Truck Weight Legislation passes House, off to the Senate

Today, the House passed a provision that would allow heavier trucks on the Maine Interstate. Passage by the Senate, which is expected later today or tomorrow, will clear the bill for the President’s signature.

Congressman Michaud spoke in favor of the provision on the House floor.  Click Here to watch Congressman Michaud’s remarks

The provision was included as part of a conference report on a measure that funds the departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, as well as the space program. The bill also contains a Continuing Resolution, which will fund the government until December 16, 2011.

Congressman Mike Michaud’s top priority was making sure that a fix for Maine’s truck weight problem was contained in the bill, and he worked with Democratic and Republican leaders in the House to make sure that the provision survived. Senator Collins worked to ensure that the provision was included in the original Senate bill to provide funding for transportation programs. Additionally, Senator Snowe and Congresswoman Pingree have been strong supporters of making this change.

“Mainers already know the benefits of this commonsense provision,” said Michaud. “Letting heavier trucks use the Interstate reduces fuel consumption, cuts emissions, reduces travel times and reduces the competitive disadvantage between Maine and our neighbors. I would like to thank House leaders for supporting my efforts to ensure that this provision was included in the final bill.”

Michaud is continuing to push forward with a bill he authored that will give Maine and other states the authority to make these changes. Michaud’s bill, the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act, currently has 57 bipartisan cosponsors and has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID).