One Year After the Preventable Tragedy on Florida’s Turnpike, RSC Members Call for Passage of Dalilah’s Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. — One year ago today, an illegal alien driving an 18-wheeler caused a fatal accident on the Florida Turnpike, making an illegal U-turn that killed three innocent Americans. That driver had obtained a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in California despite limited English proficiency and an inadequate understanding of road signs, a failure that cost three people their lives.

House Republicans are fighting to close this dangerous loophole and make American roadways safer. Dalilah's Law, introduced by Rep. Rouzer (NC-07), is named after Dalilah Coleman, who was tragically struck by an illegal alien driving an 18-wheel tractor-trailer when she was just five years old. The crash left her with a traumatic brain injury, skull fractures, a broken femur, and weeks in a coma.

The legislation would prevent illegal aliens from obtaining CDLs when they lack the English proficiency, road-rule knowledge, and safety skills necessary to operate commercial motor vehicles. Dalilah's Law passed out of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and now awaits a full vote by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Here’s what Members of the Republican Study Committee (RSC) had to say about the importance of Dalilah’s Law:

“The tragic crash on Florida’s Turnpike one year ago is a reminder American lives are at stake every day when we have unqualified drivers behind the wheel of big rigs. Commercial drivers must be able to read English, be properly vetted, and legally qualified to be here to drive on our roads. It’s just common sense. Dalilah’s Law will keep these unqualified dangerous drivers off our roads and protect American lives,” said Rep. David Rouzer (NC-07).

“Herby Dufresne, Rodrigue Dor, and Faniola Joseph should be alive today. Instead, their lives were tragically ended in an accident caused by an illegal alien truck driver that made an unlawful turn despite clearly marked signs prohibiting the action. Their deaths are a tragic reminder of why I introduced Dalilah's Law, which requires English proficiency and legal status in addition to certification to obtain a commercial driver’s license and to make our roads safer for American drivers. On this anniversary, the urgency of Dalilah’s Law is clearer than ever. We must ensure that every person behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound truck on our highways is here legally, understands the rules of the road, and is able to operate safely,” said Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-09).

“Public safety should never take a back seat to politics. Anyone operating a 40-ton commercial truck on our roads must meet the highest safety standards and be able to understand the rules of the road. Those who are in our country illegally or cannot read or understand English should not be behind the wheel of a commercial truck putting American lives at risk. The tragedy that struck Dalilah Coleman could have been prevented if California had not granted commercial driver’s licenses to those in our country illegally. We owe it to the Coleman family and every family traveling our roads to pursue commonsense reforms like Dalilah’s Law that put safety first and help prevent another preventable tragedy,” said Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20).

“Every American deserves to feel safe on the road. Operating an 80,000-pound truck is a serious responsibility. If you can’t read signs or communicate in English, you shouldn’t be behind the wheel. Dalilah’s Law is about common sense and protecting the American people,” said Rep. Jimmy Patronis (FL-01).

“One year ago, three innocent Americans lost their lives in a horrific and preventable crash on the Florida Turnpike. No family should have to endure a tragedy like this because someone who was not legally eligible or properly qualified was allowed behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle. Dalilah’s Law establishes a clear, commonsense standard, individuals who are in our country illegally should not be eligible to obtain a commercial driver’s license. I am proud to support this legislation to strengthen accountability, uphold the rule of law, and ensure the safety of every American traveling on our roadways,” said Rep. Laurel Lee (FL-15).

“It is common sense to require that commercial drivers be able to read road signs. Illegal aliens with little-to-no knowledge of our language and traffic laws pose a major threat to Americans. I am proud to support legislation that keeps our roads and highways safe,” said Rep. Tim Burchett (TN-02).

“From top to bottom, this is common sense legislation that will secure our roads, protect American citizens, and enforce our immigration laws. If you're in this country illegally, you shouldn't be given the keys to the largest, most powerful vehicles on the road. Plain and simple,” said Rep. Mike Kelly (PA-16).

“No American should have to wonder whether the driver of an 80,000-pound truck in the next lane is qualified to be there. Dalilah’s Law sets a commonsense standard: commercial drivers should be legally eligible to drive, able to read our road signs, and properly trained before they get behind the wheel. These are basic requirements that protect everyone on the road. I’m proud to cosponsor Dalilah’s Law and will work to see it signed into law,” said Rep. Jefferson Shreve (IN-06).

Background: The Republican Study Committee (RSC) held a member roundtable featuring Dalilah and Marcus Coleman to speak out on the dangerous federal loophole that allows illegal aliens to obtain CDLs. Dalilah’s Law codifies efforts by President Trump and Transportation Secretary Duffy to crack down on this safety crisis that was exacerbated by the open border policies of the Biden-Harris administration.