Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is drawing attention to a critical issue in America’s transportation system—states granting commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to illegal aliens. His announcement follows a serious trucking accident involving an illegal driver, highlighting a precarious situation on the roads. The Department of Transportation’s recent audit found alarming failures that compromise the safety of every family traveling on our highways.
During a press conference, Secretary Duffy detailed the findings of the audit, painting a grim picture of widespread incompetence among state agencies responsible for issuing CDLs. “Something was seriously wrong,” he said, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the laws surrounding CDL issuance. The audit revealed that states are not verifying the legal presence of applicants when issuing licenses, allowing individuals without proper immigration status to obtain CDLs.
To complicate matters, many of these licenses are also being renewed well past their expiration dates. Duffy pointed out that “thousands of licenses that should never have been issued actually were issued,” showcasing the systemic breakdown in following basic procedures. The report underscores a pressing concern: unqualified drivers, including those who have overstayed their work permits, are legally operating large commercial vehicles on American roads.
Duffy’s sharp words laid bare the heart of the problem. “Our audit revealed widespread procedural errors, computer programming flaws, and a gross lack of oversight,” he said, warning that the current regulatory environment endangers Americans. According to the audit, federal laws are not only being flouted but they also facilitate the operation of dangerous, unqualified drivers who pose a significant risk.
With undeniable evidence in hand, Duffy has identified California as a chief offender in this scandal. “California is the worst offender when it comes to trucking licenses,” he stated, revealing that over a quarter of non-domiciled CDLs issued in the state are illegal. His message to California Governor Gavin Newsom was clear: “You’re putting the safety of your citizens at risk. Fix it NOW.” Duffy’s call to action is direct and urgent, highlighting a failure that could have catastrophic consequences.
In response, Newsom’s administration attempted to downplay the severity of the situation by touting California’s CDL holders having a crash rate nearly 40% lower than the national average. However, this deflection missed the point, as Duffy specifically focused on compliance with federal regulations rather than crash statistics. “What a disgusting response,” he commented, rebuffing the misleading attempts to shift focus away from their glaring noncompliance.
The facts are stark. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has confirmed that California issued approximately 25% of its non-domiciled CDLs illegally. Under federal guidelines, there are strict protocols detailing how these licenses must be administered, providing a framework designed to ensure only eligible drivers are behind the wheel of commercial vehicles.
Looking ahead, Secretary Duffy’s audit is not just an isolated incident—it signals the start of deeper scrutiny into CDL issuance across the country. His commitment to enhancing safety on American roads is clear: “Expect more heads to roll as the DoT cracks down on this insanity.” Duffy is not shying away from the confrontation, emphasizing that Americans deserve safe, compliant roadways, free from the chaos bred by bureaucratic negligence.
In the ongoing battle over transportation safety, this audit may serve as a vital wake-up call. As Duffy rallies against the mismanagement within state regulatory systems, it brings to light the complexities and dangers tied to illegal licensing practices. Moving forward, swift and decisive action will be necessary to restore order and protect families on the road. The stakes could not be higher.
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