Rep. Mann Pushes for U.S. Global Aviation Leadership, Efficiency in Hearing with Secretary Duffy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) questioned U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy during his appearance before the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. During Rep. Mann’s questioning, he applauded President Trump and Secretary Duffy’s leadership in making our national transportation system great again and asked about the administration’s efforts to improve efficiency and accountability in modernization projects. Rep. Mann also emphasized Kansas’ impact on aviation as the Air Capital of the World, underscoring the importance of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintaining a strong presence abroad to protect the United States’ aviation export market. 

Excerpts:

[Opening Statement]: I represent 60 primarily rural counties in western and central Kansas, and every day across the Big First district my constituents witness the importance of having reliable transportation and infrastructure. It’s imperative that our highways and roads are drivable, that commercial and cargo aviation are able to efficiently operate, that our railroads are able to deliver goods and grain out of the elevator into markets. I appreciate hearing from you today on ways that we can address real transportation infrastructure problems that everyday citizens in Kansas and our country are facing. I know that this Administration under your and President Trump’s leadership will lead the way on fixing problems of the past, and I look forward to working with you on making our national transportation system great again. 

[On modernization efficiency]: We’ve all seen how past modernization efforts like NextGen struggled with delays and cost overruns. I understand you’re taking a different approach this time, particularly when it comes to procurement and project delivery. Can you walk us through what’s changed and what Congress should be considering when it comes to accountability and future funding to support that approach, while also ensuring continued access for business aviation and smooth integration of new entrants?

Duffy: Yeah, I think that’s critical. A couple of quick points. Number one: we are actually using our unique authority for procurement, that has not been used in the past. We are getting CEO engagement with us. I think America cares about the bill. I think the President cares. I care. CEOs want to be part of this. This is the greatest infrastructure project in decades, and it has a lot of attention. The CEOs are partnering with us. I think on the accountability front, you’ve given us a lot of... you’ve put a lot of faith in us. Maybe that faith isn’t warranted. I think continual conversations, whether it's testimony or private meetings, letting you honestly know: are we on time and on budget? Are we delayed? Why are we delayed? That kind of cooperation between the DOT, the FAA, and this body as well is critically important.

[On aviation export market]: Kansas is home to the Air Capital of the World, where aviation and aerospace manufacturing generate more than $20.5 billion in total economic activity, and rely on the FAA having a strong presence abroad. Secretary Duffy, how are you protecting the United States aviation export market?

Duffy: Just free markets, free trade. America is great. This one industry, I think we net export $78–80 billion dollars to the benefit of the U.S., and again, with continued innovation, which we are going to have some announcements coming on, not just on the Boeing side but on the civil aviation side, some great strides have been made to make sure we continue to lead the world. 

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