Ernst Joins Colleagues in Introducing Livestock Haulers' Legislation

Statement

Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) joined Senator Ben Sasse and a bipartisan group of Senators in introducing the Transporting Livestock Across America Safely Act. Currently, overly strict trucking regulations from the Department of Transportation require mandatory rest time that put livestock at risk, especially during summer or winter months. This bipartisan legislation would give American agriculture the flexibility to safely transport livestock.

"The transport of agricultural commodities, particularly livestock, poses unique challenges not faced by other segments of the trucking industry," said Sen. Ernst. "The Transporting Livestock Across America Safely Act addresses these realities and the shortcomings of the current hours of service regulations by giving truckers the flexibility they need to get cattle, hogs, and other live agricultural commodities to their destination."

"Nebraska's economy runs on agriculture," said Sen. Sasse. "Our ranchers and haulers are professionals who make the well-being of livestock their top priority and that includes safe transportation. The Department of Transportation's current regulations endanger livestock during hot summers and cold winters -- which Nebraskans know well -- causing significant stress on the animals and concern for the drivers. This bipartisan bill is good for our ranchers, good for our haulers, and good for our livestock."

Ernst and Sasse were joined by Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), John Hoeven (R-ND), Doug Jones (D-AL), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Rand Paul (R-KY), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Jon Tester (D-MT).

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