Congress’ first Trucking Caucus – who’s on it?
For the first time, Congress has a Trucking Caucus.
On Tuesday, Dec. 16, Rep. David Taylor, R-Ohio, announced the launch of the caucus, which is a group of lawmakers that aims to improve highway safety and provide support for the nation’s truck drivers.
Taylor has been heavily involved in recent trucking issues, introducing Connor’s Law in May and the Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act in November. Both bills intend to improve safety by ensuring that all commercial drivers can read and speak English.
“Generating nearly $906 billion in revenue in 2024, America’s trucking industry powers our economy by creating 8.4 million jobs and securing American supply chains,” Rep. Taylor said in a news release. “After several tragic accidents occurred recently because of CDL drivers who could not read the road signs, it’s evident that change is needed to protect American lives on the road. I’m proud to launch the Congressional Trucking Caucus alongside my colleagues to create a forum for discussing policy solutions to keep all drivers safe on American roads, support hard-working truck drivers and ensure the accessibility of reliable transportation across our nation.”
Taylor is joined on the bipartisan Trucking Caucus by Reps. Shomari Figures, D-Ala.; Harriet Hageman, R-Wyo.; Pat Harrigan, R-N.C.; Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif.; and Mary Miller, R-Ill.
“America literally runs on the wheels of our truckers,” Figures said. “I am proud to join this bipartisan effort to prioritize this industry that is the lifeline of our country. Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District is home to the Port of Mobile, which is now the deepest in the Gulf. Trucking will be essential to maximizing the port’s potential, so it is imperative that we recognize how important trucking is to our economy, national resilience and everyday lives.”
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association supports the launch of a congressional caucus dedicated to trucking.
“OOIDA welcomes the creation of the Congressional Trucking Caucus and appreciates the leadership of Congressman Taylor and Congresswoman Hageman in giving small-business truckers and professional drivers a stronger voice in Washington,” OOIDA President Todd Spencer said. “More than 70% of America’s freight moves exclusively by truck, and nearly all freight touches a truck at some point. Truckers have a shared interest in improving road safety for all motorists, and our members have firsthand experience with what must be done to make this happen. We look forward to working with the caucus to help Congress understand the realities of the road and to advance practical policies that support professional drivers and highway safety, including improving truck parking, strengthening training standards, and ensuring that only qualified drivers get behind the wheel.”
The Fracht Group, the Trans American Trucking, the American Trucking Associations, the Truckload Carriers Association and the Ohio Trucking Association also support the caucus. LL