On the recordApril 26, 2018
I thank the gentleman from California for yielding. I rise today in support of this amendment offered by Mr. Denham, Mr. Cuellar, and myself. Trucking companies and truck drivers are the backbone of our Nation in terms of transportation, and certainly, much of the San Joaquin Valley that I represent. Agricultural products, fruits, nuts, and vegetables that are put on American's dinner tables every night are grown in the San Joaquin Valley, and they provide an important part of our sustenance. Many of these truckers have one or two trucks, and they are literally small-business people. Sadly, because of the recent court decisions that were noted by the author of this amendment, these companies that operate across State lines have been exposed to unfair litigation that have been costly, and I know of cases where major motor carriers have gone out of business because of this. The amendment would clarify that when operating across State lines, meals and rest break requirements will be governed by Federal law, not a patchwork of conflicting State laws. That just makes good common sense. This is consistent with action taken by the Congress--as was noted--in 1994, to provide uniform rules across the country for safety purposes. Some of my colleagues have claimed time in opposition saying this amendment would overturn protections like minimum wage and vacation.…
