Senate Approves TSA Clearance Bill for Truckers
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The U.S. Senate recently passed a bill meant to facilitate commercial drivers’ applications for security credentials.
The bipartisan Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act, introduced by Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), is designed to standardize the security application process for the freight workforce. Specifically, the bill, which easily passed the Senate Nov. 21, would facilitate access to multiple credentials.
“We need to do everything possible to power American commerce. My bill is one step toward that goal. It would help essential workers save time and money, adding more truckers to the workforce and keeping supply chains moving,” Wicker said shortly after the bill’s passage. He is the ranking member on the Armed Services Committee.
The bill’s sponsors explained provisions tucked in the bill would maintain high security standards. Six months after the bill’s enactment, TSA would be required to report to Congress an update on the law’s progress. Co-lead sponsors of the bill include Sens. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Angus King (I-Maine) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.).
On the other side of Capitol Hill, House floor leaders have yet to schedule a vote to clear the measure for the president’s desk.
After years of paying the price for an inefficient credentialing system, relief is finally within sight for truck drivers.
American Trucking Associations President Chris Spear
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Stakeholders endorsing the bill include American Trucking Associations.
“After years of paying the price for an inefficient credentialing system, relief is finally within sight for truck drivers and other essential transportation workers who keep our supply chain running,” said ATA President Chris Spear.
John Elliott of Load One demonstrates how onboard video combined with AI-enabled analytics can transform fleet safety. Tune in above or by going to RoadSigns.ttnews.com.
“The Senate’s passage of the Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act is a victory for common sense and puts us on the verge of eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles imposed by the federal government that waste time and money,” he added. “By streamlining the administration of these important programs, this bipartisan legislation will make it easier and less costly for hardworking Americans to obtain the credentials they need to do their jobs.
“We commend the members of Congress who authored this bipartisan bill to support truckers, and we look forward to working with them to ensure this bill becomes law by the end of this year.”
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