Buckeye Reporter

At a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing, Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) questioned Teamsters President Sean O’Brien about the effects of former President Trump’s trade policies on American workers. The discussion covered issues such as global trade agreements like NAFTA and the impact these deals have had on U.S. jobs.

Both Moreno and O’Brien addressed how Trump-era tariffs have influenced the job market for middle-class Americans. They discussed whether these tariffs helped to create a more level playing field for domestic workers. The conversation also touched on concerns regarding cross-border trucking and labor standards.

O’Brien expressed his position on the issue of foreign truck drivers operating in the United States: “We heard a comment today about Mexican truck drivers coming across these borders and doing the cabotage. We are in 100% agreement that shouldn’t be happening. As a matter of fact, we’d rather have Mexican truck drivers drop the trailers at the borders and let American companies pick them up and do the deliveries,” O’Brien said.

O’Brien further agreed with Moreno that American truck drivers should be required to speak English, noting challenges under current border policies.