Legislation on Staged Accidents Introduced
On September 3, Reps. Laura Gillen (D-NY), Troy Nehls (R-TX), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), and Vince Fong (R-CA) introduced the Stop Auto Fraud Act of 2026.
In recent years, schemes targeting trucking companies have resulted in staged accidents with commercial motor vehicles, resulting in expensive lawsuits, large settlements and jury decisions, and increased insurance rates across the nation.
The Stop Auto Fraud Act would make it a federal crime to knowingly stage a motor vehicle crash with any vehicle and submit a fraudulent claim based on that accident. The bill will impose penalties, including possible jail time, for violations. Any collected fines will be paid into the Highway Trust Fund.
This legislation complements another bill ATA supports, the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act, which will make it a federal crime to stage an accident specifically with a commercial motor vehicle.
REVOKE Act Introduced
On September 2, Reps. Dave Taylor (R-OH) and Shomari Figures (D-AL) teamed up to introduce H.R. 10237, the Registration Enforcement for Vehicle Operations of Known Evaders (REVOKE) Act.
The REVOKE Act strengthens FMCSA’s ability to crack down on “chameleon carriers” that evade enforcement by repeatedly registering under new identities. The bill would give the USDOT Secretary authority to inactivate and remove any USDOT number after FMCSA has revoked or suspended a person or employer’s registration. It also explicitly prohibits employers and individuals from operating without an active USDOT number.
Legislation to Reduce Emissions, Fuel Costs Advances
On September 2, the House Energy & Commerce Committee unanimously passed the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA).
This bill, led by Reps. Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Ken Calvert (R-CA), would reauthorize a valuable grant program to incentivize the replacement of older heavy-duty diesel vehicles and engines. The Senate companion of the bill also advanced out of Committee last fall. ATA will continue to work with lawmakers in both chambers to advance the bill in this Congress.
Additionally, the Committee advanced the BUSES Act led by Reps. Nick Langworthy (R-NY) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) in a 26-22 vote after a hot debate. The bill would address bus idling restrictions and the related citizen bounty program in New York City.
While the bill currently doesn't impact heavy-duty trucks, ATA is actively working with lawmakers to find relief for the numerous motor carriers that have been fined, often through fraudulent recordings, through the program.
House Judiciary Subcommittee Holds Immigration Hearing
On September 1, the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement held a hearing titled, “Sanctuary Policies, Tragic Consequences.” The hearing focused on the public safety impacts of state and local sanctuary policies restricting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Marcus Coleman, testifying on behalf of his daughter, Dalilah, was among the four witnesses. He noted that failures in immigration enforcement, CDL issuance, driver qualification standards, and interagency information sharing have allowed an influx of unqualified drivers to operate commercial vehicles nationwide. He called for stronger verification of immigration and work authorization, training, and English-language proficiency before drivers are permitted to operate CMVs.
Government Shutdown Averted
On September 1, the House passed a stopgap funding bill in a 370-48 vote, averting a government shutdown in the final stretch of campaign season and instead setting up a funding fight for after the midterm elections. The Senate approved the short-term funding bill in early August before they left for recess, and the bill now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed. The continuing resolution will keep federal funding at its current levels through December 11.
House Republican and Democrat Membership Woes
Last week, Reps. Everton Blair (D-GA-13) and Aisha Wahab (D-CA-14) were sworn in to fill existing vacancies, bringing the House breakdown to 218 Republicans, 213 Democrats, one Independent, and three remaining vacancies. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) can now only lose two Republicans on any party-line vote.
Narrow voting margins have given moderates on both sides of the aisle increased sway on party-line votes. Last week, Reps. Jared Golden (D-ME) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) cast the deciding votes on a rule that allowed for a series of Republican messaging bill votes. In response, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) told reporters he is actively discussing options for formal repercussions.
Election Update
The midterm election is only 55 days away, and the final primaries are underway. On September 1, incumbent Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) easily defeated Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA-06) in the Massachusetts primary. If reelected as expected, this will be Markey's 4th term in the Senate.
Today, primaries are being held in New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
Grassroots Update
Have you been blindsided by cargo theft? Tell your Senators that the federal government has a responsibility to take a leading role in the investigation and prosecution of cargo theft. Please click this link to send a letter to your Senators requesting their support of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act.
ATA’s Call on Washington program will return with the Moving & Storage Conference’s annual visit to Washington, D.C., on September 16th. Interested in participating in Call on Washington or hosting a truck terminal visit with your Member of Congress? Email Abbey Schroeder (aschroeder@trucking.org).
The Week Ahead
The House and Senate have adjourned. The next Hill Report will be sent on September 22.