Source:  Press Release, 2/10/11

U.S. Rep. Howard Coble (R-NC) speaking on the House floor today called for relief of burdensome regulations placed on the transportation sector of our economy.  Congressman Coble, a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure committee, said Congress needs to simplify federal regulations.

         “We’ve all heard the expression, 'keep it simple, stupid,’ the K.I.S.S. formula,” Rep. Coble said on the House floor today.  “Our government needs to do a better job of adhering to this phrase.”  He said that in transportation industries, there are numerous examples where the regulatory process is burdensome and impedes private enterprise.  

         “The Department of Transportation (DOT) has regulations pending that classify lithium cells and batteries as hazardous materials,” Coble stated.  “If implemented, this could create an impediment in getting batteries to consumers, the military and government agencies.  As a result, this could jeopardize manufacturing jobs in my district – jobs we cannot afford to lose.

         “DOT has also put forth regulations that would implement changes to hours of service regulations.  This proposal is soliciting comments on whether to retain the current 11-hour time limit or reduce the maximum driving time to 10 hours, something the agency prefers.  If implemented, it will create ramifications for goods movement and likely affect consumers’ wallets and private enterprise.

         “Finally, the National Mediation Board recently published a rule that alters how labor elections occur.  Under previous guidelines, a majority of the eligible electorate must vote in favor of unionization. Under the new rules, this majority is defined by those who actually vote in elections, meaning the outcome could form a union when the majority of persons affected didn’t express the desire to do so.  This is simply another way for the labor movement to gain traction and dictate an outcome that they can’t achieve otherwise.  

         “We support reducing the number of regulations, Mr. Speaker, but that’s not to say that we support compromising safety – indeed, we do not.

         “Mr. Speaker, we can do better.  We can provide oversight that is simple and straightforward without impeding private enterprise. Our economy will benefit if we bear in mind the saying, 'keep it simple, stupid.’”