Republican Bill Targets Blue States Granting Truck Licenses to Illegal Aliens
A coalition of Republican lawmakers is set to introduce legislation Thursday that would block states from issuing commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to illegal immigrants — a move aimed squarely at deep-blue jurisdictions like California.
Backed by Kentucky Congressman Andy Barr and Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Bill Hagerty (R-TN), the proposed bill would strengthen the Trump administration’s authority to penalize states that defy federal CDL regulations.
According to legislative documents reviewed by The Daily Wire, the bill empowers Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to revoke a state’s ability to issue “non-domiciled CDLs” — commercial licenses issued to applicants not residing in the state — if the state is found to be circumventing federal requirements.
“By issuing CDLs to illegal immigrants, states like California are undermining federal law and endangering public safety,” said Barr, who is running to replace retiring Senator Mitch McConnell. “Our bill restores accountability by strengthening President Trump’s authority to hold liberal states in check.”
The legislation comes after a deadly incident in Florida involving Harjinder Singh, an illegal immigrant trucker who obtained his CDL in California. Singh, who illegally entered the U.S. in 2018, reportedly caused a crash that killed three Americans after attempting an illegal U-turn. The tragedy prompted an investigation into California’s CDL program.
Transportation Secretary Duffy responded by slashing more than $40 million in federal funds from California, citing a Department of Transportation investigation that found over 25% of the state’s non-domiciled CDLs were improperly issued. But under current law, Duffy’s authority stops at withholding funding.
The proposed bill would go further — allowing the Secretary to fully revoke a state’s CDL-issuing powers if violations persist.
In addition to enforcement mechanisms, the bill includes new national standards for CDL applicants. All commercial drivers would be required to take tests in English and hold a regular driver’s license for at least one year before applying for a CDL.
“For everyone’s safety, you must be able to read and understand English road signs when operating a commercial vehicle,” said Senator Cotton. “Our bill would require commercial drivers to pass the test given in English.”
The push reflects growing GOP frustration with sanctuary states that defy federal immigration and licensing laws. California, Illinois, and New York have all drawn criticism for expanding driver’s license access to undocumented immigrants — a policy Republicans argue jeopardizes public safety, especially for those operating heavy-duty commercial trucks.
This latest bill is expected to garner wide support among House Republicans and may serve as a key issue for candidates in 2026 battleground races.
With federal enforcement and state autonomy on a collision course, the legislation marks the latest front in the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on illegal immigration and progressive defiance of federal law.