Thomas E. Petri: “H.R. 3985 will level the playing field for all bus and motor carrier companies operating in interstate commerce in this…”

“H.R. 3985 will level the playing field for all bus and motor carrier companies operating in interstate commerce in this area. The bill deserves support. I urge all of my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support this important bipartisan bill offered by my colleagues on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The Over-the-Road Bus Transportation Accessibility Act of 2007 is an important bill for all people who rely on transportation by bus and motorcoaches. H.R. 3985 requires that all buses and motorcoaches comply fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act, or the 'ADA.' If not, the U.S. DOT will revoke the company's authority to operate on our interstates and highways. H.R. 3985 will also require U.S. DOT and the Department of Justice to work together when an ADA violation is discovered. This will ensure that bus and motorcoach companies that violate the ADA will be held accountable for their actions. It is important to note that this bill is not creating any additional ADA requirements. H.R. 3985 does not change what is currently mandated in the ADA. Bus and motorcoach companies will not have to change their business plans, unless they are not obeying the law. This bill simply ensures that all carriers comply with the ADA, which is what they are supposed to do anyway. If a bus is not in compliance, it will not be on our roads.”