FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2015
Contact:
Ryan Taylor (Wicker), 202-224-6253
Dean Lieberman (Feinstein), 202-224-9629
Sarah Zukowski (Blumenthal), 202-224-2823
Wicker, Feinstein, Blumenthal Unite to Stop Bigger Trucks
Senators Joined by Coalition of Industry, Safety Advocates, Law Enforcement, and Unions
WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, October 21, U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., will hold a press conference to discuss their bipartisan opposition to a federal mandate that would allow large trucks to pull double 33-foot trailers on the nation’s highways. The Senators will be joined by representatives from the trucking industry, Teamsters, law enforcement, and a safety advocacy group.
A tractor trailer with two 33-foot trailers measures approximately 91 feet in total length, and this equipment will also be available for viewing.
Earlier this year, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved an amendment to the transportation funding bill requiring states to allow trucks with two 33-foot trailers on their highways. Current federal law permits double 28-foot trailers.
When the committee considered the measure, the Department of Transportation (DOT) advised that there is currently not enough data to draw firm conclusions on the safety implications of double 33-foot trailers. DOT recommended that no changes to truck size be considered at this time.
WHEN: Wednesday, October 21, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. ET
WHO: Senator Roger Wicker
Senator Dianne Feinstein
Senator Richard Blumenthal
David Williams, Knight Transportation
James Hoffa, International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Walter Armstrong, Police Chief, Vicksburg, MS
Jackie Gillan, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety
WHERE: West Front of the U.S. Capitol on 1st Street NW, between Constitution Avenue and Peace Circle
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