Bill Pascrell: “H.R. 2546, as reported by the committee, makes it unlawful for a State or political subdivision of a State, an…”

“H.R. 2546, as reported by the committee, makes it unlawful for a State or political subdivision of a State, an interstate agency or a political agency of two or more States to impose any license or fee on account of the fact that a motor vehicle is providing prearranged ground transportation service in interstate commerce. This legislation is extremely critical, Madam Speaker, for limousine firms in my own State of New Jersey as they attempt to keep their businesses afloat after September 11. The for-hire vehicle industry is made up of 18,600 companies nationally that provide local for-hire passenger transportation service. These services include taxicabs and black cars and airport shuttles, executive sedans and limousines. There are approximately 254,000 vehicles that transport over 2 billion passengers in 1 year. Massive layoffs in this predominantly small business industry are estimated to number 80,000 out of a total of 162,000 nationally.”