Equality State News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced a bill to help address ongoing supply chain shortages and increase the number of truck drivers transporting goods in the U.S. The Licensing Individual Commercial Exam-takers Now Safely and Efficiently (LICENSE) Act, would streamline burdensome licensing regulations by making permanent several waivers that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“One of the first steps toward fixing our current supply chain crisis is to increase the number of truck drivers delivering goods to stores around the country,” Senator Lummis said. “As a rural state, Wyoming is particularly reliant on trucking, but streamlining commercial driver’s licensing and getting rid of overly burdensome regulations will benefit everyone, whether you live in Manhattan or Cheyenne. I’m proud to work with my fellow western senator, Mark Kelly, to reform the licensing process for America’s truckers.” 

“The nationwide shortage of truck drivers continues to strain supply chains and raise prices for Arizonans. Our bipartisan bill cuts red tape and boosts our trucking workforce so goods can be delivered quickly and safely. I will continue to ensure the federal government uses every available tool to strengthen our supply chains and lower costs for Arizonans,” said Senator Kelly. “I thank my colleague, Senator Lummis, for her continued leadership on this important issue.” 

The bill would allow state and third-party examiners previously authorized to administer the commercial driver’s license (CDL) skills test to also administer the CDL knowledge test without having to complete the training course. This will help get additional drivers on the road faster without compromising safety. 

Additionally, the bill would allow states to administer driving skills tests to applicants from other states. This will streamline the credentialing process and allow future truckers to get tested where they live rather than only where they received their training. 

The American Trucking Associations endorsed the bill, saying, “The LICENSE Act is a prime example of how Congress can advance regulatory relief to addresses the driver shortage without compromising safety,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “FMCSA repeatedly granted these waivers during the pandemic, proving that they streamline the licensing process while maintaining the same high safety standards. Making them permanent will enable more professional truck drivers to focus on delivering for the American people, rather than dealing with bureaucratic red tape. We thank Senators Cynthia Lummis and Mark Kelly for their support and leadership.” 

To read the bill, click here.

Original source can be found here.