[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 27174]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL TRUCK DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 6, 2009

  Mr. RAHALL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service, 
dedication, and sacrifices of America's professional truck drivers who 
serve our Nation daily by delivering the clothes we wear, the food we 
eat, and yes, even the medical prescriptions upon which many of us must 
rely.
  This week, November 1-7, is designated National Truck Driver 
Appreciation Week and is set aside to honor the 3.5 million 
professional truck drivers in the United States. One out of every 
fifteen people across this country is employed in the trucking 
industry, which is one of our Nation's largest employers.
  Truckers serve as the backbone of their industry, which is 
responsible for a large portion of the total U.S. freight tonnage. 
Estimates suggest that a majority of communities rely solely on the 
trucking industry for their goods and commodities. In turn, our economy 
not only relies, but thrives, on the good work of these men and women.
  America's truck drivers work to help keep our highways safe. They 
follow stringent safety regulations, attend frequent training programs, 
and help educate the motoring public to make sharing the roadways with 
tractor-trailers safer.
  Finally, Madam Speaker, America's truck drivers sacrifice precious 
time from their families, all the while, they deliver for ours. This 
week we pause to say thank you to them and to their families.
  I salute these fine individuals along with their understanding 
families for their commitment to America's future stability, increased 
prosperity, and for delivering life's essentials safely and securely.

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