Federal Funding Controversy: California's Truck Driver Language Policy Under Fire

Sun Oct 19 2025 15:25:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy threatens to withhold $40 million from California over its failure to enforce English proficiency requirements for truck drivers, following a deadly crash in Florida that has sparked political tensions.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced plans to withhold $40 million from California due to its non-compliance with federal English language requirements for truck drivers. This decision comes in the wake of a fatal crash in Florida involving a driver accused of not meeting the language standards. California officials argue that local truck drivers have a lower accident rate than the national average, defending their licensing practices amid rising tensions between state and federal authorities.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Wednesday that he would be withholding $40 million in federal funding from California due to the state's failure to enforce English language proficiency requirements for commercial truck drivers. This decision follows a thorough investigation prompted by a tragic crash in Florida on August 12, where a foreign truck driver executed an illegal U-turn, resulting in the deaths of three individuals.

Duffy emphasized that California is the only state not upholding the essential safety regulations requiring truckers to demonstrate proficiency in English, a skill crucial for reading road signs and communicating with law enforcement. 'This is a fundamental safety issue that impacts you and your family on America’s road,' he remarked.

The investigation into the crash revealed California's significant shortcomings in enforcing the recently implemented language requirements, which were stipulated following a directive from President Donald Trump. Officials noted that despite over 34,000 truck inspections conducted in California since these rules took effect, only one instance involved a violation of the English language requirement.

In response to the announcement, California Governor Gavin Newsom's office defended the state's practices, arguing that commercial truck drivers in California have a lower crash rate compared to the national average. Diana Crofts-Pelayo, a spokesperson for the governor, reiterated this point, challenging the federal government's stance.

However, Duffy maintained that without substantial changes to California's regulations, which would include enforcing English proficiency testing during roadside inspections, the withholding of funds would continue. The state's licensing practices have also drawn scrutiny from federal officials, with Duffy indicating potential repercussions totaling $160 million due to the way California issues commercial driver licenses.

The fallout from the Florida crash remains a contentious political issue, with California and Florida officials exchanging criticisms over truck driver regulations and immigration concerns. Duffy's decision reflects ongoing tensions regarding federal oversight and state autonomy in transportation safety practices.