The Trump administration is warning that it may withdraw federal funding from California, Washington, and New Mexico unless these states enforce stricter English proficiency rules for commercial truck drivers.
Transport Secretary Sean Duffy stated on Tuesday that if these Democratic-led states do not implement and uphold the English requirements for commercial drivers, they could face significant funding cuts from motor carrier safety assistance programs. They have a 30-day deadline to comply or risk losing millions.
This ultimatum comes on the heels of a federal inquiry into a deadly highway accident in Florida, linked to a truck driver who, it’s alleged, lacked basic English skills and familiarity with road signs, raising serious safety concerns.
“States can’t decide which federal safety regulations to follow,” Duffy emphasized in a formal statement. He pointed to the tragic Florida accident, which resulted in three fatalities, as a chilling example of the dangers created by lax enforcement.
Duffy continued, “Under the leadership of President Trump, we are taking decisive steps to address these safety shortcomings and ensure that all commercial drivers are qualified to operate large vehicles.”
In the Florida incident, an Indian national named Harjinder Singh was charged with three counts of vehicular homicide after he allegedly entered a restricted area on the highway, causing a crash that killed three people in another vehicle. Singh’s brother, who was with him, has also faced immigration issues.
Investigators found that Singh possessed inadequate English skills and that it raised questions about how he was able to obtain his commercial driver’s license in California.
A federal investigation indicated that California, Washington, and New Mexico had failed to adequately enforce English proficiency standards, triggering the recent notifications warning them of potential funding losses if they don’t demonstrate full compliance.
Duffy pointed out that Singh’s case highlights gaps across these states, noting that he had previously been pulled over for speeding but could not communicate effectively in English.
The issue of English proficiency among truck drivers has gained attention and is a priority for the White House, as emphasized by President Trump. Following an executive order and further guidance issued by Duffy in May, stricter English proficiency requirements are on the agenda.
Meanwhile, a considerable segment of the Indian community has rallied in support of Singh, with a Change.org petition advocating for leniency garnering over 3 million signatures, primarily from individuals within the Indian and Punjab communities. Even an Indian MP has called for representation in Singh’s legal matters.
