Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, along with Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee and Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, have introduced the Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act. The bill proposes that all commercial driver’s license (CDL) testing be conducted exclusively in English. It also grants the Secretary of Transportation the authority to suspend or revoke a state’s ability to issue non-domiciled CDLs if federal standards are not met.
A companion bill has been introduced in the House by Congressman Andy Barr of Kentucky.
“For everyone’s safety, you must be able to read and understand English road signs when operating a commercial vehicle. Our bill would require commercial drivers to pass the test given in English,” said Senator Cotton.
“If you drive a truck in the United States, you should be able to speak English fluently. This protects our law enforcement officers and the general public. This is not only about safety and efficiency – it’s just commonsense. Whether taking their kids to school, driving to work, or going to the grocery store, Americans shouldn’t feel in danger every time they get on the road,” said Senator Tuberville.
“By issuing CDLs to illegal immigrants, states like California are undermining federal law and endangering public safety. Our bill restores accountability by strengthening President Trump’s authority to hold liberal states in check when they defy federal law and recklessly grant CDLs to illegal immigrants,” said Congressman Barr.
The legislation would require all CDL-related testing, including for non-domiciled CDLs, to be conducted only in English. It would also allow the Secretary of Transportation to suspend or revoke a state’s authority to issue non-domiciled CDLs if they are not in compliance with federal standards. Additionally, it mandates that individuals hold a standard driver’s license for at least one year before applying for a CDL.
