In brief
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced potential federal funding cuts to California due to the state’s alleged unlawful practice of issuing commercial driver’s licenses to noncitizens. Duffy expressed frustration over Governor Gavin Newsom's refusal to comply with federal requirements, emphasizing safety concerns following significant accidents involving immigrant drivers. California officials cite lower crash rates among their CDLholders as a defense, as tensions escalate over licensing policies and funding allocations.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned on Sunday that he is prepared to follow through on a threat to revoke millions in federal funds for California due to the state's alleged illegal practice of issuing commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to noncitizens.
In an appearance on Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures,” Duffy emphasized that Governor Gavin Newsom has failed to comply with Department of Transportation rules that require a halt to such licenses and a review of those already issued.
“So, one, I’m about to pull $160 million from California,” Duffy stated. “And, as we pull more money, we also have the option of pulling California’s ability to issue commercial driver’s licenses.”
A spokesperson for Newsom directed a request for comment to the state’s transportation agency, which did not respond immediately. California has previously defended its licensing practices, asserting that CDL holders from the state experience a significantly lower rate of crashes than the national average, and even lower than that of Texas, which has the highest number of licensed commercial drivers.
Following fatal accidents involving immigrant truck drivers, the Transportation Department recently tightened CDL requirements for noncitizens. Under the new regulations, only specific visa holders will be eligible for CDLs, and applicants' immigration status must be verified in a federal database, with licenses valid for up to one year from the date of issuance or until the visa expires.
Duffy remarked that California should not have issued 25% of the 145 licenses under investigation, noting that some licenses remained active long after work permits had expired— in a few cases for years. The state was given 30 days to comply with federal regulations or face the consequences of funding cuts.
A nationwide audit of commercial driver’s licenses was initiated after a driver, suspected of being in the country illegally, caused a crash in Florida that resulted in three fatalities. The audit reported the improper issuance of licenses in various states, including California, Colorado, and Texas.
“Duffy indicated that California has unlawfully granted tens of thousands of these licenses to noncitizens,” further heightening the urgency for compliance. “So you have 60,000 people on the roads who shouldn’t have licenses,” he added. “They’re driving fuel tankers, they’re driving school buses, and we have seen some of the crashes on American roadways that come from these people who shouldn’t have these licenses.”
Moreover, Duffy highlighted that California is the sole state not enforcing English language requirements for truck drivers, leading to an additional $40 million withholding from federal funds. The state has formally defended its practices but has not assuaged federal officials' concerns.
