Peter Barca: “first I'd like to thank Chairman Brooks and the distinguished chairman of the subcommittee, Mr. Schumer, as well as the…”

“first I'd like to thank Chairman Brooks and the distinguished chairman of the subcommittee, Mr. Schumer, as well as the Rules Committee for their support in allowing me to offer this important amendment on violence against truckers. The challenges truckers and their families must face was called to my attention at a townhall meeting by a local chapter of the Families of Truckers Support Group. They suggested that violence against truckers is pervasive and after researching the issue I agree. In short, adoption of my amendment would result in no cost to the taxpayers, no additional federalization of crimes, but would benefit truckers on the road in every congressional district by: First, raising public awareness of increase in crimes affecting this industry and its workers; Second, reinforcing the protection truckers receive under current Federal law and encouraging increased Federal prosecution; Third, encouraging further evaluation by the public and private sector of how to best deter these crimes and apprehend those involved. Multijurisdictional authorities and private organizations have successfully used technology to reduce these crimes. My amendment encourages the extension of these efforts. The threat of violence makes the rigorous job of truck drivers even harder.”