[Congressional Bills 106th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 306 Introduced in House (IH)]







106th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. CON. RES. 306

  Expressing the sense of Congress in support of the freeze on longer 
combination vehicles and current Federal limitations on truck size and 
                                weight.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             April 12, 2000

Mr. McGovern (for himself, Mr. Horn, Mr. Blumenauer, and Mrs. Morella) 
 submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to 
           the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
  Expressing the sense of Congress in support of the freeze on longer 
combination vehicles and current Federal limitations on truck size and 
                                weight.

Whereas section 127(d) of title 23, United States Code, prohibits expanded 
        operation of long double and triple trailer trucks, otherwise known as 
        longer combination vehicles;
Whereas Congress froze operations of longer combination vehicles in 1991 because 
        of the public concern over the safe operation of these vehicles on 
        certain highways and the excessive infrastructure damage they cause on 
        highways not built for their use;
Whereas the United States Department of Transportation, in Draft Volume III of 
        the Comprehensive Truck Size and Weight Study, released December 30, 
        1998, projected that multitrailer combination trucks like longer 
        combination vehicles could be expected to experience at least an 11 
        percent higher overall fatal crash rate than single trailer combination 
        vehicles;
Whereas the Department of Transportation also found that longer combination 
        vehicles are prone to rearward amplification (or swaying) and greater 
        speed differentials while climbing or descending and need more time and 
        distance in making lane changes;
Whereas section 127(a) of title 23, United States Code, contains provisions 
        limiting the gross vehicle weight of commercial motor vehicles permitted 
        on interstate highways in the United States;
Whereas United States Department of Transportation has recognized the need to 
        dramatically reduce the number of truck-related highway fatalities; and
Whereas surveys of individuals in the United States demonstrate that an 
        overwhelming majority of Americans oppose expanded use of longer 
        combination vehicles and any increase in the length or weight of 
        commercial trucks: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This resolution may be cited as ``Safe Highways Resolution''.

SEC. 2. CONTINUATION OF FREEZE.

    (a) Longer Combination Vehicles.--Prohibitions and restrictions on 
longer combination vehicles under section 127(d) of title 23, United 
States Code, should not be amended so as to weaken the current 
``freeze'' on those vehicles or result in any less restrictive 
prohibition or restriction on those vehicles.
    (b) Weight Limitation.--The prohibitions and restrictions contained 
in section 127(a) of title 23, United States Code, should not be 
amended in any way so as to permit operation of commercial motor 
vehicles with a gross vehicle weight greater than currently allowed 
under Federal law.
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