Trump Threatens State Funding Over Trucker English Rules

The U.S. government is threatening to withhold millions in federal funding from three states. California, Washington, and New Mexico face financial penalties. The action is due to failures in enforcing English proficiency rules for commercial truck drivers. The move follows a deadly crash in Florida.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the potential sanctions on Tuesday. He stated the states have 30 days to comply with federal safety rules. The rules require truck drivers to understand road signs and communicate in English. According to Duffy, the states are not adequately enforcing these standards.

Federal Highway Funds Withheld Over Safety Noncompliance

An investigation was launched after a tragic accident in Florida. A truck driver made an illegal U-turn on a highway. This caused a crash that killed three people. The driver involved, Harjinder Singh, is charged with vehicular homicide.

The investigation found significant enforcement failures. Data from Reuters indicates California found over 34,000 safety violations recently. Yet, only one driver was taken out of service for an English language violation. Washington found 6,000 violations but only pulled four drivers for language issues. New Mexico has not placed any drivers out of service for this reason.

Secretary Duffy was blunt in his assessment. He said states cannot choose which federal rules to follow. Failure to enforce the law puts the public in danger. The proposed financial penalties are substantial. California could lose $33 million in federal motor carrier safety funds. Washington may lose $10.5 million. New Mexico faces a $7 million cut.

Political Tensions and Immigration Status Complicate Enforcement

The case has become intensely political. The driver at the center of the Florida crash was in the U.S. illegally. Authorities say he entered from Mexico in 2018. He held commercial driver’s licenses from both Washington and California.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed his immigration status. Secretary Duffy stated this should have prevented him from receiving a license. California is one of 19 states that issues licenses regardless of immigration status. Supporters argue this policy promotes road safety and allows people to work.

The governor’s offices involved have criticized each other. A statement from California’s governor noted the driver obtained a work permit during the previous administration. Federal officials have disputed this claim. The driver’s public defender said her client is caught in a political crossfire.

The Department of Transportation demands immediate action. States must enforce all federal safety standards to protect everyone on the road. The threat to federal highway funds underscores the seriousness of this requirement. Safety compliance is not optional.

Must Know (FAQ Section)

Why are states losing federal highway funds?

The U.S. DOT says California, Washington, and New Mexico failed to enforce rules requiring truckers to understand English. This is a federal safety requirement for commercial licenses.

What triggered this federal investigation?

A fatal crash in Florida prompted the review. A truck driver who couldn’t speak English well made an illegal U-turn, causing a crash that killed three people.

How much money could each state lose?

California risks losing $33 million. Washington could lose $10.5 million. New Mexico faces a $7 million cut in federal motor carrier safety assistance funds.

What are the English requirements for truckers?

Federal rules mandate that commercial drivers must be able to read road signs. They must also communicate with the public and law enforcement officials in English.

Was the driver in the Florida crash licensed?

Yes. The driver held commercial licenses from both Washington and California. Federal officials say he should have been disqualified due to his immigration status and lack of English proficiency.