The American Trucking Associations and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association jointly urged Congress to modernize and expand the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s New Entrant Safety Assurance Program, emphasizing the need for a more effective and prevention-focused approach.
In a March 31 letter addressed to key congressional transportation authorizers and appropriators, ATA President Chris Spear and OOIDA President Todd Spencer argued that strengthening the program would help ensure new carriers operate more efficiently while supporting FMCSA’s broader safety strategy. They stressed that enhancing FMCSA resources would allow for more timely and consistent safety audits of newly registered motor carriers. According to their position, earlier and more consistent engagement, combined with meaningful entry qualifications and checks, would improve safety outcomes, reduce chronic noncompliance, and strengthen Department of Transportation oversight and enforcement efforts.
The groups also recommended policy changes to tighten oversight of new entrants. They suggested shortening or eliminating the period during which carriers can operate without undergoing a safety audit, or alternatively implementing a two-step review process that conditions operational authority on initial vetting. Additionally, they called for a return to standardized, in-person safety audits, noting that remote or off-site reviews limit investigators’ ability to thoroughly verify compliance, detect fraud, and properly assess a carrier’s legitimacy.
Another key focus of the letter was improving the educational component of early safety audits. The organizations emphasized that new entrants should receive clearer and more detailed guidance on regulatory requirements, including driver qualification standards, hours-of-service rules, vehicle maintenance, and drug and alcohol testing. They framed early audits not only as compliance checks but also as important learning opportunities that can set the foundation for safer operations.
This push for regulatory reform comes as lawmakers prepare to debate major transportation funding and policy legislation this year. Congress is expected to address both fiscal 2027 transportation appropriations and a multiyear surface transportation reauthorization bill before the end of September. At the same time, lawmakers are considering measures aimed at strengthening commercial driver license enforcement and English-language proficiency requirements.
Among the proposals under consideration is Dalilah’s Law, introduced by Rep. David Rouzer. The legislation seeks to tighten English-language proficiency standards for commercial drivers and clarify state responsibilities for verifying CDL eligibility. A Senate version of the bill was introduced on March 26 by Sens. John Cornyn, Ted Budd, Shelley Moore Capito, Cynthia Lummis, and Tommy Tuberville. Supporters of the bill argue that federal CDL standards are currently enforced inconsistently across states, creating gaps in oversight. Cornyn has indicated that the legislation is intended to address these enforcement shortcomings, although committee consideration in the Senate has not yet been scheduled. A House floor vote, however, is expected later this month.
Lummis has emphasized that every American sharing the road with a fully loaded commercial truck should have confidence that the driver obtained their license legally, underscoring the safety implications of stricter enforcement.
Dalilah’s Law is named after Dalilah Coleman, who was five years old when she suffered serious injuries in a 2024 multivehicle crash involving a truck driver who federal officials said lacked legal immigration status. Coleman later attended the State of the Union address on February 24, 2025, as a guest of the White House.
During that address, Donald Trump called on Congress to prohibit individuals without legal status from obtaining commercial driver licenses, arguing that such individuals may be unable to read basic road signs related to direction, speed, and hazards. Supporters of the legislation say these remarks helped build momentum and strengthen Republican backing for the measure.
