DC Update: Congress Back in Action

Congress returned to session last week and hit the ground running on its new, busy agenda. Issues at the top of the “to-do” list include swearing in new members of the Trump Administration, healthcare reform, tax reform, regulatory reform and controversial budget reconciliations. But there are also a number of issues that could impact the remote production industry.

Speed limiters for trucks are on the agenda in Washington, DC.

Last week the House of Representatives took up two bills to scale back Obama Administration regulations, which may delay NHTSA and FMCSA’s trucking speed-limiter rule, for which the comment period ended in early December 2016. Over 6,500 individuals and businesses commented on the rule that many truckers and companies see as excessive government overreach.

And this week the Senate is expected to hold the confirmation hearing for President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for Secretary of Transportation, Elaine Chao, which is important for LSCC members.  The House is expected to take up the budget resolution which contains provisions that affect how government funds critical highway infrastructure and funds agencies such as TSA and FAA.

All of those issues could impact the remote production industry by either making life easier or more difficult for those who get behind the wheel and work hard to make sure the production trucks at the core of our business make it to the next show on time.

Look for weekly reports from SVG on this critical time period and also feel free to contact me if you want to learn more about making sure your voice is heard.