Bills · HR 5656
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 5656Transportation and Public Works
To amend title 49, United States Code, to grant the United States Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico eligibility to issue commercial driver's licenses, and for other purposes.
INTRO SEP 30· LAST ACTION DEC 1
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
2BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it helps the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico achieve greater economic self-sufficiency and parity with the mainland U.S. and other territories that can already issue CDLs. By allowing them to issue CDLs, it creates new job opportunities for residents in the transportation sector, which is vital for moving goods and people.
If this bill becomes law, it means more local control over a key aspect of transportation and potential for economic growth in the territories. If it doesn't pass, residents in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico would continue to face hurdles in pursuing commercial driving careers, and their economies might miss out on related development opportunities. The grace period is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition to full compliance with federal safety standards, balancing economic development with public safety.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Grants the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico eligibility to issue commercial driver's licenses (CDLs).
This provision provides residents of these territories with local access to necessary commercial driving credentials, fostering economic opportunities.
PROVISION 02
Directs the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to assist the territories in achieving full compliance with federal commercial motor vehicle safety standards.
This ensures that the new CDL programs in the territories meet national safety requirements, protecting all drivers.
PROVISION 03
Establishes a five-year grace period during which the territories will not lose federal highway funds for failing to immediately comply with all CDL requirements.
This provides essential time for the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico to develop and implement their CDL programs without financial penalties.
PROVISION 04
Clarifies how existing penalties for non-compliance with federal funding requirements apply to the U.S. Virgin Islands for certain apportioned funds.
This ensures accountability for federal funds while clarifying the framework under which the territories operate.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 2
D· U.S. Virgin Islands
YRS IN OFFICE
11
BILLS LED
20
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 100%
DEM 1 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTSDEC 1
Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
SEP 30
Introduced in House
SEP 30
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 5656
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedSep 30, 2025
Last actionDec 1, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED SEP 30, 2025
House BillHR 5656Transportation and Public Works
To amend title 49, United States Code, to grant the United States Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico eligibility to issue commercial driver's licenses, and for other purposes.
INTRODUCED SEP 30, 2025· LAST ACTION DEC 1, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
2 min
COSPONSORS
2
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
