Bill Overview
Title: TRUCKERS Act
Description: This bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security from imposing any COVID-19 vaccination requirement on any commercial truck driver who is a national of Canada or Mexico and seeking to temporarily enter the United States for business through a land port of entry.
Sponsors: Rep. Gimenez, Carlos A. [R-FL-26]
Target Audience
Population: Commercial truck drivers who are nationals of Canada or Mexico
Estimated Size: 0
- The bill affects commercial truck drivers from Canada and Mexico crossing into the United States.
- These drivers will no longer be subject to COVID-19 vaccination requirements imposed by the U.S.
- Commercial truck driving is a common occupation in Canada and Mexico; many drivers cross into the U.S. frequently for business.
- The act specifically targets drivers involved in trade between the U.S. and its neighboring countries via land ports of entry.
Reasoning
- The bill affects commercial truck drivers from Canada and Mexico, thus primarily impacting trade and goods transportation.
- U.S. citizens may experience indirect effects, such as changes in goods availability and prices due to streamlined border processes.
- The program has a limited budget, necessitating careful consideration of long-term fiscal impacts and potential benefits.
- The number of directly affected individuals in the U.S. is minimal as it targets foreign drivers; thus impacting U.S. citizens indirectly.
Simulated Interviews
Logistics Manager (Detroit, MI)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy should reduce delays at the border.
- Expecting more efficient shipping operations.
- Concerns over health protocols being relaxed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Customs Officer (Laredo, TX)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Easier entry may streamline my work.
- Worried about health protocols and safety.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Small Business Owner (Buffalo, NY)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If the border is more open, I can maintain stock better.
- Worried about suppliers' healthcare and vaccine status.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Economics Professor (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could be positive for trade efficiency.
- We need to balance economic and health needs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Truck Driver (San Diego, CA)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Could mean more competitive pressure from foreign drivers.
- Not much change directly for me immediately.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Supply Chain Consultant (Seattle, WA)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy may ease border transactions.
- Concern for possible neglect in safety standards.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Warehouse Manager (Houston, TX)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Could improve stock reliability and reduce delays.
- Safety protocols relaxing is a concern.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Public Health Analyst (Boston, MA)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy may increase risk of disease spread.
- Balance between economic and public health concerns needed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Transport Coordinator (El Paso, TX)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This should simplify logistics coordination.
- Understand concerns about driver vaccination status.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Economist (Chicago, IL)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Potential for improved trade relations and supply chains.
- Must measure against health risk trade-offs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $30000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $50000000)
Year 2: $31000000 (Low: $10500000, High: $51500000)
Year 3: $32000000 (Low: $11000000, High: $53000000)
Year 5: $33500000 (Low: $11500000, High: $55000000)
Year 10: $37000000 (Low: $12500000, High: $60000000)
Year 100: $80000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $110000000)
Key Considerations
- Health risks and potential increase in COVID-19 cases as a result of unvaccinated foreign truck drivers entering the U.S.
- Importance of cross-border trade for the U.S. economy, particularly with Canada and Mexico.
- Impacts on border staffing and operational procedures.