Department of Transportation withholds $73M from New York over non-citizen trucking licenses
NEW YORK (WABC) -- The federal government is following through with its threat to withhold $73 million earmarked for New York state.
Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy had warned the state if they didn't revoke commercial driver's licenses given to non-citizens to operate trucks, the federal government would take action.
Duffy said Thursday that New York failed to do so and now he's holding back the funds, citing public safety.
The state DMV said the rules for issuing commercial licenses are set by the federal government and they're following the law.
A spokesperson for Gov. Kathy Hochul said they will fight back.
"These charges are a baseless attempt to attack blue states, because as everyone knows New York simply follows federally-issued rules when issuing commercial drivers licenses, something that even the Trump Administration has acknowledged," the spokesperson said. "This continues a year long pattern of Secretary Duffy threatening to withhold money that keeps our roads, subways, and other infrastructure safe for New Yorkers. We will fight back, and once again we will win."
Duffy spoke with Eyewitness News Anchor Bill Ritter about the move, and about the back and forth he's had with Gov. Hochul.
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