Reported by Trains Magazine.
Sean Duffy was confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Transportation today (Jan. 28, 2025) by a 77-22 vote of the Senate.
The nomination of Duffy, a former House member from Wisconsin and recently a Fox News and Fox Business host, had been advanced last week by a 28-0 vote of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, and a vote on Monday to close debate on his nomination passed 97-0. But some Democrats raised new opposition today in response to the Trump administration’s plans for a broad freeze on federal grants, loans, and other spending.
The New York Times reports Duffy, in response to a question from Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) during the committee hearing, promised to work with the committee regarding funding for Amtrak: “This committee has spoken loudly about Amtrak and rail in their home communities. And so, I’m going to continue to work with the committee and abide by the law, enforce the law and implement the law as passed by this body.”
Kim eventually was among the 22 Democrats voting against Duffy, telling Politico he was prepared to vote in favor until Trump administration announced the spending freeze. “I didn’t feel like I could make that vote for him at that point,” Kim said. “You know, if he’s going to be somebody that just follows through and, you know, agrees with the President.”
Greg Regan and Shari Semelsberger, president and secretary-treasurer of the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, said in a statement that Duffy “will play a critical leadership role in overseeing the modal agencies that keep the traveling public and transportation workers safe, including the Federal Aviation, Railroad, Maritime and Transit Administrations. As the nation’s largest transportation labor federation, our priority remains the same across changing political landscapes and evolving technology: the safety and well-being of frontline workers and passengers.” The statement noted that in his confirmation hearing, Duffy had pledged support for two-person crews for freight trains.
Read more here.