Who threatened funding penalties for California, Washington, and New Mexico?

The Transportation Secretary threatened funding penalties for California, Washington, and New Mexico in response to their decisions regarding specific transportation policies or regulations that the federal government deemed inconsistent with national standards. This action may arise from various issues such as emissions standards, infrastructure funding compliance, or other transportation-related matters where states were expected to meet federal guidelines.

By invoking potential funding penalties, the Transportation Secretary aimed to ensure that state policies align with federal priorities, particularly in areas related to transportation safety, environmental regulations, or infrastructure investments. This reflects a broader strategy of the federal administration to leverage funding as a tool to encourage state compliance with national objectives.