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Sean Duffy’s nomination for transportation secretary awaits full Senate vote

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Washington — Transportation secretary nominee Sean Duffy moved a step closer to confirmation after the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee unanimously advanced the nomination on Jan. 22.

Duffy’s nomination now moves to the full Senate for approval, after a 28-0 committee vote.

The former U.S. representative from Wisconsin and TV host testified for three hours before the committee during a Jan. 15 confirmation hearing. Duffy told lawmakers that, if confirmed, he’d lend support to multiple safety-sensitive issues.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), who chairs the committee, said before the vote that Duffy’s testimony showed he “appreciates the responsibility of this role.”

Cruz added: “Congressman Duffy comes to the Department of Transportation at a pivotal moment. In aviation, the Federal Aviation Administration confronts a persistent shortage of air traffic controllers as it works to instill a culture of safety across the industry. On the roads, President (Donald) Trump has moved to stop costly and unpopular electric vehicle mandates so every American can buy the car of his or her choice. Meanwhile, across all sectors, the department faces the rise of emerging technologies like unmanned drones and self-driving cars, which bring both opportunities and challenges.

“Congressman Duffy is prepared to meet these challenges.”

At press time, no date had been set for the full Senate vote.

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