“We will do more with less”- Duffy Defends DOT staffing shortages, seeks bigger budget for FY2026.  

Washington, DC – Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy testified before the House Appropriations Sub-Committee last week on his request for $26.7 billion in discretionary funds for Fiscal Year 2026. The request includes: 

• $1.2 billion increase for air traffic modernization and operations 

• $596 million to improve port and shipyard infrastructure. 

• $400 million boost for freight rale safety 

• $770 million for multimodal freight expansion 

Duffy’s appearance came just days after President Donald Trump announced his “skinny” budget (while Congress awaits full FY2026 budget) which also called for a $4.1 billion slash to the bi-partisan IIJA for 2026. 

“We are lacking detail in what the proposed $4.1 billion reduction to the IIJA FY26 advance appropriations. We hope to get more clarity from you today,” said Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Steve Womack (R-AK).  

While Secretary Duffy was short on details, he did respond to repeated questions about the current RIF (reduction in force). Chairman Womack expressed concern about the way recent RIFs were implemented and how the department can accomplish its goals with the loss of nearly 3,000 DOT employees.  

“We can do more with less,” Sec. Duffy responded, “that means we’ll have additional money through this Committee to put back in the infrastructure that we want in our communities. If people are also willing to take an opportunity to retire or resign, we should take that. I am mission driven. If I have to hire people back in, I’ll do that.”  

Ranking member Congressman James Clyburn (D-SC) questioned Duffy on his previous characterization of DEI policies as a “waste of money.” 

“Programs that created the Tuskegee Airmen was not a waste of money, it made skies safer for all-white fighter pilots to be escorted and we won that war,” Rep. Clyburn said, “I believe this Subcommittee can work in bipartisan way to create safety networks for Americans and  how we can best use Americans’ resources and talents.”  

“If we take out 5-10% (of the awards) on climate or social justice (criteria), that’s money we don’t have for additional projects,” said Duffy. 

The Department of Transportation has a backlog of 3,200 awarded projects that are awaiting grant funds. Sec. Duffy said his team has cleared over 480 awards and is working to streamline the process. Duffy also promised transparency and is developing a DOT Dashboard to track the progress of these awards.  

Duffy also testified on rehabilitating the “dilapidated” Maritime Academy, streamlining the permit process for space travel, improvement tribal infrastructure, and ways AI technology in self-driving cars can improve safety on rural roads. But Congressman Hal Rogers (R-KY) expressed concern that the Trump administration is proposing a major blow to rural communities in the slashing of $300 million to the Essential Air Service.  

Duffy said he will look into EAS, but insisted the President’s commitment to advancing transportation is strong. 

“Building big, beautiful infrastructure that connects people, states, and moves our products is priority for the President,” Duffy said.