President-elect Donald Trump just selected a former reality TV star and Fox News host to serve as transportation secretary in his incoming administration — a choice that, at first glance, may seem to have little to do with airlines or highways.
But Sean Duffy’s appointment would be a major boon to the airline industry’s efforts to slash regulation and swindle consumers. During his stint as a lobbyist with a Washington, DC, consulting firm, Duffy worked on behalf of a coalition of airline companies pushing to limit foreign airlines’ expansion in the United States.
And as a Republican congressman for Wisconsin before this, Duffy cast a vote in favor of a closely contested provision in an aviation spending bill that opponents — including famed pilot Chesley Sullenberger — argued was designed to make it far harder for federal regulators to strengthen airline safety standards.
Duffy has also previously lobbied the Transportation Department for oil and gas interests and auto manufacturers, both groups that have fought Transportation Department regulation on everything from greenhouse gas emissions in the nation’s most polluting sector to pipeline safety.
If confirmed, Duffy will take the helm of an agency charged with regulating airlines that fight tooth and nail against consumer protections, overseeing safety concerns at airplane manufacturers like Boeing, and monitoring disaster-prone rail giants. Already transportation trade groups are celebrating his nomination.
“We are thrilled that President-elect Trump has chosen Congressman Duffy to lead the Department of Transportation,” Nicholas Calio, president and CEO of Airlines For America, the airlines’ biggest lobbying group, said in a statement on November 18. “Congressman Duffy has a proven track record for getting things done, and we are eager to collaborate with him on key issues impacting the U.S. airline industry.”
Duffy’s background has advocates…
Auteur: Katya Schwenk
