Hageman’s CDL bill aims to tackle road safety, language gaps
ROCK SPRINGS — U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY) recently detailed her legislative efforts to overhaul commercial trucking regulations.
Speaking at the Sweetwater Events Complex on Tuesday, April 7, Hageman focused on what she described as an “explosion” of unlicensed and non-English speaking drivers on U.S. highways. The centerpiece of her plan is a new bill targeting safety gaps and licensing loopholes.
Hageman recently introduced a new Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) bill. She said current oversight is failing, citing a rise in accidents involving drivers who lack basic English proficiency or legal residency status.
‘CHAMELEON’ TRUCKERSHageman spoke extensively about “chameleon” trucking companies. Hageman learned they are fly-by-night operations that evade federal safety records. According to Hageman, when a company receives too many safety violations or citations, they “disappear” and register for a new Department of Transportation (DOT) number under a different name.
She noted these drivers often avoid major interstates and ports of entry, opting for two-lane highways to bypass law enforcement.
She also said it can take up to two years for citations to process through the system, giving “chameleon” operators ample time to cycle through new identities.
ENGLISH PROFICIENCYHageman highlighted her collaboration with Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to reinstate strict English language proficiency requirements.
She said the inability of some drivers to communicate with law enforcement or read road signs poses an immediate threat to public safety.
“My husband represented trucking companies for many, many years,” Hageman told the attendees. “Near the end of his practice, almost every single time he represented a trucker, he had to hire an interpreter because they could not speak English.”
Her proposed legislation would mandate English proficiency as a main requirement for receiving or holding a CDL.
Hageman also pointed to states such as California and New York, labeling them “CDL factories.” She said these states have issued “over 17,000 CDLs to illegal aliens,” further complicating enforcement for states like Wyoming that sit at the crossroads of major corridors like Interstate 80 and I-25.
Hageman concluded the segment by emphasizing that her bill is being developed alongside the Wyoming Trucking Association, the American Trucking Association, and the Teamsters Union to ensure legitimate carriers are protected while “chameleon” operators are forced off the road.
EARLY MORNING TURNOUT
The timing of the event caught some Sweetwater County residents off guard, according to numerous comments on social media. The town hall, which began at 7:30 a.m., was announced on social media just the night prior via a post from the Sweetwater Events Complex.
The short notice drew criticism from some constituents online who expressed frustration over the difficulty of attending a weekday morning meeting. When the Rocket Miner asked about the scheduling, Communications Director Tristan Justice noted Hageman utilizes a wide range of formats to reach her constituents.
“Congresswoman Hageman holds town halls at a variety of times and locations throughout the state, including in virtual formats to allow residents in every corner access to their U.S. representative,” Justice said.
He added these events are advertised weekly in Hageman’s Sunday newsletter.
Residents interested in receiving future schedule updates can sign up for the newsletter at hageman.house.gov/join.