Congressman McGovern: Big Giveaways to Trucking Industry in Transportation Bill Will Make American Roads Less Safe

Press Release

Today, Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02), second-highest ranking Democrat on the House Rules Committee, spoke on the House floor to call for the defeat of policy riders in the Transportation-Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD) appropriations bill that put the trucking industry ahead of the health and safety of American travelers.

"In just the past four years, we have seen a dramatic 17 percent increase in the number of truck crash deaths and an alarming 28 percent increase in injuries. Instead of advancing safety measures to make our roads safer, Congress is about to roll back significant safety laws and regulations that will result in more deaths and injuries on our roads and highways," Congressman McGovern said. "In fatal truck and car crashes, 96 percent of the fatalities are the occupants of the passenger car.

"Public opinion is clear: Americans do not want bigger trucks or tired truckers on the road. 76 percent of Americans opposed longer and heavier trucks and 80 percent opposed increasing truck driver working and driving hours," McGovern added. "Making our roads less safe might be good policy for fundraising, but lousy policy for the safety of American people. We must remove these dangerous policy riders and ensure that this T-HUD bill is putting the safety of everyday Americans first."

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