For the first time in its history, the U.S. House of Representatives has a Congressional Trucking Caucus.
The caucus includes Republic Reps. Dave Taylor of Ohio, Harriet Hageman of Wyoming, Doug LaMalfa of California, Mary Miller of Illinois and Alabama Democrat Shomari Figures Tuesday announced their roles as co-chairs of the caucus.
Trucking industry reaction has been positive.
A statement from the group said it will provide an organized forum to address a variety of issues related to America’s trucking industry and the policies that promote integrity, safety, and growth in the industry, as well as an educational resource for caucus members.
“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," said Taylor. "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 hardworking truck drivers, and ensure the accessibility of reliable transportation across our nation.”
"America literally runs on the wheels of our truckers," said Figures. "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.”
Representatives of the major trucking advocacy groups applauded the formation of the caucus.
Jim Ward, President and CEO of the Truckload Carriers Association said, "America’s truckload carriers are vital to our economy and communities, and we appreciate the caucus’s commitment to engaging directly with the men and women who keep our economy running. We look forward to working with the caucus to address the industry’s most pressing challenges, strengthen supply chain resilience, and advance practical, safety-focused policies that support professional drivers and the carriers they represent.”
Todd Spencer, president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association said,“Truckers have a shared interest in improving road safety for all motorists, and our members have first-hand 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.”
Henry Hanscom, senior vice president of Legislative Affairs at the American Trucking Associations said, “America’s trucking industry is essential to our economy, our national security, and our way of life. The American Trucking Associations commends Reps. Taylor and Figures for forming this bipartisan caucus that will prioritize issues important to truckers. We look forward to working with them to expand the Congressional Trucking Caucus’ size and influence on Capitol Hill and to advance legislation that will help keep our industry strong for the long haul.”
Thomas Balzer, president and CEO of the Ohio Trucking Association said, "Putting together members of Congress with a vested interest in the transportation of goods in this country is an admirable idea, and we commend Representative Taylor, Hageman, Harrigan, Miller, LaMalfa, and Figures for their leadership on this issue. Here in Ohio, the Ohio Trucking Caucus is a successful proof of concept that has yielded excellent results,”
The letter announcing the launch of the Congressional Trucking Caucus is available here.
