Sixth District Congressman Andy Barr, R-Lexington, and three of his GOP colleagues are introducing the Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act of 2025 to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs).
The legislation, co-sponsored by Sens. Tom Cotton (R-AR), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Bill Hagerty (R-TN) would also hold states accountable that refuse to follow federal law, by allowing these licenses from going to illegal immigrants.
Barr noted that this legislation is coming on the heels of an illegal immigrant operating an 18-wheeler, who is accused of killing three Americans while he illegally made a U-turn.
“By issuing CDLs to illegal immigrants, states like California are undermining federal law and endangering public safety,” Barr said. “Our bill restores accountability by strengthening President Trump’s authority to hold liberal states in check when they defy federal law and recklessly grant CDLs to illegal immigrants.”
The Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act would:
--Require all testing related to the issuance or renewal of a commercial driver’s license (CDL), including non-domiciled CDLs, to be conducted only in English,
--Empower the Secretary of Transportation to suspend or revoke a state’s authority to issue non-domiciled CDLs if found non-compliant with federal standards.
--Require individuals to hold a standard driver’s license for one year before obtaining a CDL.
Tuberville, a co-sponsor of the Senate version stated, “If you drive a truck in the United States, you should be able to speak English fluently. This protects our law enforcement officers and the general public. This is not only about safety and efficiency – it’s just commonsense. Whether taking their kids to school, driving to work, or going to the grocery store, Americans shouldn’t feel in danger every time they get on the road.”
U.S. Rep. Andy Barr is sponsoring legislation that would prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining CDLs.
