Senate confirms Sean Duffy as transportation secretary amid bipartisan support
- Sean Duffy received a confirmation vote of 77-22 from the Senate to become the secretary of transportation.
- He highlighted the importance of safety in aviation and the modernization of transportation systems during his hearing.
- Duffy's confirmation reflects bipartisan support, emphasizing a collaborative approach to tackling infrastructure challenges.
In the United States, the Senate confirmed Sean Duffy, former congressman from Wisconsin, as secretary of transportation on January 28, 2025. Duffy's confirmation came with significant bipartisan support, receiving a 77-22 vote, following days of legislative spacing from President Donald Trump's more contentious nominees. Duffy, who previously served in the House from 2011 to 2019, emphasized the importance of modernizing transportation systems and ensuring safety during his confirmation hearing, where he presented plans for restoring confidence in Boeing and reducing regulatory burdens. Prior to his nomination, Duffy had experience as a district attorney and later joined Fox News after leaving Congress. His appointment to the highly impactful position comes at a crucial time as the Department of Transportation oversees billions in funding and regulates transportation safety in the U.S. This culmination of support for Duffy highlighted his experience in working across party lines to address critical infrastructure issues. Just hours after being sworn in, Duffy faced a major incident when a plane collided with a helicopter near Washington, D.C., necessitating an immediate response from his department. He coordinated with the National Transportation Safety Board and reassured the public of the safety of American airspace. Pledging to uphold safety standards and expedite necessary responses to such tragedies, Duffy committed to prioritize road safety and modernize systems amid emerging technologies in transportation. Duffy's leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation policy in the U.S., especially as the country seeks to position itself competitively against other nations in self-driving technology and infrastructure modernization. His multifaceted approach reflects both his commitment to safety and innovation while reinforcing bipartisan cooperation, aiming for a significant impact on the nation’s transportation landscape under President Trump’s administration.