An amendment that would have delayed enforcement of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s mandate on electronic logging devices (ELD) was voted down in the House of Representatives 246 to 173.
The amendment was proposed by Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX). It would have delayed enforcement to December 2019 and restricted funding after the fiscal year ends Sept. 30, 2017.
American Trucking Associations applauded the vote.
“Tonight’s vote is a testament, not just to the broad and common-sense support for ELDs, but to ATA’s members, allies and staff who pressed Congress to preserve this important safety rule,” ATA Executive Vice President of Advocacy Bill Sullivan said. “This vote is important. Complying with existing laws will make all who share the roads safer, and ATA will continue to work with FMCSA, carriers, drivers, and law enforcement to ensure smooth implementation of this bipartisan effort on schedule in December. We commend the leadership of Representative Rick Crawford and bipartisan champions in the House who support compliance with existing laws and rules.”
The ELD bill was advanced by the House Appropriations Committee. The bill also exempted carriers from following state laws regarding rest breaks and paid meals for drivers. This differs from the Senate version of the bill which does not include any exemptions.