On the recordNovember 4, 2015
I thank the ranking member for yielding. I want to thank Mr. Ribble for his work on this amendment and other important transportation issues. I think Mr. Ribble and Ranking Member DeFazio have explained this very well. In recognition of the unique nature of the construction industry, Congress did provide this exemption to certain hours of service rules for commercial motor vehicle drivers in the industry. Increasing this from 50 to 75 miles is a small change, but I think it will be very helpful because the current exemption we have seen has come up short. It needs to be modernized for most efficient goods movement and keep perishable materials from spoiling, as well as account for the fact that many materials suppliers operate in areas outside of the current air-mile radius. This amendment helps improve the exemption by increasing it by 25 miles. It is also important to note that this amendment provides an opt-out provision for those States that do not wish to participate in this increase. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.
