Chuck Grassley: “today, we are confirming former Congressman Sean Duffy as the new Secretary of Transportation. Our Nation's…”

“today, we are confirming former Congressman Sean Duffy as the new Secretary of Transportation. Our Nation's infrastructure is essential to the economy, trade, and vitality of each of our 50 States. In Iowa, it is fundamental to moving our agriculture products, manufacturing goods, and, of course, our 3.3 million people. I have long supported sound, sustainable infrastructure policies that provide certainty to businesses, States, and the transportation community. I agree that businesses and State and local governments need long-term visions and plans to ensure our infrastructure networks remain strong and support our Nation's economic growth and competitiveness. We are soon faced, in this body and in the entire Congress, with reauthorizing our Nation's surface transportation laws. I am glad that Congressman Duffy understands, from representing Northwest Wisconsin, that rural America has many infrastructure needs--as many as urban areas. I supported the bipartisan infrastructure bill to provide needed funding to repair and replace Iowa's aging infrastructure. I look forward to working with him to advance Iowa's priorities and sound policies for the Nation. Now, in the case of Secretary Duffy, even though I didn't meet with him in my office, like I do a lot of nominees, I stress today the importance of responding to congressional letters and inquiries.…”