Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy laid out an aggressive safety agenda on Tuesday, marking the one-year anniversary of the administration with a promise to overhaul everything from commercial trucking to the nation’s aging air traffic control systems.
Speaking on “Fox & Friends,” Duffy described a crisis on American highways.
He highlighted a new crackdown on illegal migrant truck drivers, revealing that over 300 arrests have already been made. The Secretary pointed to “sham schools” issuing Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) to individuals who often cannot read English or understand road signs, specifically citing issues in California.
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“Americans are dying,” Duffy said, explaining the urgency behind the move to eliminate non-domiciled CDL licenses. He emphasized that future requirements would strictly enforce language proficiency and proper training to ensure only qualified drivers are behind the wheels of 18-wheelers.
Rebooting the Skies
The conversation shifted from the roads to the skies, where Duffy outlined a massive modernization project for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). With $12.5 billion already secured, the department is moving to replace nearly 50-year-old analog systems with digital radar and radio technology. However, Duffy noted that the funding might fall short, estimating another $20 billion is needed to fully complete the transition.
“We opened up our couch cushions and found some change at the FAA,” Duffy joked regarding the scramble to fund the complex software upgrades required for the new systems.
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The push for aviation safety comes on the anniversary of a tragic collision involving a commercial jet and an army helicopter near Reagan National Airport (DCA), which claimed 67 lives. In response, Duffy confirmed strict new airspace restrictions. Helicopter flights across the Potomac—previously common for VIPs and generals—are now prohibited, with exceptions only for the President and Vice President.
“We don’t need generals, we don’t need VIPs flying in cross traffic with airplanes that are landing at DCA,” Duffy asserted. He added that the department is now utilizing AI to monitor for near-misses at major hubs like Los Angeles and Las Vegas to prevent future disasters. RELATED: Florida Officials Take Action Against California Trucking Company In Fatal U-Turn Crash
Campus Revamps and Car Costs
Beyond immediate safety concerns, the Secretary touched on infrastructure and consumer costs. He announced a $1 billion investment to renovate the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, describing the current facilities as dilapidated and mold-infested.
On the consumer front, Duffy discussed the administration’s revision of fuel economy (CAFE) standards. By adjusting the target from a “unattainable” 60 mpg down to roughly 35 mpg, he argued that automakers could produce more affordable vehicles without being hit by heavy taxes or the need to buy carbon credits.
“Safety is first,” Duffy concluded, summarizing the department’s focus for the remainder of the term. “You don’t have any transportation unless it’s safe transportation.”
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