President-elect Donald Trump has chosen former Wisconsin Congressman Sean Duffy to be the next Secretary of Transportation. Duffy was picked over northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves and others. Graves said that he’s ready to help Duffy if he wins confirmation as Transportation Secretary.
“Sean’s a friend of mine, and I think he will do fine in the in the position,” Graves told Missourinet affiliate KFEQ in St. Joseph. “He’s obviously going to need some help, but…I’m ready and willing to jump in if he needs any help at all.”
Graves admitted he’s disappointed that he wasn’t selected.
“Well, it was a tremendous opportunity,” he said. “I was very proud to be considered for the position, and, you know, it’s something that didn’t necessarily work out this time, but, you know, I’m willing and ready to serve if, if the need arises.”
Graves has served on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee ever since elected to Congress in 2000 and currently chairs the committee. He’s talked with House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, about remaining as committee chair.
“There is a chance, and that’s something that I’m continuing to talk to him and other members of the steering committee on, and you know, it’s still a possibility,” Graves said.
Republican Caucus rules would force Graves to step down, but he has made an appeal to retain the chairmanship.
Meanwhile, he hopes the Trump administration returns the Department of Transportation to its traditional role.
“The Department has got to get away from this environmental justice and these woke policies and Green New Deal policies,” Graves said. “And they need to get back to building (things) — that is, traditional infrastructure.”
Duffy first has to undergo public hearings and then be confirmed by the U.S. Senate before becoming Transportation Secretary.
KFEQ’s Brent Martin contributed this report.
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