January 30, 2025

By Lane Kimble

The Senate confirmed former Wisconsin Congressman Sean Duffy as the next Transportation Secretary on Tuesday.  A bipartisan coalition voted 77-22 in favor of Duffy’s nomination.

Both Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin) and Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) voted to confirm Duffy.

Vice President J.D. Vance swore in Duffy for his first full day on the job Wednesday, hours before the tragic collision between an American Airlines flight and a military helicopter in Washington, D.C.

One of Duffy’s first acts earlier in the day was to rescind the Biden Administration’s Greenhouse Gas Measurement Rule, which had required state departments of transportation to measure and prioritize construction projects that lower carbon dioxide emissions on federally supported highways.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, we are focused on eliminating excessive regulations that have hindered economic growth, increased costs for American families, and prioritized far-left agendas over practical solutions,” Duffy said.

Duffy pledged to focus on “big, durable projects” during his Senate committee confirmation hearings earlier in the month.  The American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) celebrated Duffy’s confirmation.

“Sean Duffy is an excellent choice to serve as U.S. Transportation Secretary, and we look forward to working with him as he assumes his leadership role,” said AASHTO Executive Director Jim Tymon.

“From reauthorizing the next federal surface transportation bill to enhancing safety, mobility, and quality of life in communities across the country, AASHTO members are eager to collaborate with the Trump administration and Congress to deliver an effective and efficient transportation network for generations to come.”