The Senate hearing room, with its towering columns and rich wood paneling, provided a formal setting for the confirmation of USDOT Secretary Sean Duffy. The hearing focused on key transportation policies, but one of the most striking aspects of the event was the presence of Duffy’s family. His wife and their nine children, some now adults, filled the front row—a powerful visual of the personal side of public service. His daughter, Evita, well known for her media presence, offers behind-the-scenes insights on her television show and blog.
Policy, however, took center stage. Duffy faced rigorous questioning from senators on aviation safety, a pressing issue in recent years. With concerns over outdated air traffic control systems mounting, he has prioritized Air Traffic Control (ATC) reform early in his tenure. The current system, which relies on aging radar technology instead of modern GPS-based navigation, has been criticized for inefficiency and safety risks. Reform efforts could involve transitioning to NextGen technology, a modernization initiative aimed at reducing delays and improving safety.
A major theme of the hearing was Duffy’s push for “Build Big” infrastructure investment. He pushed back against the longstanding practice of federal funds being allocated to small-scale projects with limited national impact. Instead, he advocated for prioritizing large-scale infrastructure projects that could have far-reaching economic benefits.
What Does “Build Big” Mean in Practice?
While Duffy’s vision for prioritizing major infrastructure projects was clear, the details of implementation remain uncertain. If this approach takes hold, the shift in funding priorities could result in:
- Fewer grants for small, localized projects, like planning grants and bike/pedestrian trails.
- Increased investment in nationally significant infrastructure, such as major highway expansions, freight corridor upgrades, and bridge replacements such as the Capital Southeast Connector, a regional highway expansion project.
- A reallocation of funds within the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which authorized $1.2 trillion for transportation and infrastructure in 2021. Much of this funding has been awarded, but aggressive claw backs are anticipated.
Efficiency vs. Investment: A Balancing Act
A major challenge remains: How can large-scale infrastructure investments be made while cutting wasteful spending? The Department of Government Efficiency
has aggressively targeted areas of wasteful federal spending, raising concerns among grant recipients about whether their funding is secure.
Some senators expressed concern that local transit initiatives could suffer under this approach, as they should be – America has a transit ridership crisis and the federal government is essentially bailing out agencies nation-wide. This remains a key issue to watch.
Duffy’s Reception and the Road Ahead
Throughout the hearing, senators rotated in and out during their speaking slots, with some barely looking up from their phones when not on camera. Despite some skepticism about shifting funding priorities, Duffy received unanimous approval from the committee and was confirmed by the full Senate in a 77-22 vote. With confirmation secured, the focus now shifts to how USDOT will implement these policy changes. The infrastructure sector is watching closely to see whether “Build Big” translates into tangible action—and which projects will be left behind in the process.