Waterloo Times

Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) and Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) have introduced the Forum Accountability and Integrity in Roadway (FAIR) Trucking Act. The bill, also supported by Congressman Brandon Gill (TX-26), has received endorsements from the American Trucking Association and the Iowa Motor Truck Association.

The proposed legislation aims to address litigation issues affecting truckers by moving certain cases to federal courts. Specifically, it would grant federal jurisdiction over truck crash cases if they involve interstate commerce, seek more than $5 million in damages, and include at least one plaintiff and defendant from different states.

“Truckers keep America moving and deliver for us each and every day—but bad actors are blatantly exploiting them for payouts. Without federal oversight, truckers face unjust litigation that distorts settlements and threatens supply chains. My bill puts safety and fairness first—deterring staged collisions, protecting jobs and small businesses, and ensuring justice is the focus—not profit. I am proud to be a voice for America’s truckers and look forward to getting this crucial legislation across the finish line,” said Congresswoman Ashley Hinson.

Barrett highlighted the economic importance of trucking: “American truckers play an essential role in every aspect of our economy — from keeping the store shelves stocked to getting fuel to gas stations and delivering medical supplies to hospitals. Allowing them to keep falling victim to lawsuit ambushes in handpicked courtrooms is bad for business and bad for our supply chains. This bill will restore fair and balanced litigation while ensuring that our truckers, trucking companies, and owner-operators can keep our commerce flowing."

Gill added: "Truckers are the lifeblood of a thriving American economy. They deserve to be represented, protected, and treated fairly by our judicial system—not victimized. I am proud to join this effort by Reps. Hinson and Barrett that protects their rights in court, bolsters our supply chain, and champions these on-the-road American workers."

Chris Spear, President & CEO of American Trucking Associations stated: “When trial lawyers treat the judicial system like a game of ‘jackpot justice,’ employers, consumers, and our economy pay the price. The skyrocketing number of nuclear verdicts is driving up insurance rates to unsustainable levels and raising the cost of goods for all consumers. It also means trucking companies—the vast majority of which are small businesses—are one bad verdict away from being forced to permanently shut their doors. The FAIR Trucking Act would close the loopholes that the plaintiffs’ bar exploits to move cases to judicial hellholes and engineer these lopsided verdicts. We commend Reps. Hinson and Barrett for leading this reform effort to protect jobs, strengthen our supply chain, and restore balance and fairness to the courts.”

Brenda Neville, President & CEO of Iowa Motor Truck Association commented: “Trucking is essential to Iowa’s economy, supporting over 100,000 good-paying jobs in our state and delivering the items Americans need every day. When the plaintiffs’ bar twists civil litigation into a casino game and targets truckers to score a big payout, the costs are borne by everyone—not just trucking companies, but consumers too. We commend Rep. Hinson for leading the charge to put an end to the abusive practice of forum shopping. By leveling the playing field we can protect hardworking truckers and ensure that justice and fairness drive accident litigation outcomes not profits.”

Ashley Hinson has served as U.S Representative for Iowa's 2nd District since 2021 after replacing Abby Finkenauer; she previously was part of Iowa’s House of Representatives between 2017–2021.

She was born in Des Moines in 1983 https://www.congress.gov/member/ashley-hinson/H001091?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22Ashley+Hinson%22%5D%7D

and currently lives in Marion https://hinson.house.gov/about/.

Hinson graduated with a BA from University of Southern California in 2004.