Press Release - Chairman Graves Holds Local Field Hearing To Discuss Trucking Regulations And Homeland Security

CHAIRMAN GRAVES HOLDS LOCAL FIELD HEARING TO DISCUSS TRUCKING REGULATIONS AND HOMELAND SECURITY

LIBERTY - Chairman Sam Graves of the House Subcommittee on Rural Enterprises, Agriculture, and Technology held a field hearing today at the Owner - Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) Headquarters in Grain Valley, MO. The hearing addressed issues impacting the trucking industry, including energy costs, and foreign trucks and drivers violating immigration and cabotage rules.

"Under NAFTA, Mexican trucks and drivers are to have access to American highway and byways as long as they have complied with all U.S. safety and driver regulations," said Congressman Graves during his opening statement. "There have been numerous complaints from border states that in fact Mexican trucks do not meet basic safety inspection laws. The US has very stringent driver regulation, including hours of service that are not enforced in Mexico. Legitimate concerns have been raised that foreign trucks and drivers have been violating immigration and cabotage rules for years and this is particularly disturbing when we are looking at giving them greater access to our country."

Testifying at the hearing was Mr. Ken Andrew Pratt, president of Ken Pratt Trucking from Platte City, MO. Mr. Pratt spoke about the local impact high energy prices are having on his business. Mr. Pratt brought a local viewpoint to the Congressional hearing, detailing to the Congressman how national issues are affecting his business in the Sixth District.

"We need to develop American sources of energy to keep our own economy moving. Depending on foreign sources of oil for our energy needs is not only dangerous, it's expensive," said Graves. "Right here in Missouri, bio-diesel and ethanol can help solve our energy crisis. It will also help create 8,000 new jobs by adding farmer-owned plants."

http://www.house.gov/graves/newsroom/100306a.htm