Finding Solutions to Bridge Strikes

Floor Speech

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Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss my new bill to tackle the issue of bridge strikes.

Throughout the country, highways and local roads with low-clearance bridges are vulnerable to strikes by large trucks. In my home State of New York, there were 350 bridge strikes in 2024 alone, including many in Westchester and the Bronx. However, these strikes are preventable, and I am committed to reducing incidents.

As Westchester County Executive, I worked with State and local leaders to find creative solutions to this problem, but Federal action is necessary.

My bill, the Bridges Not Bumpers Act of 2025, would direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a Bridge Strike Working Group whose work will provide recommendations to prevent future strikes. It will also create a national clearinghouse to serve as a central location for data collection and circulation of best practices to prevent strikes.

I thank Congressman Bresnahan for his partnership in developing this commonsense, bipartisan solution. We have both Republican and Democratic cosponsors to this bill. I look forward to moving this proposal forward with my colleagues. Honoring Jill Axelrod

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Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the public service contributions of Jill Axelrod, who has completed two terms and 8 years as the Town of Rye's councilwoman. A resident of Rye Brook with her husband Brett and two daughters, she is a lawyer by profession and has been a member of the executive team of the Westchester County Board of Legislators.

Elected in 2017 to the town council and reelected in 2021, Jill led the town board's important legislation and law committees, playing an integral role in all facets of local laws from development to passage. Her intergovernmental roles in county and town government have helped provide wise counsel to the Town of Rye as part of an effective team.

Her public service continues. We recognize her current and past achievements and await the next chapter of her service. Exchange Club of Yonkers Honorees

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Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I salute the honorees recognized at the recent Awards Gala of the Exchange Club of Yonkers.

These individuals have given exemplary service to the people of Yonkers as recognized by one of the most outstanding organizations in the city:

Dr. Jim Bostic, senior pastor and author recognized with the Literary Achievement Award;

Dr. Rosalba Corrado DelVecchio and Carol McEwen Daly, designated Women of Distinction Awards;

Alan R. Gray, Jr., Esquire, Exchangeite of the Year;

Yosef Unger from the San Souci Rehabilitation and Nursing Center received the Distinguished Service Award;

Ann Muro, the longtime president of the Exchange Club of Yonkers, Outstanding Leadership and Community Service Award.

All of these individuals deserve our respect and our congratulations. We wish them all the very best as they are honorees this year.

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