CVSA Testifies at Senate Commerce Hearing

On July 12, 2016, CVSA President Major Jay Thompson testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation’s Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security. The topic of the hearing was “Intermodal and Interdependent: The FAST Act, the Economy, and Our Nation’s Transportation System”.

The hearing, which went beyond commercial motor vehicle issues, included a diverse group of panelist, including:

  • Patrick J. Ottensmeyer, Chief Executive Officer, Kansas City Southern Railway Company
  • David Eggermann, Supply Chain Manager, BASF
  • Stephen J. Gardner, Executive Vice President and Chief of NEC Business Development, Amtrak

CVSA’s written testimony provided an update on motor carrier related provisions in the FAST Act, as well as key provisions that still need to be implemented, and issues left unresolved following the FAST Act. During the hearing, Major Thompson focused his remarks on the Alliance’s concerns regarding implementation of exemptions in legislation. Major Thompson provided committee members with an overview of the challenges created roadside when Congress includes exemptions in legislation that are effective immediately and asked members to consider avoiding legislative exemptions in the future, or including an implementation window to allow states time to adopt the changes and train inspectors. Major Thompson received a number of questions during the hearing, with topics ranging from the MCSAP reorganization to better ways to combat distracted driving.

CVSA’s formal statement, as well as a video recording of the hearing and statements from other witnesses can be found on the hearing webpage.