The U.S. Senate has approved a bill aimed at simplifying the security credentialing process for commercial drivers.
The Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act, a bipartisan initiative introduced by Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), seeks to streamline the application process for security credentials in the freight industry. Passed with ease by the Senate on November 21, the legislation aims to enable easier access to multiple credentials for essential workers.
“This bill is a crucial step toward empowering American commerce,” said Senator Wicker, the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee. “It will help essential workers save time and money, bolster the trucking workforce, and ensure supply chains keep moving.”
The legislation also includes provisions to uphold rigorous security standards. Within six months of the bill’s enactment, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) would be required to provide Congress with a progress report. Co-sponsors of the bill include Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Angus King (I-Maine), and Jon Tester (D-Mont.).
While the Senate has passed the bill, the House has yet to schedule a vote to advance it to the president’s desk.
Chris Spear, president of the American Trucking Associations (ATA), hailed the Senate’s action. “This marks a significant step toward relieving truck drivers and other essential transportation workers from the burden of an inefficient credentialing system,” he said. “By removing unnecessary federal bureaucracy, this legislation will save time and money while making it simpler for hardworking Americans to obtain the credentials they need.”
Spear also expressed optimism about the bill’s future. “We commend the lawmakers who introduced this bipartisan effort and are eager to see it signed into law by year’s end.”
The act is seen as a victory for the freight industry, promising to enhance efficiency while maintaining high security standards.
