Statement by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Philip Ellis on failure to include Rep. Tom Rooney’s (R-Fla.) commonsense amendment to address the outdated truck weight laws in H.R. 22 Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act.
“The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is greatly disappointed in the members of Congress who opposed modernizing America’s transportation laws. The cattle industry relies on trucks for the safe, timely transportation of livestock from all corners of the country in order to keep up with the global demand for our product. The days of the cross-country cattle drive are over, and the livestock industry no longer utilizes the rail system. Rep. Rooney’s amendment would have allowed states the option to issue special permits for livestock shippers to operate vehicles weighing up to 95,000 pounds. Despite the numerous objective science-based transportation studies, including the U.S Department of Transportation’s own study, that support the increase of truck weights both on economical and safety principles, the House failed to vote on the side of science. Without the inclusion of Rep. Rooney’s amendment, Rep. Reid Ribble’s (R-WI) amendment, or language to address the mandatory 30-minute rest period rule, there is nothing to support in H.R. 22 Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act, and NCBA strongly opposes its passage.”
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