In brief
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced plans to withdraw $160 million in federal funds from California due to noncompliance with regulations concerning commercial driver’s licenses. Duffy claims the state issued these licenses to noncitizens illegally, putting public safety at risk. California's Governor Newsom has rejected these claims and defended the state's track record of safe driving among commercial drivers.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned on Sunday that he is prepared to retract millions in federal funding from California, asserting that the state is illegally issuing commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to noncitizens.
In an interview on Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures,” Duffy highlighted that Governor Gavin Newsom has failed to comply with Department of Transportation regulations mandating the cessation of such licenses and requiring a re-evaluation of those already issued.
“I’m about to pull $160 million from California,” Duffy stated. “Additionally, if necessary, we will consider revoking California’s ability to issue commercial driver’s licenses.”
A spokesperson for Newsom referred inquiries to the state’s transportation agency, which has not yet responded. California officials have previously defended their practices, asserting that the state's commercial drivers exhibit a significantly lower crash rate than the national average, as well as a lower rate compared to Texas, which has the highest number of licensed commercial drivers in the country.
Last month, the Transportation Department tightened CDL requirements for noncitizens following multiple deadly accidents allegedly caused by immigrant drivers. The updated regulations stipulate that only specific visa holders may qualify for CDLs, and all states must confirm applicants' immigration status in federal databases.
Duffy criticized California's handling of over 25% of the CDLs reviewed in an audit, alleging that some licenses remained valid even after drivers' work permits had expired. He pointed out that the state was given a 30-day notice to develop a compliance plan or risk losing funding.
Pointing to a nationwide audit launched after a tragic crash caused by an undocumented driver in Florida that resulted in three fatalities, Duffy mentioned that many improperly issued licenses were found in California and other states, including Texas and Colorado.
“We are talking about 60,000 drivers on the road who should not have licenses,” Duffy remarked. “These individuals are driving fuel tankers and school buses, contributing to incidents on America’s roads.”
Duffy announced earlier this month his intention to withhold an additional $40 million from California for failing to enforce English proficiency requirements for truck drivers. Despite California's defense of its licensing practices in response to federal concerns, Duffy expressed dissatisfaction with the state’s explanations.
