Sean Duffy Confirmed as Transportation Secretary, Sets Ambitious Agenda

2025-01-30

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, confirmed by the Senate on Tuesday, wasted no time in addressing key priorities, including a review of fuel economy standards and improving travel safety. Duffy, a former Wisconsin Republican congressman, was confirmed by a vote of 77 to 22, with bipartisan support. President Donald Trump praised Duffy’s experience and relationships from his eight years in Congress, emphasizing his ability to rebuild infrastructure and enhance safety.

Shortly after his swearing-in, Duffy directed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to review Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, which require passenger cars and light trucks to achieve 50.4 miles per gallon by 2031. The Trump administration has blamed these Biden-era standards for a 15 percent increase in new vehicle prices between 2021 and 2024. However, auto experts argue that factors like supply chain constraints, consumer preferences for larger vehicles, and advancements in autonomous driving technology are more significant contributors to rising costs.

Duffy has also pledged to prioritize road safety, aiming to reduce the more than 40,000 annual traffic fatalities in the U.S. He plans to streamline large construction projects by cutting red tape and improve aviation safety by addressing air traffic controller shortages. Additionally, Duffy has committed to working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to restore public confidence in Boeing following fatal crashes overseas.

Duffy’s nomination received widespread bipartisan support, with Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) expressing confidence in his ability to deliver for Wisconsin families and businesses. Duffy, who served nearly five terms in the House, resigned in 2019 to care for his newborn daughter with health challenges. Since then, he has been a frequent presence on Fox News, where his wife, Rachel Campos-Duffy, is a host.

As Duffy assumes his role, his focus on infrastructure, safety, and regulatory reform will be closely watched, particularly as the administration seeks to balance environmental standards with economic concerns.

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