Witness urges enforcement of English proficiency rules for truck drivers, citing road safety

A witness told Congressman Perry that long-standing English proficiency requirements for truck drivers should be enforced so drivers can read road signs and keep Americans safe on highways. "Today, we're talking about trucking," the witness said, adding, "We are enforcing the decades old English proficiency requirements. You should be able to read road signs. This is about keeping Americans safe while they're on the road."

An agency official (not named in the transcript) responded by stressing the importance of transportation infrastructure to Pennsylvania and thanking the secretary for attending. The official said, "Infrastructure transportation is important to Pennsylvania, and it's great that the secretary is here paying attention to us and our needs. Our mission is very clear of making sure that we're reducing fatalities and injuries on our roadways."

The witness did not identify a specific statute or agency by name when referencing the "decades old" English proficiency requirements, and the transcript does not record a formal vote or any procedural action on enforcement. Both speakers framed the remarks as policy priorities and partnership with state officials; the agency official concluded by saying they look forward to working with the state. The transcript contains no record of motions, votes, or further committee action on the topic.