As the new U.S. Congress gets underway this month, the Senate Commerce Committee is immediately turning its attention to a nomination hearing for former House of Representatives Republican member Sean Duffy as secretary of transportation. Now chaired by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) with Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) as the ranking member, the committee is set to hold its nomination hearing at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

President-elect Trump in November announced Duffy—a former district attorney for Ashland County, Wisconsin, who served in the House from January 2011 until September 2019—as his selection for the role, succeeding Pete Buttigieg. More recently, he has co-hosted the Fox Business show, “The Bottom Line with Dagen and Duffy,” as well as a “From the Kitchen Table” podcast with his wife, Rachel Campos-Duffy.

Although his resume suggests little transportation background, NBAA noted his experience in working with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle and his ability to navigate the complex legislative process. Further, in urging his confirmation, the association said, “While serving in Wisconsin’s largely rural seventh district in the House of Representatives, Duffy gained a firsthand perspective on the essential role of general aviation in areas without airline access.”

“Business aviation is a critical link in our nation’s transportation system and a vital engine for our economy,” NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen said. “NBAA recognizes the imperative of strong leadership at the Department of Transportation.”

Also urging his confirmation was the Regional Airline Association, expressing similar thoughts about his experience understanding the unique transportation challenges of small and rural communities. “RAA is confident that Sean Duffy’s leadership will foster collaboration and help address key industry priorities," the association said.

Duffy has garnered support as well from associations involved in the highway/trucking sector.

Cruz, who met with Duffy in December, further offered his support: “Sean Duffy will be an exceptional public servant in leading the Department of Transportation and help make travel safer, faster, and more affordable for all Americans. He will play a key role in improving aviation safety, expediting construction permits, promoting American jobs, and repealing burdensome environmental regulations that hinder American innovation.”