The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act on Dec. 18, simplifying the vetting process for commercial drivers delivering vital commodities throughout the country.
The bill now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.
National Tank Truck Carriers and American Trucking Associations spearheaded the efforts to consolidate the application process for Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) for commercial driver’s licenses and the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) required for many hazmat operators. This legislation will save money and synchronize the expiration dates of the HME and TWIC credentials, which removes another barrier to attracting necessary workers to the trucking industry.
“NTTC has scored a major victory for its membership and for all hazmat drivers throughout the nation,” Ward Best, NTTC chairman and Atlantic Bulk Carrier vice president, said in a news release. “This legislation maintains the highest security standards necessary in our industry while simplifying the process for our professional drivers and clearing the way to attracting more professionals to our ranks.”
“This victory by NTTC shows the strength of our collective advocacy.”
See also: NTTC urges Senate to streamline credentialing
A Senate committee advanced the legislation (H.R. 5840) in July. Supporters then urged the Homeland Security committee led by Rep. Mark Green (R-Tennessee) and Bennie Thompson (D-Mississippi) to allow the bill’s Senate companion (S. 3959), introduced by Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), to be considered as an amendment to H.R. 5840. The Senate passed the amended bill unanimously in November.
The legislation directs the administrator of the Transportation Security Aministration (TSA) to streamline the credentialing process to allow individuals to enroll in any security threat assessment program based on one background check, permit an individual to undergo a streamlined renewal process, align an individual’s credentials expiration dates, and reduce any duplicative costs on individuals seeking credentials.
“For far too long, the truck drivers who keep our country running have been subjected to an outdated, inefficient credentialing system that does not respect their time and money,” said Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO. “That begins to change [now]. By taking the final step needed to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, Congress will provide essential supply chain workers with overdue relief from redundant background checks and fees.
“The Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act is a bipartisan victory for common sense. We commend members of Congress, especially Sen. Roger Wicker and Congressman Garret Graves, who stood up for truckers, making it easier and less costly for hardworking Americans to obtain the credentials they need to do their jobs.”
NTTC designated credential reform as one of its top legislative priorities over the past three years. By addressing inefficiencies and reducing barriers for industry professionals, the legislation supports the continued growth and security of the tank truck sector, which is vital to America’s economy, NTTC added. Tank trucks represent only 6% of trucks nationwide but deliver 30% of all commodities by weight.
They also deliver 68% of all hazardous materials nationwide.
“NTTC eagerly anticipates President Biden’s signature to finalize this progress,” the association stated. “Once enacted, NTTC will collaborate closely with federal agencies and industry partners to ensure the reforms deliver maximum benefit for the tank truck community and beyond.”
See also: Security screening bill advances in Senate
The bill was one of several passed by the House Committee on Homeland Security on Dec. 18, along with H.R.8150 (Reducing Excessive Vetting Authorities to Maintain our Ports Act), H.R.8664 (DHS Intelligence and Analysis Oversight and Transparency Act), and H.R.9748 (Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act).
“I am pleased that the House passed a wide range of legislation that will require accountability and transparency from the Department of Homeland Security, protect the department’s research and development from bad actors, streamline duplicative TSA screening processes, and cut red tape so Customs and Border Protection can maintain our land ports of entry,” said Mark E. Green (R-Tennessee), chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security.
“These bills are the fruit of my committee’s dedication to securing the homeland through common-sense legislation, and I am proud to see them advance through our chamber.”
