Senate OKs Wicker-Feinstein bill against mandate to let heavier trucks on roads

U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Diane Feinstein’s (D-CA) legislative effort to oppose a federal mandate that would force states to permit large trucks to pull double 33-foot trailers passed the Senate on Tuesday by a vote of 56-31.

“Thirty-eight states say these longer trucks are not safe, and they tell us that they don’t want them on the highways and byways,” Wicker said. “I think we should respect their decision. Today’s vote against this federal government mandate sends a strong signal that we stand with the overwhelming majority of Americans who do not want to contend with these longer double trucks on their roads. I am hopeful that those who are writing the omnibus appropriations bill and the final highway bill have taken note of the Senate’s position.”

The Senate Appropriations Committee had previously approved an amendment to the transportation funding bill that required states to allow trucks with two 33-foot trailers on highways.

“Today’s vote was a victory for public safety,” Feinstein said. “The Senate said loud and clear that twin 33s are dangerous, and we must study their safety before allowing longer trailer trucks on our roads. It’s encouraging that a majority of my colleagues agree with this safety-focused, reasonable approach. Slipping such a sweeping change into an omnibus funding bill without understanding the consequences is not the way this should be handled.”