Federal Motor Carrier Safety Acting Deputy Administrator Julie Anna Cirillo today announced that a panel of transportation experts will review the Illinois commercial driver's license (CDL) program.

The panel was created in response to Illinois Governor George Ryan's request to U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater for assistance in conducting a review of the State's CDL and driver safety programs. An ongoing federal investigation of the Illinois CDL program is looking into alleged fraudulent issuing of CDLs to drivers in Illinois and Florida.

"Safety is our number one priority, and this action is designed to ensure that all drivers are safe and qualified to operate commercial vehicles," Cirillo said. "We look forward to working with the Governor's Office to ensure the safety of the Illinois CDL program."

The panel will seek to ensure that the safety of the motoring public is not compromised by unqualified CDL holders. While addressing CDL deficiencies in Illinois, the panel hopes to develop system and operational recommendations that will strengthen state CDL programs nationwide. The panel will be chaired by Brian McLaughlin, director of the FMCSA's Office of Policy, Plans and Regulations.

The panel will begin its planned activities with a meeting today and tomorrow (May 3-4) in Chicago. A final report and recommendations will be issued upon completion of the panel's review.

The panel members, in addition to McLaughlin, include Doug Sawin, FMCSA Midwest field administrator; Darin Jones, FMCSA state program specialist; John Mulcare, FMCSA Illinois state director; Larry Slade, FMCSA transportation specialist, Washington, D.C.; Kevin O'Brien, New York state director, Department of Motor Vehicles; Craig Singleton, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Chicago office.

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