By Oliver B. Patton, Washington EditorIn a contentious session yesterday, the Senate Commerce Committee cleared the truck safety section of the pending highway bill.
The committee cleared the bill 13 to 11 on a party-line vote, not because the Republican minority opposes the safety provisions, but because the measure includes an amendment concerning freight planning that the minority does not like.
The safety provisions include a mandate for comprehensive electronic onboard recorders and a requirement that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration establish a clearinghouse for drug and alcohol test results.
The bill also would require FMCSA to establish a written proficiency exam for new entrants into trucking, and an employer notification system for driving violations. And it calls for research into the possibility of crash worthiness standards.
The contention arose over a provision to create a national freight policy and infrastructure grant program.
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas, the ranking Republican on the committee, complained that this measure was added at the last moment and said it is flawed because it creates "a new, unfunded discretionary grant program."
She cited concern by American Trucking Associations that without a named funding source or amount, the program might wind up taking money out of the Highway Trust Fund. ATA, in a letter to the committee, said that a multi-modal program should be paid for out of general funds rather than the highway fund.
To read the full article for "Senate Commerce Committee Passes Truck Safety Bill" click here - Truckinginfo.com
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2004 Peterbilt Truck
2004 Peterbilt Truck
2007 Western Star Truck
2007 Western Star
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