Bresnahan Leads Push with Troopers, Truckers to Close Dangerous CDL Loopholes

MOOSIC, PA: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) held a press conference with the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association and the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association calling for reforms to current Commercial Driver's License (CDL) regulations.

"When individual states fail to enforce the rules for CDLs, citizens and law enforcement in every state pay the price," said Rep. Bresnahan. "With five major interstates running through our district, Northeastern Pennsylvania sits at the crossroads of our nation's supply chain, which means thousands of trucks are on our roads every day. That's a tremendous economic asset, but it also means we have an obligation to make sure the people behind the wheel are properly qualified."

The press conference paused for a moment of silence to remember PA State Trooper Michael Pahira, who was killed in the line of duty by an illegal immigrant operating a tractor-trailer just two weeks before.

"I want to take a moment to remember Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael Pahira, who was killed in the line of duty earlier this month," said Rep. Bresnahan. "Our thoughts and prayers remain with his family, fellow troopers, and all who knew and loved him. Trooper Pahira made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the people of Pennsylvania.

Rep. Bresnahan was joined by Pennsylvania State Troopers Association (PSTA) President Stephen Polishan, Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association (PMTA) President and CEO Rebecca Oyler, Calex Logistics COO Tommy Grimes, PSTA Vice President Mike Kozma, and Paul Bickelman Memorial Lodge #46 President Greg Emiliani.

Press conference participants spoke in support of Dalilah's Law, legislation that would ensure all CDL holders in the United States understand English and requires states to verify they are not issuing CDLs to illegal immigrants.

"Handing out CDLs to illegal immigrants is not a safe policy, for any state, and that's exactly why Dalilah's Law was introduced," continued Rep. Bresnahan. "At a minimum, anyone entrusted with operating an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle should be legally authorized to hold a CDL and be able to communicate in English. I was proud to cosponsor Dalilah's Law and support it in the House T&I Committee, and I will continue to push adamantly to get this to the President's desk."

The legislation is named in honor of Dalilah Coleman, who was only five years old when she was struck by an illegal alien driving a semi-truck, resulting in permanent injuries.

Specifically, Dalilah's Law:

• Ensures all CDL holders understand English, roads signs, and law enforcement officers;
• Places drivers who fail to meet the Law's requirements and safety standards out-of-service;
• Requires states to verify that they are not issuing CDLs to illegal immigrants;
• Significantly increases penalties for states failing to comply with the Law, by withholding of Federal funds;
• Bans shady foreign dispatch services and brokers, who have fueled a surge in freight fraud and cargo theft; and
• Cracks down on "CDL mills" to ensure drivers entering the industry are receiving adequate training.