A new proposal in Congress is stirring debate in the trucking world. Representative Byron Donalds has introduced the WEIGH Act, a bill that would make every interstate weigh station double as an English language checkpoint for commercial drivers.

What the Bill Would Do

Right now, weigh stations mainly focus on safety and weight compliance. Under the WEIGH Act, they’d also be used to enforce English Language Proficiency (ELP) rules. Truckers would need to demonstrate that they can read and speak English well enough to operate safely in the U.S.

This move would essentially lock into law a Trump term policy that’s already being enforced through executive action. By passing the WEIGH Act, Congress would make it permanent, rather than leaving it up to whichever administration is in charge.

Why It Matters

The ELP requirement is already reshaping the trucking workforce. As of June 2025, it’s estimated to affect millions of drivers, especially immigrants who have been keeping freight moving across the country. Supporters argue it’s a matter of safety—drivers need to understand road signs, communicate with enforcement officers, and handle emergencies. Critics warn it could shrink the labor pool at a time when trucking capacity is already tight.

The Bigger Picture

If passed, the WEIGH Act would change the daily routine for truckers nationwide. Every stop at a weigh station wouldn’t just be about axle loads or logbooks—it could also mean proving language skills on the spot. For some drivers, that may add stress to an already demanding job. For others, it might level the playing field.