safe driving behaviors,” NSC President and CEO Lorraine M. Martin said.
