National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Philip Ellis released the following statement regarding the failure to include Representative Ribble’s truck reform language in H.R. 22 Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act.

“The vote taken tonight [Tuesday] is an injustice to America’s cattle producers. Truck weight regulations affect every cattle producer’s bottom line. Outdated federal transportation laws force trucks to carry partially full loads, stifling efficiency and requiring more trucks than necessary on the road. While some opponents claim a safety issue, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s own Comprehensive Truck Size and Weight Study shows the numerous benefits to increasing truck weights without sacrificing the safety. Instead of voting on the side of science, our elected officials were bullied into a faulty emotional vote – a dangerous precedent for our lawmakers to follow. Cattlemen and women appreciate the strong leadership of Rep. Ribble (R-WI) for bringing forward legislation that would have made livestock transportation safer, more economical, and less stressful on U.S. roadways. Without meaningful reform to the outdated truck weight laws, NCBA cannot support the passage of the Highway Bill.”