Duffy confirmed as USDOT secretary

Duffy confirmed as USDOT secretary

Former Rep. Sean Duffy, R-Wisconsin, was confirmed by the Senate today as secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

ATSSA submitted a letter of support for Duffy as he began the confirmation process with the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation on Jan. 15. The committee unanimously forwarded his nomination to the full Senate on Jan. 22.

“Mr. Duffy has demonstrated a long history of expertise, passion and dedication to public service. He has highlighted these qualities throughout his career on Capitol Hill, and we are excited by his nomination,” ATSSA President & CEO Stacy Tetschner said in the letter to Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who chairs the committee, and Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, who is ranking member.

ATSSA congratulated Duffy when he was named as the nominee in November.

During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation, Duffy said President Donald Trump is a builder and shared his priority.

“He has told me that this department is a top priority for him and he wants to invest in rebuilding our nation’s crumbling infrastructure,” Duffy said. “He asked me to focus on big, durable projects that connect our country and people. If confirmed, I will work to reduce the red tape that slows critical infrastructure projects, ensuring funds are spent efficiently.”

Duffy was confirmed by the Senate with bipartisan support on a 77-22 vote, according to the Associated Press.

House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chair Sam Graves, R-MO, released the following statement after the Senate confirmed Duffy a short while ago.

“I want to congratulate Sean Duffy on his confirmation to serve as the next United States Secretary of Transportation. 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.  “President Trump is a builder and a strong supporter of infrastructure, and I look forward to working closely with Secretary Duffy to help carry out the President’s vision for the nation’s transportation network as we begin efforts to craft the next surface transportation bill.”