U.S. Rep. John Carney introduced the Military Commercial Driver’s License Act of 2012 to give active armed forces personnel, as well as reservists and national guard members, more flexibility in obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) that will allow them to pursue job opportunities immediately after returning to civilian life.
The Military CDL Act was co-sponsored by members of both parties and passed both the House and Senate unanimously. President Obama is anticipated to sign the legislation in the next few days. John Carney’s legislation will greatly assist veterans as well as supporting the national economy.
Before the CDL Act was passed, a state could only issue a CDL to a legal resident of that state, making it difficult for service members to obtain a CDL before leaving military service. Some 200,000 long-haul trucking jobs are open now, and that number may reach 300,000 by 2020. Veterans who obtain CDLs will become eligible for these well-paid jobs while helping to move goods in commerce across the nation.
John Carney has shown what leadership, common sense and bipartisan cooperation can accomplish, and demonstrated why he should be re-elected on Nov. 6.
Mary James Legatski
Dagsboro