New York, Oct 16 (AP) Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Wednesday that he plans to withhold USD 40 million from California, citing the state's failure to enforce English language requirements for truck drivers, making it the only state not in compliance.
An investigation was initiated following a deadly crash in Florida on August 12 involving a foreign truck driver who made an illegal U-turn. Duffy pointed to significant shortcomings in California’s enforcement of rules mandated by an executive order from President Donald Trump, which took effect in June.
California had issued a commercial license to the driver, even though these English requirements existed before the crash occurred.
Truckers are required to demonstrate English proficiency, and Duffy emphasized that the driver involved in the crash should not have received a commercial license due to his immigration status.
The crash has stirred political tensions, with governors from California and Florida exchanging criticisms, while Duffy has highlighted the administration’s immigration concerns in various interviews.
“California is the sole state neglecting to ensure that truck drivers can read road signs and communicate with law enforcement. This poses a fundamental safety issue for families on America’s roads,” Duffy stated.
California defended its stance in a formal response sent to the Transportation Department last month. However, federal officials found the response unsatisfactory.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office swiftly responded to the announcement. Spokesperson Diana Crofts-Pelayo referenced statistics indicating that California's commercial truck drivers have a crash rate below the national average.
Nonetheless, Duffy pointed out that since the implementation of the language standards, California has conducted around 34,000 inspections, identifying at least one violation in each, yet only one violation was related to English proficiency, leading to a driver being taken out of service. Additionally, 23 drivers with violations in other states were allowed to continue operating in California.
The Transportation Department has stipulated that for California to regain this funding, it must adopt regulations to enforce the English rules and ensure that state inspectors test drivers' English skills during inspections, removing any drivers who fail.
Regarding the English language issue, Duffy has also threatened to withdraw an additional USD 160 million based on how California issues commercial drivers' licenses. Last month, he significantly restricted the eligibility criteria for those licenses.
Three people were killed when truck driver Harjinder Singh made an illegal U-turn on a highway about 80 kilometers north of West Palm Beach, leading to a minivan crashing into his trailer. Singh and his passenger were unharmed.
Singh is currently held without bond, facing three counts of vehicular homicide and immigration violations. His lawyer has declined to comment.
The crash has drawn substantial attention due to Singh’s immigration status and the failed English proficiency test after the incident. Duffy and Florida officials have attributed responsibility to both California and Washington state for issuing Singh’s commercial license.
However, California officials indicated that Singh had a valid work permit when his license was issued, while video evidence from New Mexico demonstrated Singh effectively communicating with an officer during a traffic stop in July.
Duffy, along with President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, has been in a back-and-forth with Newsom concerning the crash and whether Singh should have been allowed to drive a truck.
Newsom’s office stated that California adhered to all regulations when issuing a license to Singh in July 2024, with federal confirmation of his legal status in the country at that time.
Duffy and Florida authorities contend that Singh, originally from India, entered the U.S. illegally from Mexico in 2018. (AP) GRS GRS
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