By Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20)
America’s transportation infrastructure is a critical part of our nation’s economy. It forms the foundation of our supply chain facilitating the movement of goods, people, and services.
Rebuilding and investing in our roads, bridges, airports, ports, and spaceports is vital to allowing our job creators, businesses, and entrepreneurs to create jobs, improve productivity, and increase economic opportunities.
For nearly four years, instead of focusing on the basics of making our transportation system work, we’ve had a Transportation Secretary more focused on promoting his progressive agenda to make political headlines. That is all about to change with the election of President-elect Donald Trump and his selection of former Congressman Sean Duffy to be our nation’s next Transportation Secretary.
First and foremost, Sean Duffy understands the importance of rebuilding and investing in our aging transportation infrastructure. As a member of Congress, he has had to deal with the challenges of getting critical transportation projects funded and completed. He will be a partner with legislators to overcome obstacles and roadblocks to get projects done. This is critical to our local economies and our quality of life. In addition, the Secretary of Transportation plays a critical role in responding to rebuilding infrastructure after natural disasters as well as promoting air, road, and rail safety.
Duffy has a strong record in improving our nation’s supply chain. He’ll stop unnecessary regulations, support our rail and trucking operations, and invest in our ports. America’s supply chain is a system of systems that must work seamlessly to function.
I have seen firsthand the challenges and burdens placed on California’s truck, freight, and rail operations from unworkable mandates. We need someone like Sean Duffy who has worked with key stakeholders; that knowledge is critical for moving forward.
Overseeing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a must, and Duffy is more than up to the task. As America is in a space race with China when it comes to commercial space and developing new spaceflight capabilities, this will be a focus that requires Duffy’s fresh perspective. Paperwork and permitting delays have hindered commercial space launches from occurring in a timely manner which is vital to our national security and scientific priorities.
President Trump rightfully wants to dramatically improve the status quo and change how things are going to be done in D.C. With his experience in Congress and his focus on delivering results, Sean Duffy is a great selection for Transportation Secretary and as a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I look forward to working with him and the Trump administration to Make America Great Again.
