WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A new U.S. Senate bill aims to suspend commercial truck drivers who fail English proficiency tests, following a fatal crash on Florida's Turnpike this past summer that killed three people in St. Lucie County.
The legislation, introduced by U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., arises after investigations revealed that the driver, Harjinder Singh, made an illegal U-turn leading to the deadly incident. Singh held a non-domiciled commercial driver's license from California but was not proficient in English, failing roadway signage tests, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The proposed bill would implement immediate “out-of-service” orders for drivers who do not pass English exams, seeking to codify President Trump's earlier executive orders on this issue. “Truckers haul everything from toilet paper to bombs; communication with first responders is critical,” said Lewie Pugh, executive vice president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association.
In opposition, the Florida Immigration Coalition argues the legislation could displace experienced workers amid economic difficulties. They emphasize that immigrant drivers have reliably contributed to the supply chain and that language needs should be managed by employers.
Pugh insists that the focus must be on safety, stating, “You don't have to speak the King's English to drive a truck; you just need to be fluent enough.”
The bill is currently under review and awaits committee debate and a potential vote.