Important Update On Trucking’s F4A Issue
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Attention CTA Members,
We are pleased to announce that a very positive legislative step took place on Thursday, April 26 in Washington, DC related to the trucking industry’s quest to clarify the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act (F4A) as that law pertains to the federal preemption of state meal & rest break statutes. The U.S. House of Representatives, on a vote of 222-193, approved to amend H.R. 4 (FAA Reauthorization) with the Denham amendment language that if ultimately passed by the full Congress and signed into law, would clarify federal preemption and be retroactive back to the F4A’s original passage in 1994. As you know, this area of law has been thrown into disarray since a 2014 9th Circuit decision that found the F4A’s federal preemptions did not extend to California’s (or any other state’s) meal & rest break statutes. In addition to Congressman Jeff Denham’s (R—Modesto) continuing leadership on this issue for trucking, he was joined by Congressman Jim Costa (D—Fresno) who signed on as a co-sponsor of yesterday’s amendment.
I would like to personally thank CTA members who took the time to answer our Calls to Action earlier this week by weighing in with their member of the U.S. House. Being on the ground in Washington, DC all week working alongside the ATA and several broad business organization coalition partners, I can tell you your efforts were greatly appreciated. I would also like to commend the ATA on their continuing leadership in working to deliver a win on this vital issue to our industry.
Let me be clear. Yesterday’s victory, over extraordinarily fierce opposition from U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, the Teamsters, trial attorneys, and OOIDA, is but one more step in this process. The U.S. House is considering full passage of H.R. 4 today. Next, focus will shift to Senate consideration of FAA Reauthorization. Our broad coalition will be working hard to protect the Denham amendment language during Senate, and ultimately conference consideration as opposition from those mentioned here will continue.
Thank you again for your continued support.
Shawn Yadon | CEO
California Trucking Association
4148 East Commerce Way
Sacramento, CA 95834
T: (916)-373-3535 | E: syadon@caltrux.org
W: www.caltrux.org
