Kelly renews push for 'Dalilah's Law' to strengthen highway safety, close loopholes

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) renewed his support for Dalilah's Law, legislation that would strengthen Commercial Driver's License (CDL) requirements and help prevent unqualified drivers from operating commercial vehicles on American roadways.

The renewed push comes ahead of the first anniversary of an August 18, 2025, crash on the Florida Turnpike that killed three people. The driver, an illegal immigrant who had received a CDL in California, made an unlawful U-turn despite clearly marked signs prohibiting the maneuver.

In February, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) finalized a rule to stop unqualified foreign drivers from obtaining licenses to drive commercial trucks and buses citing public safety threats. Previously, a nationwide audit by the U.S. DOT exposed Pennsylvania as one of six states with systemic non-compliance in issuing non-domiciled CDLs.

"From top to bottom, this is commonsense legislation that will secure our roads, protect American citizens, and enforce our immigration laws," said Rep. Kelly. "If you're in this country illegally, you shouldn't be given the keys to the largest, most powerful vehicles on the road. Plain and simple."

Dalilah's Law is named in honor of Dalilah Coleman, who was five years old when she was struck by an 18-wheel tractor-trailer driven by an illegal immigrant. The crash left Dalilah with a traumatic brain injury, skull fractures, a broken femur, and other serious injuries.

In his State of the Union Address, President Donald Trump announced his support for Dalilah's Law.

The legislation would strengthen CDL standards by:

• Require that states limit commercial driver's licenses to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain temporary work visa holders as a condition of receiving Department of Transportation funding.
• Mandate English-only CDL testing to ensure that all commercial drivers possess the language skills necessary for safe operation on U.S. roads.
• Require states to revoke CDLs issued to undocumented immigrants or individuals without qualifying legal status, even if they previously had work authorization.
• Strengthen verification processes and recertification requirements to ensure ongoing compliance with eligibility and safety standards.

The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure approved Dalilah's Law in March. The legislation now awaits consideration by the full U.S. House of Representatives.

BACKGROUND

Earlier this year, Rep. Kelly backed legislation known as The Dalilah Law to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining CDLs and require commercial drivers to demonstrate the English proficiency and safety knowledge necessary to operate large commercial vehicles.

Dalilah's Law builds upon efforts by President Donald Trump and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to strengthen CDL enforcement and improve safety on America's roadways.