Tillis supports transportation service providers during pandemic

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) on Aug. 3 signed on as a cosponsor to bipartisan legislation that would require the U.S. Treasury Department to provide grants and other forms of emergency assistance to certain providers of transportation services that have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses.

“With thousands of transportation service companies on the brink of bankruptcy due to COVID-19 restrictions, I’m proud to support the bipartisan Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) Act,” Sen. Tillis said on Monday. 

If enacted, S. 4150 would provide $10 billion in emergency relief funding to transportation service companies, including motorcoach operators, school bus companies, U.S. flag passenger vessel operators, and others designated by the Treasury Secretary in consultation with the U.S. Transportation Secretary, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Tillis’ office.

“As North Carolina faces another active hurricane season, the need to support the U.S. motorcoach industry is being magnified,” said Sen. Tillis. “North Carolina’s motorcoach operators play a critical role in hurricane evacuations and mobilizing first responders to address emerging threats. The industry also supports our men and women in uniform by transporting troops and equipment across the country for training and deployments.”

S. 4150, Sen. Tillis added, “will provide immediate relief for motorcoach operators when they need it most.”

Among the 24 other lawmakers who join Sen. Tillis as cosponsors of S. 4150, which is sponsored by U.S. Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), include U.S. Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Dan Sullivan (R-AK).

The measure is under consideration in the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.