Sean Duffy (AP image)
US transportation secretary Sean Duffy warned Sunday that he is about make good on a threat to revoke millions in federal funds for California because he says the state is illegally issuing commercial driver’s licenses to non-citizens. In an appearance on Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures,” Duffy said governor Gavin Newsom has refused to comply with department of transportation rules that require the state to stop issuing such licenses and review those already issued. His statement came after investigations into two recent fatal crashes involving Sikh drivers showed widespread malpractice in issuance of commercial driving licences (CDLs). “So, one, I’m about to pull $160 million from California,” Duffy said. “And, as we pull more money, we also have the option of pulling California’s ability to issue commercial driver’s licenses.” Eva Spiegel, a spokesperson for California’s department of motor vehicles, said the Trump administration “has no legitimate basis” to withhold federal highway transportation funds. “The federal govt previously allowed commercial driver’s licences for asylum seekers and refugees and on Sept 26 announced emergency regulations to cease this practice that went into effect on Sept 29. California is in compliance with these regulations and will remain in compliance with federal law.” When Duffy threatened to revoke funds last month, a spokesperson for Newsom dismissed the attack and noted that CDL holders from California have a significantly lower rate of crashes than both the national average and that of Texas, which is the only state with more licenced commercial drivers. Duffy said California has unlawfully issued tens of thousands of these licences to non-citizens. Duffy said earlier he would withhold $40 million from California as it is failing to enforce English language requirements for truckers. agencies
