The Trump Administration announced it will withhold over $40 million in federal funding from California, citing the state’s failure to enforce English proficiency standards for commercial truck drivers. On Wednesday (October 15), Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) would withhold $40.68 million, which was intended for law enforcement training, roadside inspections, and safety audits of trucking companies. Duffy emphasized that California is the only state not ensuring that truck drivers can read road signs and communicate with law enforcement, labeling it a fundamental safety issue.
The decision follows a deadly crash on Florida’s Turnpike, where Harjinder Singh, an undocumented immigrant with a California commercial driver’s license, caused a collision that killed three people. Singh reportedly scored poorly on an English proficiency test, raising concerns about California’s licensing standards. California Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration argues that the state complies with federal requirements, noting that drivers must pass an English test to obtain a license.
The withheld funds come from the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP), which provides states with resources for traffic enforcement and safety audits. California must align its regulations with federal standards to regain access to these funds. The decision has sparked controversy, with some officials blaming California’s policies for the crash and others warning against scapegoating immigrant communities.
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