Transportation (Freight)

HR 623, the LICENSE Act of 2025, modifies federal commercial driver’s license (CDL) regulations to improve testing flexibility and standards. It requires the Transportation Secretary to revise two key regulations: (1) allowing third-party examiners to administer knowledge tests only if they hold valid certification, complete specific training, and have 1 unit of required instruction (per 49 CFR §384.228), and (2) enabling any state to administer skills tests to CDL applicants regardless of their state of residence or where they received training (per 49 CFR §383.79). These changes directly affect CDL applicants, states administering tests, and third-party examiners. The bill focuses on streamlining testing processes while establishing clearer examiner qualifications and removing geographic barriers for skills testing.

SRES 512 is a non-binding Senate resolution designating November 30, 2025, as "Drive Safer Sunday" to promote highway safety awareness. It encourages schools, trucking companies, clergy, law enforcement, and the public to participate in educational efforts - such as campus campaigns, driver safety reminders via CB radios, and community outreach - focusing on seat belt use and safe driving habits. The resolution specifically highlights the Sunday after Thanksgiving as a high-traffic period and references the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's data on seat belts saving over 15,000 lives annually. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or requirements but aims to foster voluntary safety practices across communities.

This bill modernizes restrictions on commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) for seasonal agricultural workers. It requires the Transportation Secretary to create online systems for farm-related businesses and seasonal workers to easily renew restricted CDLs within one year of enactment. The bill also clarifies that agricultural equipment ("implements of husbandry") are not considered commercial vehicles and are exempt from weight calculations. These changes directly affect seasonal farm workers and agricultural service businesses that rely on specialized vehicle operations. The policy focuses on simplifying license renewals and removing regulatory confusion around farm equipment.

HR 341, the Railroad Responsibility Act of 2025, allows states to set rules limiting how long trains can block grade crossings (where roads cross train tracks). It directly affects states, local governments, and railroad carriers by removing federal preemption that previously prevented states from enacting such rules. The bill amends federal law to explicitly state that states can adopt laws, regulations, or requirements restricting the duration of train blockages at crossings. This change gives states authority to address traffic disruptions caused by prolonged train stops without federal interference.

The American Tank Car Modernization Act of 2025 provides $100 million annually (2026-2029) to fund grants for freight railcar owners to install telematics systems or gateway devices on railcars, with priority for tank cars carrying hazardous materials (toxic inhalation, flammable, or hazardous substances). These systems enable real-time tracking of railcar location, asset health, and specific safety metrics like wheel temperature, hatch status, and internal temperatures. The bill requires railcar owners to report on implementation outcomes, including safety incident data and cost efficiency, to Congress within three years. It directly affects railcar operators managing hazardous material transport by modernizing their data collection capabilities.