Giannoulias Criticizes Federal Moves That Restrict Illinois CDL Grants and Issuances

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias criticized the Trump administration for attempting to cut a $3.6 million federal grant meant to improve road safety and for imposing new restrictions on commercial driver’s licenses for non-domiciled citizens. The grant supports studies to prevent truck and bus crashes, reduce exam fraud, and translate CDL materials into Spanish. Federal limits on non-domiciled CDLs have forced Illinois and 24 other states to pause issuing and renewing licenses, disrupting trucking, supply chains, and the agriculture industry. The restrictions coincide with rising demand for fast delivery and have caused concern among farmers and trucking groups, who say the delays threaten operations, raise costs, and create uncertainty for workers and businesses. Litigation over the rule is expected to continue.