AP Wire
  • Updated

The Trump administration wants to make sure that the Mexican train crews hauling freight just over the border can understand key safety information in English and that the common practice of using foreign crews to cross into America doesn’t threaten U.S. jobs. Two major rail unions praised the proposed rule that was announced Friday. Other proposed changes would also strengthen the standards for certifying crews for safety. The Union Pacific and CPKC railroads would be directly affected by the restrictions on Mexican crews. Those railroads have said they are committed to operating safely and following rules. The Association of American Railroads trade group declined to comment while it studies the rule.

The Trump administration wants soldiers to consider becoming truck drivers when they leave the military. Officials hope they can replace the tens of thousands of immigrant drivers who have lost their licenses in a crackdown this year. A new campaign launched Friday will promote programs that allow veterans who recently drove large military vehicles to be able to skip the required skills test to get a commercial driver’s license. Other soldiers can attend a commercial driving school during their last six months of active duty. The GI Bill will also pay for 100% of commercial driver’s license training and for some people even pay a housing allowance while they are in school.