Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized President Joe Biden and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for aviation safety challenges during an appearance on Fox News. Duffy accused the Biden administration of underfunding air traffic control improvements in the infrastructure bill and criticized Buttigieg for prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. However, critics point out that the FAA’s air traffic controller shortage predates the current administration and that the infrastructure bill, opposed by many Republicans, allocated significant funds to enhance airport infrastructure. Recent reports indicate that technical problems and staffing shortages at airports like Newark Liberty International have exacerbated delays and safety concerns. These issues have been compounded by firings and coerced retirements of federal workers under the Trump administration, leading to ongoing challenges in rehiring qualified personnel.
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