Political Quotes

“I thank the chair and ranking member of the committee and, of course, the staff for working with us on this issue. This is an amendment that should be familiar to Members because essentially the same language was voted on in the form of a motion to instruct conferees last week. The essence of both that motion, which was adopted on a vote of 56 to 31, and this amendment today is to prevent a Federal mandate which has been contained in the committee version of this bill. That mandate would have required all 50 States to allow twin 33 tandem tractor-trailer rigs in each State. Some 12 States allow these twin 33 tandem tractor-trailer trucks and some 38 States prevent them. If the language were to remain in the appropriations bill, all 50 States, including the 38 States that have chosen not to accept these trucks, would be mandated. I think the vote of the Senate was clear last week. I will simply point out that this will remove a Federal mandate and will assist small business truckers who don't have the capital to move to these new longer double trucks. It will promote public safety and, I would submit, save lives and save $1.2 to $1.8 billion every year in maintenance and repair because of the damage caused by these twin 33 trailers. I appreciate the committee working with me to get a vote, and at this point I ask that the amendment be adopted. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Maine.”