Senate committee advances transportation bill

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The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation recently advanced legislation containing multiple provisions led by U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KA).

Moran’s provisions in the Surface Transportation Investment Act include:

  • Helping to address the current driver shortage in the trucking industry by supporting women in the industry and establishing a Women in Trucking Advisory Board;
  • Expanding Seasonal Ag Commercial Driver’s Licenses restrictions and restarting the calendar year on Jan. 1. These changes would prevent unnecessary delays to farm-industry operations;
  • Authorizing the Federal Railroad Administration’s blocked crossing portal as a three-year pilot program. The program will help Congress can better understand the scope and severity of blocked crossings and develop targeted policies; and
  • Including language from the Haulers of Agriculture and Livestock Safety Act, proving greater flexibility to agriculture and livestock haulers.

“My provisions will make sensible changes to keep railroad crossings safe, encourage more women to join the trucking industry during a national driver shortage, and modify regulations that are cumbersome to truckers hauling cattle or other agriculture products,” Moran said. “I’m pleased this important legislation passed out of committee with bipartisan support, and I look forward to supporting it on the Senate floor. Safe roads and robust interstate commerce benefit our Kansas producers, truckers, and families.”