Transportation Leaders Say Thank You to Truckers
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In John Hughes’ ’80s classic “Planes, Trains & Automobiles,” the protagonist, played by Steve Martin, embarked on an odyssey to arrive home in time for Thanksgiving. As the title suggests, the transportation system was there to assist the hero during the journey. Every step that brought him closer to his destination garnered a certain degree of gratitude.
In similar ways, the commercial transportation network has been there for the millions of individuals who found what they were looking for at their supermarkets. Truck drivers are delivering goods to communities during a health crisis that has exposed the vulnerabilities of regional and local economies. For that, national officials have expressed their appreciation.
“I just want to give a shout out to everybody who is keeping America moving in these difficult times; the truckers who are supplying our grocery stores,” Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) said April 21. He is the chairman of the transportation committee in the U.S. House of Representatives.
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“This pandemic has certainly changed things for everyone. And while many of us are staying at home, there are folks out there who are considered essential, and we couldn’t get through this without them,” Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), that committee’s ranking member, emphasized days earlier.
The trucking industry’s contributions were even celebrated at the White House during a ceremony hosted by President Donald Trump on April 16.
“With the same spirit of faith and grit and abiding patriotism that defines everything they do, we know our truckers will never let us down under any circumstance,” said the president,who was joined by Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and four commercial drivers. “They will never let us down. They’re always there. They always have been; they always will be.”
The growing unemployment is bound to affect the institutions of our cities and towns. Economists argue it might take months, or longer, for communities to recover. Despite the challenges, elected officials and constituents have the ability to show supply chain workers a certain degree of gratitude.
From Chair @RepPeterDeFazio:#ToThoseWhoKeepUsMoving thank you for what you're doing every day to keep America moving and to keep people safe. pic.twitter.com/MutPND7P10 — Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (@TransportDems) April 21, 2020
To all our doctors, nurses, CNAs, pharmacists, EMTS, paramedics, and countless other healthcare professionals and first responders fighting on the front lines of this pandemic—THANK YOU! pic.twitter.com/QqOzmhEPyb — Rep. Sam Graves (@RepSamGraves) April 17, 2020
The Week Ahead (all times Eastern)
April 28, 9 a.m.: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration hosts a videoconference of the Medical Review Board Advisory Committee.
April 28, 9:30 a.m.: The National Transportation Safety Board hosts a webcast about the amphibious passenger vessel sinking, in Branson, Mo. on July 19, 2018.
April 28, 10 a.m.: The Economic Club of Washington, D.C. hosts a webinar with Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
April 28, noon: The Hudson Institute hosts a webcast titled, “Democracy and Authoritarianism in the Age of Pandemic.” Participants include Torrey Taussig, research director in the Harvard Kennedy School’s Project on Europe and the Transatlantic Relationship, and Daniel Twining, president of the International Republican Institute.
April 28, 1:30 p.m.: American Journal of Transportation and the Coalition of New England Companies for Trade host a webinar with Paula Connelly, member at Sandler, Travis and Rosenberg, and Andy Abraham, attorney at Meeks, Sheppard, Leo and Pillsbury.
Freight Corridor
As the national political discourse erodes, we’re reminded the freight sector keeps on trucking.
Buzz
White House expected to unveil details of an infrastructure plan possibly as early as this week, insiders tell Transport Topics.
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The House's doctor advises members to wear masks to prevent them from spreading infection to others. Reps. Michael Burgess and Jim Jordan are among those ignoring that advice. So watch Jordan over Burgess's shoulder here. pic.twitter.com/mQFNS9r2bH — Michael McAuliff (@mmcauliff) April 23, 2020
The Last Word
We’re going to weigh the impact of what we’ve already added to the national debt and make sure that if we provide additional assistance for state and local governments, it’s only for … coronavirus-related matters.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on April 22
We publish weekly when Congress is in session. E-mail emulero@ttnews.com with tips. Follow us @eugenemulero and @transporttopics.
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