Secretary Sean Duffy Testifies Before House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

Modernizing Air Traffic Control

• ✈️ $12.5 billion has been allocated as a down payment to modernize air traffic control systems, replacing critical infrastructure and upgrading facilities.
• 💡 The FAA is implementing a three-to-four-year plan for a complete overhaul of the air traffic control system, aiming for a state-of-the-art, efficient, and safe system.
• 🧑‍✈️ Efforts are underway to address the shortage of 3,000 air traffic controllers by offering bonuses to experienced controllers to extend their service and streamlining the hiring process for new recruits.
• ⏳ The goal is to get 2,500 new controllers through the academy and into certification by 2026.
• 📡 Investments are being made in new telecommunications, radar systems, and runway safety technology.

Surface Transportation and Infrastructure

• 🛣️ The committee is working on the next surface transportation bill to address infrastructure planning, cut red tape, and accelerate project delivery.
• 💰 A focus is on ensuring the highway trust fund is on a sustainable fiscal path, maintaining the user-pays principle.
• 🏗️ Efforts are being made to streamline the NEPA process to reduce project timelines and costs while still protecting the environment.
• 🤝 There is a commitment to working with states and stakeholders to improve infrastructure delivery and efficiency.

Grant Management and Funding

• 📊 DOT is working through a backlog of 3,200 grants inherited from the previous administration, aiming to complete reviews by late summer or early fall.
• 🇺🇸 The administration is committed to "By America" provisions, ensuring products are built in America and circumventing deceptive practices by foreign companies.
• 💡 The department is exploring ways to redirect EV infrastructure funding to truck parking initiatives, recognizing the safety and quality of life benefits for truckers.
• 🏗️ Efforts are being made to consolidate grant programs into broader, more flexible formula programs to streamline funding and reduce administrative burdens.

Key Issues and Concerns

• 🇨🇳 Concerns were raised about Chinese state-owned entities in transit supply chains and the need to strengthen the Transit Infrastructure Vehicle Security Act (TISA).
• 🚗 The administration is reworking fuel economy standards to be more feasible and reasonable, focusing on consumer choice and avoiding punitive measures.
• 🧑‍✈️ The importance of aviation safety is paramount, with a focus on modernizing ATC systems, improving controller staffing, and ensuring the safety of passengers and the flying public.
• 🌉 Discussions included the need for port infrastructure support, addressing issues at Union Station in D.C., and improving rail safety following incidents like the one in East Palestine.