Congressman Sam Graves’ Committee approves Dalilah’s Law, heads to House and Senate

WASHINGTON D.C. (KQTV) -- In a 35-26 vote on Wednesday, Missouri Congressman Sam Graves' Committee approved Dalilah's Law, which will now head up in the U.S. House and Senate.

Dalilah's Law was introduced in honor of Dalilah Coleman, a 5-year-old who was struck and severely injured by a semi-truck driver who was in the country illegally.

Coleman was highlighted in President Donald Trump's State of the Union Address, where he called on Congress to block unqualified immigrants from obtaining a CDL in the United States.

This bill strengthens Commercial Drivers License (CDL) requirements by requiring English proficiency, stronger training standards and stricter state verification to prevent unqualified or undocumented drivers from obtaining CDLs.

“By approving Dalilah’s Law, T&I Republicans took an important step towards addressing this safety issue and making sure only qualified drivers can obtain a CDL,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO). "This is commonsense legislation that requires all truck drivers on our roads to be able to read and speak English, strengthens laws related to issuing CDLs, and ensures that states are following and enforcing those laws and requirements. Dalilah’s Law supports the Trump Administration’s efforts to make our roads safer. I want to commend Chairman Rouzer for his leadership on this issue, and I look forward to moving this bill quickly through the House of Representatives.”

The bill has been endorsed by American Truckers United and numerous other trucking companies, supply chains, and additional groups.