Hearing Report: Sean Duffy Receives Warm Welcome at Senate Commerce Committee
Sean Duffy Receives Warm Welcome at Senate Commerce Committee
January 15, 2025
Sean Duffy, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to serve as the head of the Department of Transportation, received a warm welcome today from lawmakers during a nomination hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. During the session, former Rep. Duffy vowed to work with Republicans and Democrats to improve safety and address other transportation priorities.
Aviation Safety
In his first round of questions, Chair Ted Cruz (R-TX) asked Duffy what he would like his legacy to be if he is confirmed and served as the Secretary of Transportation. Duffy responded by saying he intends to focus on improving safety, getting Boeing “back on track,” and building big infrastructure projects without forgetting rural America.
Infrastructure Funding
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) discussed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and stressed the need for the incoming administration to implement the legislation as “Congress directed.” She also pointed that states need to continue to receive funding awarded to them “on time and without undue delay.”
Duffy told Duckworth that he is committed to implementing the law and vowed to get money “out the door faster for these really important projects....” Duffy’s comments come at a time when airports and other stakeholders are preparing to play defense should the new Congress and the Trump administration attempt to “claw back” any unobligated BIL funding.
Pilot Training /Small Community Air Service
Duckworth, who previously served as chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation, brought up the controversial 1,500-hour pilot training rule, which lawmakers debated again during consideration of the FAA reauthorization bill. Duckworth asked Duffy if he will “faithfully execute” the 1,500-hour rule. Duffy responded by saying that he “will follow the law.”
Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and other lawmakers voiced their strong support for the Essential Air Service (EAS) program. Sullivan told Duffy that 251 Alaska communities are not connected by roads and that dozens rely on EAS for transportation. Duffy responded by saying that he had EAS airports in his Wisconsin Congressional district and vowed to continue to support the program.
FAA Contract Tower Program
Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) hit on the FAA’s Contract Tower Program and encouraged Duffy to “prioritize” the program. Duffy responded by saying that he knows the importance of the Contract Tower program and how important it is to the committee.
