Sparks flew at a Senate hearing on Tuesday when Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) cornered Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy about his seven-month "Great American Road Trip" paid for by a slew of corporations his agency regulates — and Duffy did everything he could to deflect and resist criticism.
"Let's talk about the Great American Vacation," said Gillibrand.
"This was a project, Senator, and I encourage Americans to see their beautiful country," said Duffy. "And as we can see from this hearing, there's a lot of partisanship in America. This — seeing your country, experiencing your country through the window of your car, is a beautiful thing. It actually unites America. Maybe spending time with your children is a wonderful experience."
"It is a wonderful thing," cut in Gillibrand, "but your vacation was paid for by Boeing, Toyota, United Airlines, Enterprise, Shell, Royal Caribbean Group — all organizations and companies—"
"Can I respond to you?" asked Duffy.
"You're responding with platitudes," said Gillibrand.
"I'm telling you about what the project was, okay?" said Duffy. "Two days, quickly in and out, and I did film the Great American Road Trip to encourage Americans to travel ... so this was officially part of America 250, and you all sanctioned America 250. Also, this body told me that I'm supposed to promote tourism and travel, and that's what it does as well."
"It shouldn't be paid for by people that you oversee," said Gillibrand.
"So can I respond to that?" said Duffy. "Now, if I can respond, this was a partnership with a nonprofit."
"Funded by organizations and companies that you oversee," repeated Gillibrand.
"Do you have jurisdiction over law firms?" said Duffy. "So you received $7 million in political contributions from the trial bar."
"Oh my god!" snapped Gillibrand. "Honestly, this has nothing to do with members of Congress. It has everything to do with the fact that you went on a paid vacation that was paid by companies that you oversee. That's campaign. It's different!"
"Want to go down the list of what else you received?" said Duffy, trying to talk over her.
"Secretary Duffy, this hearing is about you and this administration," said Gillibrand. "This hearing, you are the witness, I am not the witness."
"Well, maybe you should be!" said Duffy.
"You know what, Secretary Duffy?" said Gillibrand, as Duffy continued to shout about political contributions. "Secretary Duffy. Secretary Duffy. I think you should be telling this committee why — this is what I'm concerned about. You are political, and you are using your position in political ways."
"Half a million dollars paid by the trial bar to fly you on a private jet," said Duffy.
"I've never been on a private jet," said Gillibrand, as Duffy once again continued to talk. "I've never been on a private jet. No. We don't, we don't — members of Congress aren't allowed. Not true."