House Republican leaders announced on Mar. 17 their support for Dalilah’s Law, a bill led by Highways and Transit Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer to strengthen Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements in the United States. The legislation aims to ensure that commercial motor vehicle drivers are properly trained, meet safety standards, can read and understand English, and prevent unqualified or illegal immigrants from obtaining CDLs due to lax state enforcement.
The measure is named after Dalilah Coleman, who was seriously injured in an accident involving an unqualified driver. Supporters say the law is intended to improve road safety and address concerns about illegal immigrants operating large commercial vehicles.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said, “Under no circumstances should illegal aliens – especially those who cannot read or speak English – be issued licenses to operate 18-wheelers or large commercial vehicles. Because of Democrats’ border catastrophe, countless American lives have been lost and many more have been threatened at the hands of criminal illegal aliens. Accidents like the one that nearly took Dalilah Coleman’s life should never have happened, and under Dalilah’s Law, House Republicans are working to ensure no other American citizen is harmed by illegal alien truck drivers. I’m grateful to Chairman Graves, Chairman Rouzer, and the entire Committee for moving swiftly to mark up this important legislation.”
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said, “The illegal alien who hit Dalilah Coleman and her family while operating an 18-wheeler – leaving them with severe, life-changing injuries – should have never been allowed to drive a semi-truck and put American lives at risk. Dalilah’s Law is common sense: if you are in this country illegally or you cannot understand English and read America’s road signs, you should not have a commercial driver’s license. I’m pleased to see this legislation move through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and look forward to bringing it to the House Floor soon. House Republicans are answering President Trump’s call to action and enhancing public safety by ensuring the only people driving on America’s roads are those qualified to.”
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer said, “Illegal aliens and radical Democrats in sanctuary states like Minnesota are abusing the CDL system, and innocent Americans have paid the price with their lives. Thanks to the leadership of President Trump, Chairman Graves, and Congressman Rouzer, Dalilah’s Law will keep our roads safe by ensuring CDLs are for U.S. citizens and qualified operators only.”
Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain said, “Five-year-old Dalilah Coleman’s life changed because an illegal got behind the wheel of a semi-truck and struck her family’s vehicle. It should have never happened, and if Dalilah’s Law is signed into law, it never will again. American families deserve safe roads, something House Republicans are fighting to deliver despite widespread and disgusting Democrat opposition.”
Dalilah's Law proposes several changes including requiring all CDL holders understand English language road signs; placing out-of-service orders on drivers who do not meet these standards; mandating states verify they do not issue CDLs to illegal immigrants; increasing penalties for non-compliant states through withholding federal funds; banning certain foreign dispatch services linked with freight fraud; and cracking down on inadequate training programs known as "CDL mills." The full committee markup of the bill is scheduled for Mar. 18.
