[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 14071-14072]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING NATIONAL TRUCK DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN L. MICA

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 21, 2011

  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Truck 
Driver Appreciation Week. I want to commend America's 3.2 million 
professional truck drivers who serve our nation by expediting commerce 
and goods essential to our homes and businesses.
  One out of every fifteen people across the country are employed in 
the trucking industry, making it one of the nation's largest employers. 
The trucking industry is responsible for nearly 68 percent of the total 
U.S. freight tonnage and over 80 percent of communities rely solely on 
it for their goods and commodities. This industry is fundamental to our 
economy.
  America's truck drivers are dedicated to keeping our highways safe. 
They follow stringent safety regulations, attend frequent training 
programs and educate the motoring public to help keep our highways and 
interstates safe.
  While regulation of transportation commerce and safety is necessary, 
we need to be careful

[[Page 14072]]

we do not over-regulate and harm such a vital industry. We need to 
allow these dedicated and hard working professionals to perform their 
jobs with the support of our government and without unnecessary 
government interference.
  This week I join my colleagues in extending a warm thank you to them 
and to their families for the sacrifices they make each and every day 
for this country.
  Today, I honor these wonderful Americans for their dedication and 
service rendered to our nation's economy and for delivering everyday 
life's essentials safely and securely.

                          ____________________