On 2026-09-14, Representative Eric A. "Rick" Crawford (R-AR-1) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF ARKANSAS AND NATIONAL TRUCK DRIVERS" in the House.
RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF ARKANSAS AND NATIONAL TRUCK DRIVERS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 144 (Monday, September 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 144 (Monday, September 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E914] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF ARKANSAS AND NATIONAL TRUCK DRIVERS ______ HON. ERIC A. ``RICK'' CRAWFORD of arkansas in the house of representatives Monday, September 14, 2026 Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the millions of professional truck drivers who serve the American public each and every day. Truck drivers transport billions of dollars' worth of goods across our country, delivering essential products that Americans rely on every day. These men and women are the backbone of our Nation's economy. Without their dedication and tireless work, our communities would not have access to the goods and services they depend on. These drivers have committed their careers to serving others and ensuring that our Nation's supply chain continues to move. However, that responsibility does not come without its fair share of challenges. Truck drivers face long hours on the road, time away from their families, demanding work conditions, and the constant responsibility of safely delivering the goods our Nation depends on. These challenges are felt by truckers across our country, including the thousands of hardworking men and women who call Arkansas home. I want to applaud the associations in my state and across our Nation that represent the needs of truck drivers. Associations such as the Arkansas Trucking Association advocate every day on behalf of these men and women and the trucking companies that employ them. Their work has helped make Arkansas a national hub for trucking. I also want to acknowledge the thousands of trucking companies and their drivers based in Arkansas for the hard work they do for my constituents. Companies such as J.B. Hunt and Maverick Transportation employ hardworking drivers who help deliver goods not only throughout Arkansas, but the entire Nation. As Vice Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I am proud to be a champion of several key pieces of legislation this Congress aimed at strengthening the trucking industry, improving safety, and making sure our Nation's truck drivers are heard and supported. I will continue to advocate for our truckers and their needs. As we recognize these hardworking men and women during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, we must remember that our economy depends on them. Without our truck drivers, our economy would come to a standstill, our shelves would go empty, and our communities lose access to the goods they rely on every day. I want to thank the millions of truck drivers across our country, and especially those who call Arkansas home, for keeping America moving. ____________________