FYI: U.S. House Of Representatives Approves Highway Bill

For the first time in more than a decade, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a long-term highway bill. After three days of debate on the House floor, including votes on over 100 amendments, the House passed their version of the legislation Thursday morning with a 363–64 vote. The legislation authorizes roughly $325 billion for highway and transit programs over six years, but still must be reconciled with the Senate version passed in July. Lawmakers hope to negotiate an acceptable final bill by November 20th, when the current Highway Trust Fund policy expires.

Thanks to your advocacy efforts, OOIDA achieved legislative victories that will improve highway safety and benefit the small trucking industry. OOIDA was also specifically mentioned by numerous Members during debate, which demonstrates the influence of your outreach. OOIDA applauds the U.S. House for taking the following amendment actions:

Defeated Ribble Amendment #14 – Prevented a proposed increase of truck weight limits from 80,000 to 91,000 pounds Defeated Frankel Amendment #19/Johnson (GA) Amendment #22 – Blocked attempts to raise the minimum financial requirement from $750,000 to $4.4 million Approved Van Hollen Amendment #42 - Expands the authority of states to regulate tows performed without the prior consent of an owner or operator of a motor vehicle, commonly referred to as a nonconsensual or third-party tow

While OOIDA is pleased with the House actions, we must continue pressing lawmakers on these and other important issues as the Highway Bill enters the House/Senate conference. Moving forward, some unresolved priorities are:

Interim Hiring Standard – We oppose the language as written in the base bill and hope a fix can be reached in conference to contemplate the thousands of Unrated and Conditional carriers OOIDA represents Denham F4A Amendment #8 – OOIDA does not support the House Amendment which would take away a state’s right to address driver pay issues Under 21 CDL Licensing – OOIDA opposes all efforts to lower the driving age below 21

As lawmakers finalize a Transportation Bill establishing highway policy for the next six years, OOIDA will need your help contacting Representatives and voicing our message. We greatly appreciate all your efforts so far and will alert you to action throughout the next two weeks.

Thank you,

OOIDA Call to Action Team

I also read that this bill will close public access to CSA scores.