Republicans are working with Trump to put Americans first. But they have quite a few obstacles in their way.
And the GOP looks to save this American industry with a newly proposed law.
Washington is buzzing with new Republican-led efforts to slam the brakes on illegal aliens getting behind the wheel of commercial trucks across America. These lawmakers are pushing hard to protect everyday folks from what they see as a growing threat on U.S. highways.
At the forefront is Rep. Mary Miller from Illinois, who’s not mincing words about the dangers lurking out there. “Allowing illegal aliens to operate commercial trucks on our roads is reckless, dangerous, and unacceptable,” she said.
Her SAFE Act pulls no punches, aiming to cut off federal cash to any state that dares to hand out driver’s licenses to those here unlawfully. It’s all about making sure states toe the line when it comes to who gets to haul freight on American interstates.
The bill doesn’t stop there—it demands accountability for every commercial driver’s license issued, putting the onus squarely on state officials. Plus, it calls for federal watchdogs to set up a public database that keeps tabs on compliance in every corner of the country.
Miller doubled down on her stance, explaining how her legislation would crack down hard. “My SAFE Driving Laws Act will enforce accountability by cutting off federal transportation funds to any state that hands out CDLs or standard driver’s licenses to illegal aliens or fails to share immigration enforcement data with federal authorities,” she stated.
This push comes amid alarming stats from the top brass in transportation. In September, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy laid it out plain: implementing these measures would yank nearly 200,000 illegal foreign drivers off the highways for good.
The issue hit home after a string of deadly crashes that put the spotlight on this mess.
Take Harjinder Singh, an Indian national squatting illegally in the U.S., who allegedly pulled an illegal U-turn on a Florida road, leading to a horrific smash-up that k*lled three innocent people when their car plowed into his massive tractor-trailer.
Then there’s the recent nightmare in California, where Jashanpreet Singh, another illegal migrant, is accused of slamming into several vehicles on a highway—all while hopped up on drugs. These tragedies are waking people up to the real risks Americans face every day.
President Donald Trump isn’t sitting idle either. He put pen to paper on an executive order that brings back English proficiency rules for anyone wanting to drive a truck here. It’s a no-brainer move to ensure clear communication on the roads, especially in emergencies.
Joining the charge are heavy hitters like Sen. Tom Cotton from Arkansas, Tommy Tuberville from Alabama, Bill Hagerty from Tennessee, and Rep. Andy Barr from Kentucky.
They’ve rolled out the Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act of 2025, a bill laser-focused on blocking illegal aliens from snagging those coveted commercial licenses.
Tuberville made it crystal clear why this matters for regular Americans. “If you drive a truck in the United States, you should be able to speak English fluently. This protects our law enforcement officers and the general public. This is not only about safety and efficiency – it’s just commonsense. Whether taking their kids to school, driving to work, or going to the grocery store, Americans shouldn’t feel in danger every time they get on the road,” he stated.
These proposals are firing up conservatives who say enough is enough with open-border policies that put lives at stake. It’s about reclaiming control and prioritizing American safety over catering to lawbreakers.
Critics of the current system point to how lax licensing has turned American highways into a free-for-all.
With illegals flooding in, states that play fast and loose with rules are basically inviting chaos onto the blacktop.
Supporters argue this isn’t just policy—it’s a stand for common decency. Why should hardworking truckers who follow the rules compete with those who snuck in and can’t even read road signs properly?
As the debate heats up, expect more stories like those deadly wrecks to fuel the fire. Republicans are betting that voters will back them in demanding tougher enforcement to keep U.S. roads safe and sovereign.
