Rep. Joyce Questions DOT Secretary Duffy on Port Funding and FAA Medical Certification

Port Infrastructure Funding Disparities

• 📌 Representative David Joyce raised concerns about the unequal distribution of port infrastructure development program funds, noting that Great Lakes ports received only 2% of funds last year, while East and West Coast ports received 70%.
• 💡 Joyce questioned how the proposed budget increase for the Maritime Administration would ensure fair access to funding for ports in all regions.
• 🔍 Secretary Duffy stated he would investigate the disparity in Great Lakes funding and committed to providing further information.

FAA Medical Certification Process

• ✈️ Joyce also highlighted concerns from aviation stakeholders regarding delays in the FAA's medical certification process for pilots.
• ⚠️ Key issues identified include an outdated paper-based system and limited availability of specialist review panels, leading to long wait times and pilot stress.
• 💬 Secretary Duffy acknowledged the slowness and laboriousness of the current process and committed to discussing improvements with the FAA to make it more responsive and quicker.
• 💡 Joyce suggested that better systems exist, referencing a Canadian aviation control system he observed, and expressed confidence in Duffy's leadership to address these issues.