California has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the termination of more than $33 million in federal transportation funding.
The suit, filed late Friday, targets Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The funding was withheld after the U.S. Department of Transportation claimed California did not meet rules requiring English proficiency for commercial truck drivers.
California argues its English-language standards for commercial drivers comply with federal requirements and that the funding cuts are unjustified. The grants were part of the state’s commercial vehicle safety programs and were initially announced in October.
The Trump administration has taken multiple steps to address concerns about foreign truck drivers who lack English proficiency. In August, Secretary of State Marco Rubio paused the issuance of all worker visas for commercial truck drivers.
California’s lawsuit seeks to restore the terminated grants and ensure continued support for its vehicle safety initiatives. The case highlights ongoing tension between federal and state enforcement of transportation regulations, particularly in areas affecting workforce language standards.
The dispute underscores broader issues regarding federal oversight of commercial transportation programs and the requirements placed on states to qualify for federal funding. California maintains that its rules are consistent with national safety standards and should not affect grant eligibility.
As the case progresses, it may set a precedent for how English-language requirements are applied to commercial drivers and the distribution of federal transportation funds to states.
The outcome of the lawsuit will be closely watched by other states with similar programs, as well as by commercial trucking companies and labor groups concerned with workforce standards and safety compliance.
California officials insist the lawsuit is necessary to protect both funding for road safety programs and the interests of truck drivers who meet the state’s language and safety requirements.
The Trump administration has not commented directly on the lawsuit. However, its actions signal a broader effort to enforce stricter language standards for commercial drivers nationwide.