WASHINGTON — Sean Duffy was confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Transportation today (Jan. 28, 2025) by a 77-22 vote of the Senate.
The nomination of Duffy, a former House member from Wisconsin and recently a Fox News and Fox Business host, had been advanced last week by a 28-0 vote of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, and a vote on Monday to close debate on his nomination passed 97-0. But some Democrats raised new opposition today in response to the Trump administration’s plans for a broad freeze on federal grants, loans, and other spending.
The New York Times reports Duffy, in response to a question from Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) during the committee hearing, promised to work with the committee regarding funding for Amtrak: “This committee has spoken loudly about Amtrak and rail in their home communities. And so, I’m going to continue to work with the committee and abide by the law, enforce the law and implement the law as passed by this body.”
Kim eventually was among the 22 Democrats voting against Duffy, telling Politico he was prepared to vote in favor until Trump administration announced the spending freeze. “I didn’t feel like I could make that vote for him at that point,” Kim said. “You know, if he’s going to be somebody that just follows through and, you know, agrees with the President.”
Organizations congratulating Duffy on his confirmation included the Association of American Railroads, with CEO Ian Jefferies saying his organization “looks forward to working with Secretary Duffy to advance policies that drive innovation and growth; strengthen supply chains; and support U.S. global competitiveness.” American Public Transportation Association CEO Paul P. Skoutelas said, “We look forward to working with Secretary Duffy to ensure that America’s public transit systems remain the backbone of our urban and rural communities and a driver of economic growth and innovation.”
Greg Regan and Shari Semelsberger, president and secretary-treasurer of the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, said in a statement that Duffy “will play a critical leadership role in overseeing the modal agencies that keep the traveling public and transportation workers safe, including the Federal Aviation, Railroad, Maritime and Transit Administrations. As the nation’s largest transportation labor federation, our priority remains the same across changing political landscapes and evolving technology: the safety and well-being of frontline workers and passengers.” The statement noted that in his confirmation hearing, Duffy had pledged support for two-person crews for freight trains.
Oh Charles that’s not the way I recall many of your Mr. B comments some were very quiet personal & out of line.
GALEN — I’m as distressed as you are if some posters made personal comments about Mr. Buttigieg. I do deny they were from me. I never had any problem with homosexuals. You are right to complain if people made personal-related comemnts abut Mr. Buttigieg but I assure you it wasn’t me.
After all the criticism of former Sec Buttigieg I am surprised you can describe the duties of the office without acknowledging the lack of experience Duffy has to effectively carry them out. Mr Duffy has zero experience in transportation, Mr Duffy didn’t even mention Amtrak or transit in his opening comments or since. Trump uses inexperienced sycophants such as Duffy to ensure their loyalty to carry out his orders. There will be no objectivity, no balancing of the issues Trump will decide what transportation modes get “subsidized” & which will get cut off. As for your issue regarding Amtrak’s “unsustainable” performance & fiscal performance there’s a similar fiscal issue, a $200+ Billion fiscal issue regarding the Hwy Trust funds insolvency a 30 year tax break at the pump. That sir is unsustainable!!
I’m not sure it is the role or responsibility of the USDOTR Secretary to be an “advocate” for Amtrak. Rather the USDOT Secretary needs to be objective in addressing the roles, needs, and issues related to ALL modes of transportation in the United States and only involve USDOT and the federal government in transportation policy matters to the extent the U.S. Constitution allows the federal government to do so (mostly related to interstate commerce matters). Of course there are defined federal roles in all modes of transportation related to safety and safety related regulations in these modes. But being a straight-out “advocate” for Amtrak isn’t the role or responsibility of the USDOT Secretary.
To be sure, there is the “political” nature of being the Secretary of Transportation, balancing differing political objectives of the White House, Congress, and the American public. It will be interesting to see what transpires.
As for addressing the mess that is Amtrak, perhaps an independent IG audit and analysis of Amtrak with a concluding report with recommendations to address Amtrak’s myriad issues might be a starting about. Yes, Amtrak has had (supposedly) “record” passenger ridership in 2024, but they have many performance and fiscal issues to address (and that are unsustainable).
The only transportation experience this guy has is that he’s rode in a car & flown on a plane! Got a pity job from Faux news, now Presidimentia Donald gave him a real job as his sock puppet of Transportation. Think he’ll advocate for transit & Amtrak??? It will be like Sheri Lewis & Lambchop!
Galen, Like Mr. Trump, you should pick your battles. Not cheap shots. I’m sure Mr. Duffy hasn’t rode a lot of passenger trains, as his former congressional district (7th Wisconsin) hasn’t had any passenger trains since 1971. By the way, I never criticized Mr. Buttigieg for any lack of experience or any personal characteristics or ethics. Only his policies.
What are the qualifications for SecUSDOT? Have some sense and be a good administrator. So Mr. Duffy qualifies.
Duffy reminds me of the first SecUSDOT, the late John Anthony Volpe of Massachusetts. Bright, good guy, honest, devout Catholic. I’m glad he got the job.