Senate Commerce Committee hears Sean Duffy's confirmation; nominee vows to prioritize safety and speed project delivery

The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee convened to consider President-elect Trump's nomination of former Rep. Sean Duffy to be secretary of transportation. Chairman Cruz opened the hearing emphasizing a bipartisan approach to moving legislation and oversight; Duffy described safety, streamlined permitting and support for major infrastructure projects as his top priorities.

Duffy told the committee he would prioritize road and aviation safety and move to "reduce the red tape that slows critical infrastructure projects" so "funds are spent efficiently." He described a three-part legacy he would seek if confirmed: improved safety, bipartisan cooperation with the committee, and delivery of large, durable infrastructure projects.

The hearing featured sustained questioning on aviation safety and Boeing oversight. Senators pressed Duffy on whether he would meet families affected by recent crashes and on FAA and NHTSA investigations. Duffy repeatedly said he would work with the committee: "I absolutely will" meet with families and "I 100% do" support robust FAA oversight and listening to whistleblowers. He also said he would "let NHTSA do their investigation." (Transcript excerpts: Duffy: "I absolutely will."; Duffy: "I 100% do.")

Committee members also raised permitting reform and the renewal of the Federal Highway Administration's delegation of NEPA responsibilities to Texas (TxDOT). Senator Cantwell asked whether Duffy would prioritize renewing TxDOT's NEPA assignment before its expiration; Duffy said he would "look at the designation" and work to reauthorize it. Senators asked for greater transparency around discretionary awards; Chairman Cruz asked Duffy to share DOT career staff ratings for discretionary funding related to the California high-speed rail project. Duffy said he would "commit to sharing those ratings with the committee."

Buy America enforcement, ports and rural connectivity were also in focus. Senator Baldwin pressed Duffy on enforcing Buy America provisions and Duffy replied he would follow the law. Senators from largely rural states pressed for continued funding for essential air service, port infrastructure and short-line rail; Duffy repeatedly committed to work with the committee to ensure projects and programs receive appropriate attention and resources.

No formal committee vote took place at the hearing. Chairman Cruz entered 44 letters of support into the record and set deadlines for questions for the record: senators had until close of business on Thursday, Jan. 16 to submit questions, and the nominee had until Sunday, Jan. 19 to respond. The committee adjourned at the close of the hearing.

This hearing is part of the committee's advice-and-consent role; members left the hearing with public statements of priorities they expect the Department of Transportation to pursue if Duffy is confirmed: aviation and road safety, timely implementation of IIJA programs, permitting reform and targeted support for rural and tribal transportation needs.