Transportation Secretary Duffy Engages Democrats on DEI Funding Cuts and Air Traffic Controller Claims

Transportation Secretary Duffy Engages Democrats on DEI Funding Cuts and Air Traffic Controller Claims

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy faced off against Democratic representatives during a House Appropriations Subcommittee hearing held on Wednesday. The discussion revolved around cuts to diversity, equity, and inclusion projects, which Duffy criticized heavily. Furthermore, he rebuffed allegations regarding the termination of 400 air traffic controllers.

Criticism of Biden-Era Projects

During the hearing, Duffy asserted that current initiatives siphon financial resources from crucial projects. He referenced a 2023 Harvard Supreme Court decision that effectively curtailed affirmative action in college admissions as a rationale for discontinuing such programs. According to Duffy, policies originating from the Biden administration have inflated project costs without enhancing safety or infrastructure quality.

“Over the past one hundred days, our department has managed to save taxpayers approximately $9.5 billion,” Duffy stated in his opening remarks. “Those savings encompass funds taken from initiatives hinging on social justice and climate-related requirements. We have also streamlined departmental operations to eliminate inefficiencies.”

A Personal Testimony on Social Justice

Democratic Representative Jim Clyburn from South Carolina contested Duffy’s position. He shared a personal narrative to underscore the significance of social justice projects. Clyburn recalled, “My late wife had to walk two and a half miles to school each morning, passing by the white school where white children received bus transportation. That was social injustice. Now we suddenly regard these initiatives as squandering government funds? I disagree. I view these as essential investments that address challenges in our society.”

While Duffy expressed respect for Clyburn’s contributions and experiences as an elected representative, he clarified that his objection was not to social justice in general. Instead, he directed his critique at specific policies associated with the Biden administration.

“When I evaluate the climate and social justice stipulations tied to projects you support, I observe that they increase expenses,” he explained. “If we were to eliminate 5 to 10% of climate or social justice requirements, we would free up valuable resources for additional projects. That’s the heart of my concern.”

Duffy Addresses Controller Claims

Adding to the tension, Duffy confronted Representative Norma Torres from California, who alleged that 400 air traffic controllers had been let go. She criticized the previous administration for compromising national air travel safety and for delaying critical infrastructure upgrades.

Torres remarked, “The administration has undermined safety initiatives by offering deferred resignation packages to controllers, which resulted in at least 400 terminations, causing delays in essential upgrades.”

In a sharp rebuttal, Duffy labeled her statements a “falsehood” and flatly denied the accusations, stating, “We have not fired or let go of anyone. In air traffic control, are you saying we permitted 400 to depart? Absolutely not. Nobody has received a deferred resignation offer. That’s zero – not one.”

Focus on Budget and Infrastructure

The hearing addressed the Transportation Department’s discretionary budget request for fiscal year 2026, which amounts to $26.7 billion and marks a 5.8% increase from the prior fiscal year. Duffy assured representatives that he plans to mitigate bureaucratic hurdles, reduce inefficiencies, and redirect savings toward infrastructure improvements.

“Our budget is carefully constructed to allocate taxpayer funds toward priorities that are central to our mission: ensuring safety and investing in transportation infrastructure,” Duffy asserted.

Addressing Recent Newark Airport Outages

In light of recent operational disruptions at Newark Airport, Duffy attributed these incidents to miscalculations from the previous administration. He specifically mentioned the problematic transfer of airspace control from New York to Philadelphia, which he characterized as poorly planned.

“No adequate testing ensured that the lines were adequately prepared, nor was the STARS system that interprets radar moved efficiently,” Duffy explained. “We are making significant progress to resolve these issues swiftly.”

FAA and Airline Coordination

To alleviate pressure on the air traffic system, the Federal Aviation Administration is collaborating with airlines to adjust flight volumes. This measure aims to facilitate smoother operations within the currently strained air travel framework.

A Clear Path Forward

As discussions surrounding transportation safety and infrastructure funding continue, Secretary Duffy’s firm stance on budgetary priorities and project requirements highlights the ongoing complexities of governance. The debate over social justice funding allocations remains vital as lawmakers grapple with balancing fiscal responsibility and societal equity.