US: Transportation hearing will focus on aviation safety and infrastructure

Sean Duffy, President-elect Donald J. Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Transportation, received bipartisan support from lawmakers on Wednesday after promising to continue efforts to improve roadway safety and address challenges with the nation’s aviation system if confirmed. During his confirmation hearing on Wednesday before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, Duffy was questioned on a range of topics, from the continuing oversight of Boeing to whether drivers of electric vehicles should contribute to the highway trust fund. Duffy, 53, has a varied background, having been a Fox Business host, a lawmaker from Wisconsin, a lobbyist in Washington, a district attorney and, when younger, a reality television personality. But he has little experience in transportation or managing large organizations. Yet no senator asked especially challenging questions. Committee members from both parties seemed eager to talk about infrastructure projects that affect their areas, with Duffy agreeing to visit the states they represent in the coming year. If approved by the Senate, Duffy would inherit an agency with a budget of more than $100b that has been in the spotlight following a number of high-profile incidents. Last year, a cargo ship hit and destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, and a series of near collisions at U.S. airports prompted new concerns about aviation safety. <br/>