[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 44 (Tuesday, March 12, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H2656]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          AMERICA'S WORKFORCE

  (Mr. PENCE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, as we work to strengthen America's roads, 
bridges, and highways, it is important that our workforce keeps pace 
with our infrastructure improvements.
  Seventy percent of the Nation's freight is carried by commercial 
trucks, yet, as our economy strengthens, motor carriers are having 
difficulty finding the drivers they need to handle the growing 
capacity.
  While most States, including Indiana, allow drivers to obtain a 
commercial driver's license at 18, they are prohibited from driving in 
interstate commerce until they are 21 by Federal law.
  To address this issue, I cosponsored legislation to alleviate the 
shortage of commercial drivers back home, helping our farmers, 
manufacturers, retailers, and small businesses to keep Hoosiers 
working, eating, building, selling, and growing.
  The DRIVE-Safe Act will help Indiana's freight continue to move, 
while preserving the safety of our highway system.
  Madam Speaker, I look forward to working with my colleagues on the 
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to help fill these 
desperately needed jobs and provide young Hoosiers with the opportunity 
to enter the industry.

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