The House rejected a bill that would increase truck weights from 80,000 to 91,000 pounds last night.
The SAFE trucking bill was defeated 236-187.
Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers were swayed by safety concerns, worried that increasing the size of a truck by 14% could increase crashes even trucks had a sixth axle.
The controversial amendment was supported by shippers, some trucking companies, and the agricultural industry, who claimed it was necessary to improve efficiency and reduce the number of trucks on the road. Rep. Reid Ribble claimed that many trucks were only half full because of weight limitations.
The SAFE trucking bill faced harsh criticism from the railroad industry, safety advocates, and Democrats who were concerned about paying for the wear and tear on roads.
Sources:
The Hill
U.S. News & World Report