U.S. Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC), chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Highways and Transit Subcommittee, said legislation strengthening requirements for non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses had been approved.
Called Dalilah’s Law, the legislation would ensure commercial motor vehicle drivers are properly trained and meet safety standards, and require them to be able to read and understand the English language.
“Today we’re one step closer to safer roads for Dalilah Coleman, her family, and all Americans,” Rouzer said. “Ensuring each truck driver is qualified and legally operating will protect the public from these tragic, yet preventable accidents.”
The legislation is named in honor of Dalilah Coleman, who at five years old was struck and severely injured by an illegal alien driving a semi-truck. President Donald Trump hosted Dalilah and her family at this year’s State of the. Union address, where he called for the legislation to be passed.
“By approving Dalilah’s Law, T&I Republicans took an important step towards addressing this safety issue and making sure only qualified drivers can obtain a CDL,” Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair U.S. Rep Sam Graves (R-MO) said. “This is commonsense legislation that requires all truck drivers on our roads to be able to read and speak English, strengthens laws related to issuing CDLs, and ensures that states are following and enforcing those laws and requirements.”
The legislation will require all CDL holders to understand English, road signs, and law enforcement officers; and will require states to verify that they are not issuing CDLs to illegal immigrants. Additionally, the legislation will increase penalties for states if they fail to comply with the law by withholding federal funds. Officials said the legislation also cracks down on CDL mills to ensure drivers entering the industry are receiving adequate training.
The Committee approved the bill by a vote of 35 to 26. The legislation is supported by numerous groups representing truckers, trucking companies, and the supply chain industry including Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA), Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, Inc., and American Trucking Associations, among others.