Story perspectives

Illinois Faces $128M Federal Funding Threat Over CDL Issues

2/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Department of Transportation warned Illinois it could lose $128 million in federal funding over illegal commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) issued to noncitizens.
An audit found that nearly 20% of non-domiciled CDLs were issued improperly.
The U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Illinois must comply within 30 days and revoke noncompliant licenses.
Illinois officials, including Gov. J.B. Pritzker, say licensing policies are compliant and warn pausing licensing would harm agriculture.

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Story summary

U.S. Department of Transportation warned Illinois it could lose $128 million in federal funding over illegal commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) issued to noncitizens.
An audit found that nearly 20% of non-domiciled CDLs were issued improperly.
The U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Illinois must comply within 30 days and revoke noncompliant licenses.
Illinois officials, including Gov. J.B. Pritzker, say licensing policies are compliant and warn pausing licensing would harm agriculture.