A bill, S. 3959, to allow truck drivers to obtain both a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) with a single background check and a single fee, has passed the Senate by unanimous consent. NEFI supports this bill and has helped secure congressional sponsorship.

The House version of the bill, H.R. 5840, was approved by the House Homeland Security Committee on September 25, 2024. It is expected to be scheduled for a floor vote in the House in the next few days.

“It will be nice to end the year with another win for our members and the industry,” said NEFI President & CEO Jim Collura. “We have been working closely with coalition partners in support of this legislation for many years. It will lower costs and red tape for wholesalers, retailers, and fuel transporters and help keep drivers on the road. Hopefully, the House moves quickly to pass this commonsense bipartisan legislation.”

The Senate bill would streamline the Security Threat Assessment program under the Transportation Security Administration and allow an applicant to obtain both a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and a Hazardous Material Endorsement (HME) for a Commercial Driver’s License with a single background check and a single fee. The bill also provides for expedited rulemaking without notice and comment and authorizes TSA to issue an interim final rule to implement the statutory provisions as soon as possible.