Rep. Lee Terry, R-NE, has signed on as a cosponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 164, which would establish a National Truck Safety Month each year.

"This is a great way to recognize truckdrivers' contributions to highway safety and to raise awareness on issues where we can reduce further accidents on our nation's roads," Jeff Connor, communications director in Rep. Terry's office, told Land Line. 

The resolution, sponsored by Missouri Rep. Sam Graves, asks President George W. Bush to issue a proclamation commending all truckers for their extra effort this June to comply with truck safety regulations. The legislators introduced a congressional resolution to heighten awareness about the contributions, needs and safety-related issues of the nation's truckdrivers.

"The pressure on truckdrivers is real and, at times, can be immense," OOIDA President Jim Johnston said. "We appreciate this effort by Congress, and encourage all truckers to contact their U.S. representative and ask them to sign on as a cosponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 164."

Cosponsors include Rep. Mac Collins, R-GA, a small-business owner, who started Collins Trucking at the age of 18. A native of Georgia, he is serving his sixth term in the U.S. Congress and is a member of the House Ways & Means Committee. Other cosponsors include: Rep. Kevin Brady, R-TX, who also serves on the House Ways & Means Committee; and Rep. Jim Oberstar, D-MN, senior Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

The resolution calls on all highway users, shippers, receivers, motor carriers and federal and state regulatory and law-enforcement officials to support the efforts of truckdrivers to make the nation's highways a safer place to travel and to work.

Rep. Terry has been a member of the U.S. House since 1998, serving the second district of Nebraska.

Before he was elected to Congress, the lifetime Omaha resident was president of the Omaha City Council for two years and vice president for two years. He also served previously on the Omaha/Douglas County Public Building Commission. 

--by Mark H. Reddig, associate editor

Mark Reddig can be reached at mreddig@landlinemag.com.