• FMCSA reformer retains chair of key Senate panel

    Fischer legislation demanded more accountability from trucking regulator
    Jan. 12, 2017
    2 min read
    Trucker 1062 2014 Fischer Offcial Photo Display

    The senator who led the push for reform of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the way trucking regulations are developed and enforced will once again chair a critical transportation subcommittee.

    Sen. Deb Fischer (R.-NE) was named chairman of the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security for the 115th Congress on Tuesday.

    "I'm honored that my colleagues on the Commerce Committee have again entrusted me with this important chairmanship. Last Congress, the Surface Transportation Subcommittee advanced the first long-term highway bill in a decade, enacted bipartisan pipeline safety legislation, and passed two maritime transportation bills,” Fischer said in a statement. “We also pushed polices to keep goods moving safely and efficiently. I’m looking forward to building on these accomplishments over the next two years. By working together with my colleagues and the new administration, we can deliver infrastructure solutions that will allow American families, communities, and businesses to thrive."

    The reforms initiated by Fischer and ultimately folded into the FAST Act highway bill include limits on public access to the FMCSA’s Compliance Safety Accountability (CSA) carrier measurement program data. Her legislation also called for FMCSA to conduct a comprehensive review of all rules, regulations, regulatory guidance, and enforcement policies every five years.

    Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced the subcommittee assignments.

    “I am honored to work with six subcommittee chairmen who truly understand the priorities of the American people. We’re ready to hit the ground running in the first 100 days of Congress, starting with Secretary Chao’s nomination hearing this week.”

    About the Author

    Kevin Jones

    Editor

    Kevin has served as editor-in-chief of Trailer/Body Builders magazine since 2017—just the third editor in the magazine’s 60 years. He is also editorial director for Endeavor Business Media’s Commercial Vehicle group, which includes FleetOwner, Bulk Transporter, Refrigerated Transporter, American Trucker, and Fleet Maintenance magazines and websites.

    Working from Beaufort, S.C., Kevin has covered trucking and manufacturing for nearly 20 years. His writing and commentary about the trucking industry and, previously, business and government, has been recognized with numerous state, regional, and national journalism awards.

    Voice your opinion!

    To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

    Sign up for our free eNewsletters

    Latest from On the Road

    210539753 | Business | Vitpho | Dreamstime.com
    Operation Safe Driver Week 2023: Join the effort for safer roads from July 13-19
    The focus of this year’s Operation Safe Driver Week is reckless, careless, or dangerous driving.
    Travel Centers of America
    TA Foristell, MO
    Truck stops offer more Christmas shopping possibilities than most would think.
    Kenworth
    The lighting ceremony will take place on December 3, hosted by the Architect of the Capitol in coordination with the U.S. Speaker of the House.
    Two truck drivers with millions of accident-free miles hauled the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree through 11 states from the Tongass National Forest in Alaska to the U.S. Capitol...