U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer

Congress approves CDL training boost for veterans

WASHINGTON — Congress has passed legislation to expand CDL training for military veterans.

The Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023, which the Senate approved last year, passed in the House by voice vote on Wednesday. It heads to the White House, where the president is expected to sign it.

“Our veterans deserve every opportunity to participate in the American dream they’ve fought to protect,” said Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., who introduced the bill. “But when their service is...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/congress-approves-cdl-training-boost-for-veterans

Senate Republicans aim to abolish Biden’s trucking emissions rule

WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans introduced a joint resolution on Thursday to overturn the Biden administration’s recent emissions reduction rule for trucks that the lawmakers warn is too costly for truckers and consumers.

The rule, finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency in December and set to go into effect March 27, sets stringent new standards for nitrous oxide and other pollutants for heavy-duty trucks beginning no later than model year 2027.

U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer

Red flags...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/senate-republicans-aim-to-abolish-bidens-trucking-emissions-rule

FMCSA’s Hutcheson commits to allowing hair-based drug testing of truckers

FMCSA Acting Administrator Karen Hutcheson

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration chief Robin Hutcheson testified Wednesday her agency is committed to closing what some in the trucking industry believe are major loopholes in the FMCSA’s oversight of testing truck drivers for drug use.

“We are working with [the Department of] Health and Human Services; they are completing a study and when it is complete we stand ready to implement their recommendations,” Hutcheson told Senate Commerce Committee lawmakers at her nomination hearing to...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/fmcsas-hutcheson-commits-to-allowing-hair-based-drug-testing-of-truckersnbsp