[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Pages 12873-12874]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                NATIONAL TRUCK DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK

  Mrs. FISCHER. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize America's 
professional truck drivers who serve our Nation by safely delivering 
such vital goods as the clothes we wear, the food we eat, and the 
medicine we rely on.

[[Page 12874]]

  This week, September 11 through 17, is designated as National Truck 
Driver Appreciation Week to honor the 3.5 million professional truck 
drivers in the United States. According to the American Trucking 
Associations, the trucking industry employs more than 7 million people, 
making it not only essential to our economy, but also one of our 
country's largest employers.
  In Nebraska, the trucking industry employs nearly 63,000 men and 
women who safely deliver essential goods from Scottsbluff to Lincoln 
and everywhere in between.
  Trucking is a major driver of our economy, responsible for nearly 70 
percent of the total U.S. freight tonnage. More than 80 percent of 
communities rely solely on the trucking industry for their goods and 
commodities.
  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 them drive safely 
around tractor-trailers.
  America's truck drivers sacrifice precious time with their families 
while delivering their products to millions more. This week, we pause 
to say thank you.
  I salute these fine professionals and their families for their 
dedication to delivering life's essentials safely and securely.

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