The gist

All commercial driver's license (CDL) applicants must pass a federal English proficiency test before being issued or renewing a license, starting 12 months after enactment.

Who wins, who loses

• Wins: Trucking safety advocates, English-speaking drivers, supporters of stricter federal CDL standards.
• Loses: Non-native English speaking truckers, immigrant drivers, trucking companies facing potential driver shortages.

What it does

• Amends Title 49 to require passing an English test for CDL issuance or renewal.
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) designs the standardized test on signs, spoken orders, and logs.
• States must administer the test and report pass rates annually to FMCSA.
• Secretary of Transportation can withhold federal highway funds from non-compliant states.

Why should I care?

Supporters say truckers must read English road signs and respond to emergency communications for highway safety. Critics argue federal rules already require English skills, and the bill could worsen the trucker shortage and target immigrant workers. An alternative being debated: bilingual signage and stronger road-knowledge testing instead. Where do you land? Vote below and use "Tell Your Rep" to make sure your voice reaches Congress.