Cutting Tape for Recreational Rodeo Competitors

Floor Speech

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Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight another example of Federal overreach that threatens our Montana and Western way of life. Unclear Federal regulations could force millions of Americans who recreationally compete in rodeos or participate in other equestrian events to get a commercial driver's license. But these are not folks competing for their livelihoods. In a recent story in the Billings Gazette, Andy Bolich, the head coach for the Montana State University rodeo team, said: ``For the most part, around Montana, I would say rodeo is a hobby for most people.''

Yet Federal regulations could force these rodeo participants to wade through unnecessary, costly red tape for their hobby. That is why I recently led a letter which a bipartisan group of 26 colleagues signed, to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. We urged the Department of Transportation to clarify how the CDL regulations treat those who participate recreationally in rodeo events.

Mr. Speaker, we must continue reforming, rolling back, and repealing unnecessary regulations to protect our Montana and Western way of life.

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