AUVSI Urges U.S. Senate to Confirm Sean Duffy as Secretary of Transportation

January 15, 2025 | AUVSI News

Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation held its nomination hearing for former Representative Sean Duffy (R-WI) to be U.S. Secretary of Transportation. 

On behalf of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), President and CEO Michael Robbins issued a statement of support: 

“In a rapidly changing global economy, it is critical that the United States regain competitiveness in transportation and mobility. The U.S. Department of Transportation must aggressively promulgate enabling safety regulations, lift red tape, and make investments in the advanced technologies, workforce, and infrastructure that will enable the autonomous mobility industry to flourish. 

At today’s hearing, Mr. Duffy demonstrated his commitment to supporting the long-term growth of cutting-edge mobility technologies—including eVTOLs, drones, and autonomous vehicles—and the accompanying private sector investments they will bring. 

AUVSI supports Mr. Duffy’s nomination for Secretary of Transportation, and we are eager to work with him and the Trump Administration to strengthen U.S. leadership in autonomous mobility industries.” 

During today’s hearing, Duffy committed to key priorities for AUVSI members: 

• Review rulemaking and “offer clarity” regarding the establishment of a performance-based framework for drone operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) did not comply with Congressional mandate to publish the draft rule by September 2024, though the FAA did forward the draft safety rule to DOT in late July. 

• Establish a Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies. Authorized by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, the Center will support testing of Advanced Air Mobility concepts and accelerate their integration into the National Airspace System. 

Last week, AUVSI sent a letter to Chairman Ted Cruz and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell expressing support for Duffy’s nomination, citing his understanding of transportation and infrastructure built during his Congressional service.