Duffy Vows to Build Big Projects

What happened: “The president has given me a directive – to build big projects.” With that declaration, former Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wis.), President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary, appeared before the Senate Commerce Committee Jan. 15, promising timely responses to questions on a host of transportation policy issues – and to cut red tape at the agency. Among the highlights:

• Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) highlighted the effectiveness of assigning National Environmental Policy Act responsibilities to the states—known as NEPA delegation—to get projects moving faster. Duffy vowed to prioritize renewing this effort.
• Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) – noting that electric vehicles (EVs) are 30 percent heavier than gas-powered cars and crash with 50 percent more impact – asked Duffy if EVs should pay into the financially strapped Highway Trust Fund. “They should pay for use of our roads. How to do that is a bit more challenging,” Duffy answered.
• Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) asked whether Duffy supported the Biden administration’s Jan. 13 decision to roll back the “Buy America” waiver on manufactured products. Duffy expressed support for getting American-made products into transportation projects, but refrained from commenting on the directive until he reviews it.
• The safety of roadway construction workers was raised by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.). Duffy committed to working with her to strengthen safety measures.
• Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) asked Duffy about his commitment to funding infrastructure projects already begun by the Biden administration, including the $16 billion, federally funded Gateway Tunnel project under the Hudson River into Manhattan. “I want to look at what funding has gone out, but I’d imagine those good projects that are underway we would continue.”

What’s next: Duffy is expected to be confirmed quickly, as Sen. Cruz has already announced a Jan. 22 committee meeting to vote on his nomination. The appointment then heads to the full Senate for consideration.

What else: Trump Jan. 11 announced he would nominate Steven G. Bradbury, U.S. DOT general counsel in Trump’s first term, as Deputy U.S. DOT Secretary.