(AP) — According to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, California, Washington, and New Mexico risk losing millions in federal funding if they do not enforce English language requirements for truck drivers. This warning came Tuesday following an investigation into a fatal crash in Florida involving a foreign truck driver who made an illegal U-turn on August 12. Duffy noted that substantial deficiencies were found in how the three states have been enforcing rules implemented following President Trump’s executive order last June. He added that the department had been reviewing compliance even before the incident.
Truck Driver Language Proficiency
Truck drivers are required to be disqualified if they cannot prove their proficiency in English. Duffy stated that the driver involved in the crash should not have received a commercial driver’s license due to his immigration status. The incident has sparked political contention, with California and Florida’s governors exchanging criticism, while Duffy emphasized that the issue is rooted in safety rather than politics.
Inspections and Violations
The Transportation Department reported that California performed approximately 34,000 inspections that uncovered at least one violation, yet only one driver was pulled from service for not meeting English language requirements. In Washington, despite over 6,000 safety violations detected, only four drivers faced action for language issues, and New Mexico has not disqualified any drivers since the rules were enacted.
Potential Federal Funding Loss
Duffy warned that noncompliance within 30 days could lead to significant financial penalties: California stands to lose $33 million, Washington $10.5 million, and New Mexico $7 million from the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program.
Responses from California and New Mexico
In response, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office stated on social media that the Trump administration is attempting to deflect blame for the crash. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s spokesperson asserted that the state ensures English proficiency in its licensing process and is looking into the claims made by Duffy.
Details of the Fatal Crash
The accident resulted in the deaths of three individuals when driver Harjinder Singh executed an illegal U-turn on a highway, resulting in a collision with a minivan. Singh, who is now being held without bail, faces charges including vehicular homicide and immigration violations. His case has attracted considerable attention, with legal representatives indicating it has become a political issue.
Investigation Findings
The Department of Homeland Security reported that Singh was in the U.S. illegally. Duffy remarked that both California and Washington should not have issued him a commercial license, while New Mexico should have taken action based on his English proficiency after a prior roadside stop. However, footage from the traffic stop shows Singh demonstrating some understanding of English during interactions with law enforcement.
