West Houston News

Congressman Troy E. Nehls and Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan have reintroduced the Trucker Bathroom Access Act, aiming to ensure that truckers have access to bathroom facilities while on the job across the United States. The legislation would require businesses with existing restroom facilities for customers or employees to provide the same access to truck drivers, though it does not mandate the construction of new facilities.

“Truckers are this nation’s backbone,” stated Congressman Nehls. “Our nation’s hardworking truckers keep our country moving and should have access to bathroom facilities while they are on the road—it’s common sense. I’m proud to join my colleague, Congresswoman Houlahan, in reintroducing legislation to ensure that truck drivers have access to the restroom at work.”

Congresswoman Houlahan likewise emphasized the need for the legislation, particularly as more women join the trucking industry. “Truck drivers are the backbone of our economy, but inhospitable working conditions have caused challenges with recruitment and retention,” she said. According to her, “As female drivers are increasingly filling essential trucking positions, they face a lack of restroom access while making deliveries and pickups. I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation to ensure every truck driver is guaranteed access to a restroom while they do their critical jobs, breaking down a systemic barrier that has kept women out of the industry.”

The legislation is backed by Representatives Brian Babin and Hillary Scholten and is supported by several industry organizations, including the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), the American Trucking Association, the Women In Trucking Association, She Trucking, and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

Todd Spencer, President of OOIDA, highlighted the issue by stating that “Over 70% of America’s freight is exclusively carried by trucks, yet every single day men and women truck drivers are forced to ‘hold it’ because they aren’t allowed access to the restroom when picking up or delivering freight.” He expressed gratitude to Representatives Nehls and Houlahan, adding, “OOIDA and our 150,000 members thank Representatives Nehls and Houlahan for showing tremendous leadership on this issue, and we look forward to working with them and our coalition partners to get this commonsense, bipartisan legislation signed into law.”

Chris Spear, President & CEO of the American Trucking Association, underscored the importance of the legislation for driver dignity and retention, stating, “Truck drivers are the heartbeat of our economy and critical to supply chain continuity. When they stop to make pickups or deliveries — which can take hours on end while the truck waits to be loaded or unloaded — drivers should have access to restroom facilities. Such basic accommodations are more than just common courtesy. This is about ensuring the dignity of drivers and supporting the men and women who do the heavy lifting to provide for everyone in this country.”

Jennifer Hedrick, President and CEO of the Women In Trucking Association, joined in support, saying, “Women In Trucking Association is proud to support this legislation and is grateful for the leadership of Representatives Nehls and Houlahan in recognizing this basic necessity for drivers.” She added, “Changes like these encourage more women to enter the trucking profession and boost the safety, security, and efficiency of our supply chain.”

Sharae Moore, Founder & CEO of She Trucking, also voiced backing for the bill, noting, “As a professional truck driver, I understand the daily challenges drivers face in accessing clean and safe restrooms. Time-sensitive loads, heavy traffic, unpredictable weather, and limited truck parking often make it nearly impossible for drivers to find necessary restroom facilities when they need them. The Trucker Bathroom Access Act is a vital step toward ensuring that all truck drivers, especially women, have access to restrooms while on the road. She Trucking proudly supports this bill and the effort to improve working conditions for the men and women behind the wheel.”