FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353
October 16, 2025
Cotton, Barr, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Conduct English-Only CDL Tests
Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee) and Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) today introduced the Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act. This legislation will require all commercial driver’s license (CDL) testing to be conducted in English only and allows the Transportation Secretary to suspend or revoke a state’s authority to issue non-domiciled CDLs if they aren’t compliant with federal standards.
Congressman Andy Barr (Kentucky-6) introduced companion legislation in the House.
“For everyone’s safety, you must be able to read and understand English road signs when operating a commercial vehicle. Our bill would require commercial drivers to pass the test given in English,” said Senator Cotton.
“If you drive a truck in the United States, you should be able to speak English fluently. This protects our law enforcement officers and the general public. This is not only about safety and efficiency – it’s just commonsense. Whether taking their kids to school, driving to work, or going to the grocery store, Americans shouldn’t feel in danger every time they get on the road,” said Senator Tuberville.
“By issuing CDLs to illegal immigrants, states like California are undermining federal law and endangering public safety. Our bill restores accountability by strengthening President Trump’s authority to hold liberal states in check when they defy federal law and recklessly grant CDLs to illegal immigrants,” said Congressman Barr.
Text of the bill can be found here.
The Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act would:
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