On August 12, 2025, three members of our community lost their lives on Florida’s Turnpike because an illegal alien operating a commercial trailer-tractor cut across the highway through an “Official Use Only” access point, causing a deadly crash. 

But this crash could have been avoided. Years before, he had been denied work authorization due to his immigrant status, but he was still issued a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in California…even after he scored 2 out of 12 on an English proficiency test. 

To help put a stop to these senseless deaths and avoidable accidents, the Transportation and Infrastructure committee passed Dalilah’s Law. This legislation brings us one step closer to codifying clear, consistent federal standards for anyone seeking to operate a commercial vehicle. It ensures all operators are properly trained, authorized, and successful in an English proficiency exam for CDL holders, with testing conducted in English. 

The bill also ensures actual consequences for states that do not meet basic standards by increasing penalties for non-compliance. And states that issue improper licenses will have federal roadway funds withheld—because there’s zero room for shortcuts or errors here. 

Reliable roads, high standards, and a system that works to put American safety first. The bill now moves on to the floor of the House for a vote before it can move to the Senate.