Protecting America’s Roads Act
Summary
The "Protecting America's Roads Act" aims to amend Title 49 of the United States Code, focusing on commercial driver's license (CDL) requirements. It introduces stricter regulations for non-citizen CDL applicants, including documentation requirements, SAVE system verification, and license expiration limitations. The act also mandates the termination of reciprocity agreements with foreign countries regarding commercial driver's licenses.
Expected Effects
This act will likely increase the administrative burden on states for CDL issuance and renewal. It will also reduce the pool of eligible CDL holders, particularly impacting non-citizen drivers. The termination of reciprocity agreements could disrupt cross-border commerce and transportation.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced verification processes for CDL applicants.
- Potential reduction in unqualified drivers on US roads.
- Improved national security through stricter driver screening.
- Standardized CDL requirements across states for non-citizens.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased administrative costs for states to comply with new regulations.
- Potential labor shortages in the transportation industry due to reduced CDL holders.
- Disruption of supply chains reliant on cross-border trucking.
- Possible legal challenges based on discrimination concerns.
- May negatively impact the economy due to increased transportation costs.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act's alignment with the Constitution is mixed. Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8), which includes regulating commercial drivers. However, the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment could be invoked if the regulations are deemed discriminatory against non-citizens. The Act does not appear to infringe on any other specific constitutional rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).