Highway Bill Misses Safety Mark, Some Democrats Say

A $78 billion bill to fund rail, freight, and safety programs lacks enough safety upgrades to vehicles and trucks, some Democrats and advocacy groups say, suggesting divisions as the bipartisan measure heads into markup with controversial amendments.

Democrats and safety groups want stronger safety provisions in the surface transportation legislation (S. 2016), including technology to avoid crashes. The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee is scheduled on Wednesday to mark up the legislation introduced by Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

Lawmakers are also set to consider amendments that would extend hours of service for truckers ...