WASHINGTON — Every member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee supports Former Wisconsin Congressman Sean Duffy to be the nation’s next Transportation Secretary.

Members approved his confirmation 28-0 in a quick meeting Wednesday. Duffy, who also has been a Fox News host and a reality show contestant, now needs the approval of the full Senate.


What You Need To Know

  • Former Wisconsin Congressman Sean Duffy is on his way to becoming the next U.S. Transportation Secretary

  • A Senate committee unanimously approved his nomination on Wednesday, sending it to the Senate floor for the final OK

  • That vote has not yet been scheduled, but Duffy is expected to be easily confirmed by the entire Senate 

“He will work with both sides of the aisle, to improve our infrastructure and address the challenges that arise in the years ahead,” said Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who chairs the committee. He was referencing Wisconsin Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin’s praise of Duffy during his confirmation hearing last week. 

“Most importantly,” Cruz continued, “Congressman Duffy's personal experiences–his wife Rachel's head on crash, his dedication to raising a daughter with a disability–show that he appreciates the responsibility of the role.” 

President Donald Trump tapped Duffy to head the Department of Transportation, a sprawling agency with more than 55,000 employees and the responsibility of managing the nation’s airlines, railroads, and highways. 

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill delivered on billions of dollars of investment and many projects throughout the state of Washington, including our ports, because as a gateway state, we grow a lot of products all throughout the country, that are delivered through our ports to Asia,” said Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington. “I was pleased that Mr. Duffy, in response to questioning last week, stated clearly that the funding for these infrastructure priorities and critical infrastructure needs are already underway, and that he will honor the funding commitments made in the last administration.”

Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Minocqua, is the Republican who replaced Duffy after he resigned from the U.S. House. Tiffany said Duffy’s appointment is “a really good thing for Wisconsin.”

“We have a major bridge project between Superior and Duluth that's going to happen, nearly a $2 billion project,” Tiffany said. “I'm hoping he's going to be able to bring that in under the estimates that are out there and quicker than what they're expecting to get it done, because so many of our infrastructure projects are taking far too long as a result of permitting problems.” 

Duffy promised to work on such issues in his confirmation hearing last week.

“If confirmed, I will work to reduce the red tape that slows critical infrastructure projects, ensuring funds are spent efficiently [and] we use the tax dollar well,” Duffy said last Wednesday. 

Duffy is expected to be easily confirmed by the entire Senate, once his nomination reaches the floor. That vote has not yet been scheduled.

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