Federal Government Cuts $40M in Funding to California Over Trucking English Requirements
By JOSH FUNK Transportation Secretary Withholds Funds from California Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Wednesday that he will suspend $40 million in funding for California, citing the state’s failure to enforce English language proficiency requirements for truck drivers. Investigatio
By JOSH FUNK
Transportation Secretary Withholds Funds from California
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Wednesday that he will suspend $40 million in funding for California, citing the state’s failure to enforce English language proficiency requirements for truck drivers.
Investigation Highlights Compliance Issues
This decision follows an investigation linked to a fatal crash in Florida involving a foreign truck driver who made an illegal U-turn on August 12. Duffy pointed out serious shortcomings in California’s enforcement of regulations implemented in June as a result of a Trump executive order. Notably, California had granted a commercial license to the driver, despite existing English proficiency rules predating the incident.
Proficiency Standards and Safety Concerns
According to Duffy, truck drivers should be disqualified from holding a commercial license if they cannot prove English proficiency. He emphasized that the driver in question should not have received a commercial license due to his immigration status, framing the matter as a critical safety concern for American families on the road.
California’s Response
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office quickly countered Duffy’s remarks, stating that statistics indicate the state’s commercial truck drivers have a lower crash rate than the national average. In their formal response to the Transportation Department last month, California defended its licensing practices.
Inspection Findings
Despite California’s defense, Duffy referred to an inspection count of approximately 34,000 since the new language requirements took effect, noting that only one instance led to a driver being taken out of service for an English language violation. Additionally, 23 drivers with violations in other states were allowed to continue operating in California.
Consequences for Enforcing English Requirements
To restore the withheld funds, the Transportation Department insists that California must establish regulations mandating enforcement of English proficiency tests for truck drivers during roadside inspections. Duffy has also hinted at potentially retracting another $160 million in funding over how California administers commercial driver licenses.
Background on the Fatal Crash
In the crash that triggered these discussions, three individuals lost their lives when truck driver Harjinder Singh executed an illegal U-turn on a highway near West Palm Beach, leading to a collision with a minivan. Singh has been charged with vehicular homicide and immigration violations, and while his attorney has not commented, he remains in custody without bail.