LoBiondo Applauds Passage of Jobs Legislation for Veterans

MAYS LANDING, N.J. – One of a handful in Congress to hold a commercial drivers license (CDL), U.S. Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02) today applaud the unanimous agreement by Congress to approve the “Military Commercial Driver’s License Act of 2012.” Addressing a shortage of truck drivers across the country and the high level of veterans looking for work, the legislation will allow active duty military personnel to obtain a CDL in the state where they serve, or where they received their military training, even if it is not their state of permanent residence.

"At a time when unemployment is too high, particularly among our veterans, this common-sense legislation will remove barriers for our American heroes to begin pursuing American jobs and position them for life after the military,” said LoBiondo. “As a former trucker myself, I’m proud to have supported this legislation that is a win-win for our military personnel and the economy.”       

The U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Transportation both identified the residency issue as a barrier for military personnel to obtain their CDLs. Under current law, states are only able to issue CDLs to persons who are legal residents in the state. Since many military personnel receive their vehicle training in locations other than their homes of record, including their duty stations, the current law makes it particularly difficult for them to obtain a CDL before leaving military service.

LoBiondo, whose family previously owned LoBiondo Brothers Motor Express in Rosenhayn, was an original cosponsor to the House-version of the bipartisan legislation introduced by Representative Larry Buschon (IN-8). The American Legion and the American Trucking Association both endorsed the bill.

LoBiondo serves on both the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. H.R. 6456 will now go onto the President for his signature.

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