WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Transportation unleashed a rapid-fire series of sweeping actions last week, unveiling new investments, national safety campaigns, record-setting infrastructure funding, and an unprecedented crackdown on commercial driver licensing practices. From northern Minnesota’s skies to transit systems in 45 states, and from airport control towers to America’s highways, Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy rolled out an ambitious slate of policies he says will “restore safety, civility, and American strength across every mode of transportation.”
Across five days, DOT announced:
- $20 million in new federal funding for a long-overdue air traffic control tower replacement in Duluth.
- A national civility initiative aimed at reversing soaring in-flight misconduct.
- $2 billion for 165 transit projects, delivering 2,400 new American-built buses.
- The final design of the THOR-05F, a first-of-its-kind female crash test dummy.
- Cash awards for 776 air traffic controllers who worked without pay during the 44-day government shutdown.
- And a federal ultimatum to Pennsylvania, threatening to withhold nearly $75 million unless the state revokes hundreds of illegally issued commercial driver’s licenses.
Together, the announcements paint a picture of a department operating at a wartime tempo, pressing ahead on aviation safety, public transit modernization, roadway regulation, and national security concerns tied to foreign drivers operating commercial vehicles.
Secretary Duffy—who has positioned the Department of Transportation as a key pillar of the Trump administration’s economic and security agenda—called the week’s actions “a turning point for American transportation policy,” promising more aggressive measures ahead.
Major FAA Investment Targets Duluth’s Aging Control Tower
DOT opened the week with a long-awaited announcement for northern Minnesota: an additional $20 million to replace the aging air traffic control tower at Duluth International Airport.
The current tower, built in the 1950s, is one of the country’s oldest still in service. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the structure is no longer adequate for the airport’s growing operations—which include commercial carriers, extensive flight training, and Air National Guard activity.
Secretary Duffy said his August visit to the tower left a strong impression.
“During my visit in August, I saw firsthand the critical need to replace Duluth’s aging air traffic control tower,” Duffy said. “This $20 million investment moves the project closer to construction and ensures controllers will have the modern equipment they need to keep air travel safe.”
The infusion brings the total federal commitment to more than $36 million, following a previous $16.8 million grant from the Airport Terminal Program. The new tower will be twice the height of the existing facility, offering improved visibility over the airport’s complex runway layout.
FAA officials say the funding will allow the airport to complete construction in one phase rather than two—saving an estimated $5 million and cutting months off the project timeline.
Minnesota lawmakers, including Rep. Pete Stauber and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, have pushed for federal support. With air traffic up sharply—Duluth recorded more than 150,000 flights last year—local leaders say the new tower is essential to supporting continued economic growth across the region.
A Nationwide Appeal for Civility in the Skies
On November 19, Secretary Duffy shifted from infrastructure to culture, launching a sweeping new campaign to combat rising unruly passenger incidents. Titled “The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You,” the initiative seeks to restore courtesy and respect during airline travel—behavior DOT argues is essential for safety.
“The data backs up what every traveler has felt,” Duffy said. “Air travel has become more unruly.”
Key statistics cited by the department include:
- A 400 percent increase in in-flight outbursts since 2019.
- 13,800 unruly passenger incidents since 2021.
- A six-fold rise in reports between 2020 and 2021.
- One in five flight attendants experiencing physical incidents in 2021.
- Double the number of incidents in 2024 compared with 2019.
The campaign urges travelers to take personal responsibility for conduct in airports and on airplanes. DOT issued a series of rhetorical questions, prompting Americans to reconsider their behavior during the busy holiday travel season:
- “Are you helping a pregnant woman or the elderly with placing their bags?”
- “Are you dressing with respect?”
- “Are you keeping control of your children?”
- “Are you saying please and thank you?”
The department argues that restoring “courtesy and class” will not only improve the flying experience but help reduce stress and prevent conflicts that jeopardize safety.
The civility push accompanies other major aviation initiatives, including plans for a next-generation air traffic control system, large-scale hiring for controller positions, and new family-focused airport policies. DOT officials said the campaign is a first step toward rebuilding a national culture of respect in the skies.
DOT Unveils $2 Billion in Transit Funding, Delivering 2,400 American-Built Buses
Also on November 20, Secretary Duffy announced a massive round of transit funding: $2 billion for 165 projects in 45 states and Washington, D.C. The investment will fund the purchase of 2,400 new buses, all built with American parts and labor.
The money comes from the Federal Transit Administration’s Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program and the Low or No Emission Grant Program. DOT says the funding will modernize aging fleets, reduce congestion, and help communities expand affordable transportation options.
“More people travel by bus than any other form of public transportation,” Duffy said. “With these grants, thousands of new buses will hit the road—making public transit more efficient, affordable, and safe.”
FTA Administrator Marc Molinaro called transit buses “the backbone of daily life” for millions of Americans and said the grants will directly improve reliability, mobility, and quality of life.
Examples of FY 2025–2026 awards include:
- $101 million for Houston METRO to replace diesel buses with CNG models, add a fueling station, and upgrade maintenance facilities.
- $32 million for Tampa’s HART to expand its CNG fleet.
- $48 million for the Iowa DOT to replace outdated buses and modernize statewide facilities.
Between competitive grants and advance appropriations, FTA has allocated more than $1.5 billion for FY 2025 and an additional $518 million for FY 2026.
DOT described the funding as a cornerstone of the administration’s America First manufacturing agenda, arguing the investment will support thousands of domestic jobs across engine manufacturing, vehicle assembly, facility construction, and parts supply.
DOT Reveals New Female Crash Test Dummy: A Breakthrough in Automotive Safety
In another major safety announcement, DOT revealed final design details for the THOR-05F, the nation’s first advanced female crash test dummy. The new model aims to address long-standing gaps in crash safety testing that have contributed to higher injury rates for women in some crash scenarios.
Transportation Secretary Duffy said the project reflects a commitment to scientific accuracy, not politics.
“The science is clear: there are only two sexes—male and female,” he said. “That biological fact matters when designing cars. This new dummy is essential to protecting women on our roadways.”
The THOR-05F features:
- More than 150 sensors—triple that of existing dummies.
- Advanced durability and lifelike biomechanical responses.
- Detailed modeling of female anatomy, including thorax, pelvis, and lower limbs.
The model was developed with support from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison said the dummy represents “a long overdue step” in bridging safety gaps.
Federal officials said automakers and testing organizations will be able to begin building models to meet the new specifications immediately. Once DOT publishes final rules, the THOR-05F will be considered for use in vehicle safety ratings and federal compliance testing.
DOT said the announcement aligns with President Trump’s Executive Order on “Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” which directs agencies to base safety regulations on biological sex where scientifically relevant.
DOT Honors 776 Air Traffic Controllers Who Worked During Shutdown
Later on November 20, DOT recognized 776 air traffic controllers and technicians who worked without pay during Democrats’ 44-day government shutdown, awarding each a $10,000 payment.
“These patriotic men and women never missed a beat,” Duffy said. “President Trump directed us to honor them, and this award reflects our deep appreciation for their service.”
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford described the period as “extraordinary,” noting that participants maintained perfect attendance despite the shutdown’s operational strains.
The payments will be issued no later than December 9.
DOT Threatens Pennsylvania With $75 Million Withholding Over Illegal CDLs
DOT ended the week with a dramatic escalation in its nationwide audit of non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses—announcing that Pennsylvania violated federal safety rules by issuing licenses to ineligible foreign nationals without verifying their legal status.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found that PennDOT failed to confirm lawful presence and issued licenses whose expiration dates exceeded drivers’ authorized stays in the United States. The agency demanded immediate corrective action.
Secretary Duffy said the failures jeopardize national security, citing the recent arrest of a suspected terrorist who obtained a Pennsylvania license.
“Joe Biden allowed tens of millions of illegals to pour into our country,” Duffy said. “Pennsylvania then allowed one to get behind the wheel of a semitruck. I will continue to fight to get these dangerous drivers off our roads.”
DOT ordered Pennsylvania to:
- Immediately halt issuance of all non-domiciled CDLs and learner’s permits.
- Conduct a full internal audit of every improperly issued license.
- Void or rescind all unexpired, noncompliant CDLs.
If the state does not comply, DOT will withhold nearly $75 million in federal funding.
The crackdown follows multiple actions this year, including a nationwide audit announced in June, new restrictions on eligibility for non-domiciled CDLs, and enhanced enforcement of English-language proficiency rules for commercial drivers.
In March, President Trump signed an executive order designating English as the official language of the United States—further shaping DOT’s regulatory direction.
A High-Velocity Week Signals More Aggressive Action Ahead
Across aviation, transit, automotive safety, workforce integrity, and passenger conduct, DOT’s actions this week reflect a department in rapid motion—pursuing ambitious infrastructure plans while sharpening enforcement on safety lapses and regulatory violations.
From Minnesota’s control tower modernization to Pennsylvania’s licensing audit, Secretary Duffy has positioned the Department of Transportation as an agency focused on bold action and fast implementation. The administration’s push spans physical infrastructure, human behavior, technological modernization, and national security.
With additional guidance, grant cycles, and regulatory reforms expected before year’s end, DOT officials say the week’s announcements represent “only the beginning” of the department’s next major policy phase—and a decisive pivot toward what Duffy calls “a new standard of safety, civility, and American excellence on every road and runway in the country.”
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