Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s budget testimony focuses on problems at Newark airport

In a House appropriations subcommittee, the U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy testified and discussed plans to reduce flights at Newark Liberty International Airport. He explained that his wife was redirected to another airport due to flight delays, not for safety reasons. The agency requested a 5.8% budget increase for the fiscal year 2026, with most of the hearing focused on air traffic control shortages and airport outages at Newark. Duffy assured travelers of flight safety and mentioned ongoing efforts to address the issues, including discussing flight reductions with airlines and upgrading infrastructure. He also criticized the previous administration for failing to address infrastructure issues and highlighted the current administration’s focus on efficiency and safety in the transportation budget. Duffy faced criticism from some lawmakers regarding budget allocations for climate and social justice projects, while denying claims of firing air traffic controllers. The agency’s budget request includes increases for air traffic modernization and infrastructure, but also involves cuts in certain programs. Lawmakers expressed concerns about the restructuring of the Department of Transportation without congressional approval and oversight of appropriated funds.