Press Releases

For Immediate Release              Contact: Alayah Phipps  

October 21, 2025                        202-813-2793  

PRESS RELEASE   

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO EXPAND THE COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE PROGRAM TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND PUERTO RICO 

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett shared the following statement on the introduction of H.R. 5656, legislation which would grant the United States Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico eligibility to issue commercial driver’s licenses:  

“I am proud to introduce bipartisan legislation to expand access to commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) for residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, which will strengthen highway safety and bolster our local economies. This measure rectifies an inequity that has denied U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico residents these nationally recognized licenses, which are available to all other Americans. I appreciate the partnership of my colleagues Congressman Chuck Edwards (R-NC) and Resident Commissioner Hernández (D-PR) on this critical legislation, and I commend organizations like the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance for championing CDL access for our communities,” stated Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett. 

“Americans in every part of the United States, including the territories, deserve access to the tools needed to strengthen their workforce and grow economically. The introduction of the OPEN CDL Act is a critical step toward meeting this goal by allowing Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands to issue commercial driver’s licenses to those who are there legally," said Congressman Chuck Edwards. "This legislation marks an important milestone in expanding the economic mobility of all Americans while enhancing the safety of our roads." 

“This bill is about fairness and opportunity. By allowing Puerto Rico to issue commercial driver’s licenses and working with federal regulators to ensure compliance, we’re opening doors for our people to access good-paying jobs, strengthen our transportation workforce, and ensure safety standards are met. Puerto Ricans deserve the same opportunities as workers in every state, and this measure helps level the playing field,” noted Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández.  

“The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance supports H.R. 5656. As a transportation safety organization, the Alliance is committed to preventing commercial motor vehicle crashes, injuries and fatalities on our roadways,” said Collin Mooney, Executive Director, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. “This inclusive bill will bolster that goal by enabling the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico to enhance their existing commercial driver’s license programs, aligning them with U.S. federal regulations and allowing for the recognition of those licenses as equivalent to other U.S. licenses with a single and proper credential for all CDL holders from both territories.” 

“Expanding CDL access to the Virgin Islands is a strategic investment in our economy and public safety. It also ensures that our commercial drivers meet federal safety standards, which is essential for protecting passengers, freight, and everyone who shares our roads. I applaud Congresswoman Plaskett for her leadership in advancing this vital initiative,” stated Barbara Jackson-McIntosh, Director, U.S. Virgin Islands Bureau of Motor Vehicles. “The Bureau of Motor Vehicles is prepared to implement this program, helping residents access new career opportunities while ensuring our commercial drivers meet federal safety standards.” 

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