The latest in a continuing round of proposed legislation aimed at ensuring truck drivers are U.S. citizens who can speak English was introduced this week by a senator from Florida.
Tuesday,, Senator Ashley Moody introduced the Safer Truckers Act, which requires lawful U.S. residency for those seeking commercial driver's licenses, and that states report adherence of English proficiency standards to ensure drivers can read road warnings and signs when operating an 18-wheeler. Failure to do both would result in the loss of federal funding.
Moody was joined by Florida Rep. Greg Steube, who today announced he would be leading the legislation in the House of Representatives.
Moody said, “Getting behind the wheel of a car can be one of the most dangerous things Floridians do every day, and we must do all we can to make sure our roads are as safe as possible. That is why I’m fighting to pass my Safer Truckers Act.
"We’ve seen across the country how reckless sanctuary policies allowing illegal aliens to operate commercial trucks can be deadly and endanger other motorists. The time for action is now, and I want to thank Congressman Steube for joining me today to get this legislation across the finish line.”
The proposed legislation comes in the wake of several high-profile fatal accidents in which truckers from Indian entered the country illegally and received CDLs. Moody's legislation also follows new federl requirements that all drivers be proficient in English.
Read full bill text here.
