The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill Tuesday, and now it faces debate in the entire House starting Thursday.
The $580 billion BUILD America 250 Act is being hailed for a number of pro-trucker provisions, and has been lauded by major trucking organizations.
Included in the bill, which, if passed, will go into effect when the current legislation expires Sept. 30, are:
- $750 million for truck parking
- $110 billion for bridges and highways
- a federal regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles
- annual registration fees for electric and hybrid vehicles
- measures protecting drivers from predatory lease-purchase agreements
- a mandate restroom access for drivers waiting to load freight
- directions to federal agencies to develop a plan to address barriers in transportation and supply chain occupations for separating and retiring miliotary service members
- language directing FMCSA to remove noncompliant training providers from the Training Provider Registry within 90 days
- language in the bill creating a Cargo Theft Advisory Committee
The massive legislative package has been praised by major trucking organizations.
The Truckload Carriers Association said the legislation reflects the priorities of the transportation and trucking sectors while laying the groundwork for long-term infrastructure investment and supply chain resilience.
“Advancing this bill to markup is a major stride forward for the trucking industry and the nation’s supply chain,” said TCA President Jim Mullen. “These provisions reflect meaningful progress on key industry priorities and demonstrate that lawmakers are listening to the needs of the industry that keeps America moving. Advancing this legislation is an important step toward a long-term reauthorization that enhances safety, promotes innovation, and targets investments where they are needed most.”
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association also praised the bill.
“OOIDA applauds the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for crafting the comprehensive, bipartisan BUILD America 250 Act and including important priorities of small-business truckers,” said Todd Spencer, President of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. “This surface transportation reauthorization contains many meaningful provisions that support the men and women who make their living behind the wheel and avoids missteps that would make their lives harder. We look forward to this bill advancing out of committee and to the House floor.”
“We are pleased to see that many of the trucking industry’s priorities have been included in the base text,” said Chris Spear, president and CEO of the American rucking Associations.
“Every American benefits from a modern, safe, and efficient transportation network. It is even more essential to the 3.6 million truck drivers who are indispensable to our way of life. Roads and bridges are their shop floor.
“The highway bill has always been a bipartisan product, and it is encouraging to see Republicans and Democrats coming together prior to the September 30th deadline to expand truck parking, enforce safety rules, and take additional steps that will strengthen our industry.”
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