New York Loses Federal CDL Funding

The United States — United States Department of Transportation announced it will withhold over $73.5 million in federal funding from United States — New York (state) because the state has refused to revoke nearly 33,000 questionable commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) issued to immigrants. An audit last year revealed significant problems with these 'non-domiciled' CDLs, with many remaining valid after the holder's immigration authorization expired. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted the issue after a fatal crash in Florida, leading to federal scrutiny across all states. While most states have complied or are negotiating with the United States — Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, United States — California has already lost $200 million, and United States — Pennsylvania, United States — Minnesota, and United States — North Carolina have been warned. United States — New York (state) officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul's spokesman Sean Butler, defend their licensing practices and view the federal action as a political attack. Trucking industry groups, such as the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, have praised the United States — United States Department of Transportation's efforts to remove unqualified drivers, while immigrant groups argue some drivers are being unfairly targeted.