On May 13, 2020, in response to CVSA’s advocacy efforts, Senators Wicker (R-MS), Cantwell (D-WA), Thune (R-SD), Fischer (R-NE) and Duckworth (D-IL) introduced S. 3729, Motor Carrier Safety Grant Relief Act of 2020. If passed, the bill would extend the periods of performance for the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) formula funding, High Priority Grant and Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation Grant for funding awarded in fiscal 2019 and 2020. Additionally, the legislation would give FMCSA the authority to reallocate any unspent grant funds from fiscal 2019 and 2020 so that the funding stays within MCSAP. The bill is scheduled for markup by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation on May 20. If the bill is passed by the committee, it would likely need to be included in a larger COVID-19 relief package to pass the full Senate.
