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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 2, 2024 02:05 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Greg Rothman |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Urging Congress to Address the Truck Driver Shortage |
| I plan to introduce a resolution urging the U.S. Congress to pursue legislative remedies that allow individuals under the age of 21 with Commercial Driver’ Licenses (CDLs) to participate in interstate commerce activities. Currently, the nation is facing a shortage of nearly 78,000 qualified drivers. This shortage is only expected to increase with the need for new drivers rising to 1.2 million over the next decade. To ensure Pennsylvania’s economic security and supply chain efficiency, we must expand the pool of qualified drivers. To date, 49 states, including Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. allow under-21 CDL holders to operate Commercial Motor vehicles in intrastate commerce. Yet, current Federal regulations require CDL drivers to be at least 21 years old to operate in interstate commerce. Allowing CDL drivers under the age of 21 to participate in interstate commerce will significantly broaden the pool of qualified drivers to address the current shortage while mitigating the future need for CDL drivers. Not only will this benefit the Commonwealth, but it will also benefit the CDL drivers who will have earlier access to career opportunities, enabling them to establish themselves in the industry and find family-sustaining jobs. Please join me in sponsoring this legislation that grows our workforce, helps the economy, and stabilizes the supply chain. |
Introduced as SR258