WASHINGTON — U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is announcing the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is withholding over $73 million from the State of New York for failing to “revoke illegally issued non-domiciled commercial learner’s permits (CLPs) and commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs).
“I promised the American people I would hold any state leader accountable for failing to keep them safe from unvetted, unqualified foreign drivers,” Duffy said. “I’m delivering on that promise today by refusing to fund Governor Hochul’s dangerous, anti-American policies. My message to New York’s far left leadership is clear: families must be prioritized on American roads.”
According to FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs, the move was born out of safety concerns.
“That means ensuring that every commercial driver on the road is properly vetted and qualified,” Barrs said. “New York’s continued refusal to fix these failures undermines that mission, and we will not allow federal dollars to support a system that falls short of the law.”
Trucking Association of New York (TANY)
According to TANY, the withholding of funds is equal to a 4% reduction in federal funds for state highways.
“Today’s final determination from [FMCSA] that New York is not in compliance with federal requirements governing non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) is deeply concerning and carries consequences that extend well beyond the trucking industry,” said Kendra Hems, TANY president. “Safety is the foundation of our industry. Truck drivers play an essential role in New York’s economy, and every individual operating a commercial vehicle must meet the highest professional and safety standards. At the same time, we recognize that for many families, trucking is how food gets put on the table. It has long provided stable work and a pathway to the middle class for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers.”
Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA)
OOIDA is applauding the move.
“The days of exploiting cheap labor on the basis of false ‘driver shortage’ claims are over,” said Todd Spencer, OOIDA president. “OOIDA and truckers across America applaud Secretary Duffy and FMCSA administrator Barrs for responding to our concerns by taking substantial actions to crack down on the irresponsible issuance of non-domiciled CDLs, particularly in New York. For too long, loopholes in this program have allowed unqualified drivers onto our highways, putting professional truckers and the motoring public at risk. These enforcement actions will remove bad actors from the road and restore accountability to the system. Today’s action is an important step toward safer highways and a stronger, more professional trucking industry.”
Potential Damage to Critical Infrastructure
“As a result of this finding, New York faces a 4% reduction in federal highway funding and the suspension of its authority to issue non-domiciled CDLs until compliance is restored,” Hems said. “At a time when critical infrastructure funding is needed to maintain and improve our highway system, this outcome underscores the urgency of immediate corrective action.”
According to Hems, New York’s CDL framework already requires compliance with strict federal standards, including verified work authorization, completion of entry-level driver training and adherence to safety regulations governing driving behavior and controlled substances.
“These standards must be consistently enforced, and the integrity of the CDL program must be upheld,” Hems said. “Ensuring strong oversight and accountability is essential to maintaining a level playing field for law-abiding drivers and carriers while protecting public safety and preserving economic opportunity. The Trucking Association of New York stands ready to work with state and federal partners to restore compliance, rebuild confidence and ensure New York retains access to critical federal transportation funding while supporting the drivers and families who depend on this industry.”
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe. She is currently based in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.
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