Senate Highway Bill moves forward with agricultural exemptions

Although the Highway Bill (S.1813) has been a victim of partisan politics, according to National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Associate Director of Legislative Affairs Kent Bacus, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) reached an agreement on the consideration of a series of amendments to the Highway Bill. Two of those amendments, which passed today, are of particular importance for farm and ranch families. Specifically, an amendment brought forth by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) will exempt drivers of farm vehicles from having to acquire a commercial driver’s license. Another amendment, introduced by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), will waive hours of service restrictions during harvest seasons...more