Panel Approves Transportation Funding Bill with HOS Provision
A House subcommittee on May 18 easily approved a fiscal 2017 transportation funding bill that would extend the prohibition on the 2013 changes to the 34-hour, hours-of-service rule for truckers.
The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee advanced by a voice vote the bill that also would prevent certain states from enacting laws requiring companies to schedule meal and rest breaks for drivers, and it would stop trucking regulators’ push for a safety fitness determination rule.
“This bill provides for our nation's transportation and housing needs while making tough choices to protect hard-earned taxpayer dollars. It recognizes the need to house the most vulnerable and get critical infrastructure back on track. Most importantly, it will ensure the safety of our infrastructure and improve the quality of our public housing programs,” said subcommittee Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.).
Overall, the $58 billion transportation bill would provide $644 million for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The measure heads to the House Appropriations Committee for its consideration.
