Keeping Americans safe on our roads is common sense. All of us who rely on our highways and interstates deserve to know that every vehicle is operated by someone who’s qualified, lawfully licensed, and at the very least, proficient in the English language.

That’s why I fully support the Department of Transportation’s recent efforts to crack down on illegal and unsafe trucking operations that put American lives at risk. Earlier this summer, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced a nationwide audit of commercial driver’s licenses issued to non-citizens after reports revealed that some states—like California—were cutting corners, breaking federal law, and failing to maintain compliance. The result? Unqualified foreign drivers were getting behind the wheel of 80,000-pound vehicles and causing deadly accidents.

And we know this issue hits close to home. We've seen the tragic consequences of illegal drivers operating trucks they never should’ve been allowed to drive. Floridian lives have already been lost—it’s senseless and unacceptable. I also had the opportunity to invite Secretary Duffy to see Florida’s 21st District a few months ago in a Transportation and Infrastructure Hearing.

Since then, the Department has issued new rules requiring every state to verify immigration and employment status before issuing or upgrading a commercial license. These rules also work to strengthen background checks and close loopholes that have allowed states to bypass federal safety standards. The message is simple: no shortcuts when it comes to American safety.