Teamsters Advocate for Jobs, Safety in BUILD America 250 Act

BUILD America 250 Act: A Focus on American Workforce and Safety Measures

(WASHINGTON) – A transformative surface transportation bill, the BUILD America 250 Act, is set to influence the future of the transportation sector across the United States. This extensive five-year reauthorization proposal, which is scheduled for discussion in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, could have significant implications for Teamsters nationwide. Leadership of the committee includes Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO-6^th District) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA-2^nd District).

Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien remarked, “The Teamsters Union commends the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for addressing many of the Teamsters’ priority issues in this legislation, including expanding CDL training, establishing an autonomous vehicle framework for state and local governments to build upon, creating groundbreaking mandates for physical barriers on transit buses to protect drivers, and putting the final nail in the coffin for Chinese-owned manufacturers trying to destroy the livelihoods of Teamsters who build transit buses.”

The bill is poised to enhance the federal permitting process, ensuring that investments are converted into tangible construction jobs. It emphasizes the importance of safeguarding roadway safety, especially for construction workers. Despite its progressive stance, the Teamsters are calling for further refinements to the bill, particularly the inclusion of the Railway Safety Act and other vital rail safety regulations. Additionally, there is a strong opposition to any amendments that might lead to an increased maximum weight for trucks on national highways.

Reiterating their dedication, O’Brien stated, “The Teamsters are proud to be the largest and strongest union representing transportation workers in America. We will continue to put the American worker and the safety and livelihoods of our 1.3 million members first as this important legislation makes its way through Congress.”

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, established in 1903, represents 1.3 million dedicated workers throughout the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. For more details, visit Teamster.org. Stay updated by following them on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.