A proposed Congressional measure to allow states to increase truck weight limits to 91,000 pounds failed when brought to the House of Representatives floor late Tuesday (Nov. 3). The reform was offered as an amendment to the long-term highway bill under consideration this week in the House.
The amendment came from Rep. Reid Ribble (R-Wis.), who pushes annually for Congress to take up size and weight reform legislation. His highway bill amendment mirrored that of a standalone bill, the Safe, Flexible and Efficient Trucking Act, Ribble introduced in mid-September in the House. The measure would grant states the option to allow trucks weighing up to 91,000 pounds to operate on federal highways within their borders.
Lawmakers rejected the measure in a voice vote. Ribble demanded a recorded vote later, according to the House’s daily proceedings record. The recorded vote also failed, however, by a 187-236 vote.
The House in sum this week will vote on 280 proposed amendments to the $325 billion Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act.
