In a recent radio interview on Mobile, Alabama's FM Talk 106.5, Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) unveiled the Understanding Basic English Requirements (UBER) Act.
This legislative proposal aims to mandate English proficiency for drivers working with rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft, particularly those engaged in government contracts. The initiative seeks to bolster the safety of rideshare passengers by aligning driver qualifications with the federal standards set for Commercial Drivers Licenses.
As reported by Breitbart, the UBER Act stipulates that drivers who fail to meet these English language requirements could face a five-year ban from receiving federal contracts. Senator Tuberville expressed his reluctance to introduce new legislation, stating, "You know, I hate new laws. I really do. You know, as the American people, weve got enough laws in this country over the last 250 years."
However, he emphasized the necessity of this measure in light of the current immigration situation, which he believes has led to an influx of non-English-speaking individuals, potentially endangering American citizens.
Tuberville further elaborated on the issue, drawing parallels with the requirements for commercial truck drivers. "Look at the CDL drivers, where, hey, youve got to be able to speak English to drive one of these big, big, massive trucks because people are getting slaughtered on the highways," he remarked. He highlighted the concerns of many rideshare users, who reportedly find the experience of using services like Uber and Lyft unsettling due to communication barriers.
The senator criticized rideshare companies for allegedly prioritizing their growth over safety by hiring illegal immigrants. "These platforms they have been hiring illegal aliens like crazy just to get their numbers up. Theyre all about getting their numbers, more rides. It gets their stock up," Tuberville asserted. He underscored the importance of ensuring that drivers can communicate effectively and understand traffic signs, describing the bill as "just common sense."
In addition to the UBER Act, Tuberville recently introduced the Secure Commercial Licensing Act, which mandates that all Commercial Drivers License testing be conducted exclusively in English. This move comes in response to recent accidents involving commercial drivers lacking English proficiency.
Tuberville remains hopeful about garnering bipartisan support for his initiatives, although he acknowledged the challenges posed by the current political climate, stating, "But theyre not playing ball right now with us. So, it is going to be hard to get this through."
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