U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) has announced his support as a co-sponsor of “The Dalilah Law,” legislation aimed at preventing states, including Pennsylvania, from issuing commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to undocumented immigrants.
The move follows a recent rule finalized by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) in February, which seeks to prevent unqualified foreign drivers from obtaining licenses for commercial trucks and buses due to public safety concerns. A previous nationwide audit by the USDOT identified Pennsylvania as one of six states with systemic issues in issuing non-domiciled CDLs.
President Donald Trump voiced his support for the legislation during his State of the Union Address. The bill is named after Dalilah Coleman, who was critically injured in a 2024 accident involving a commercial truck.
“From top to bottom, this is common sense legislation that will secure our roads, protect American citizens, and enforce our immigration laws,” said Rep. Kelly. “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.”
The Dalilah Law was introduced by U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) and U.S. Senator Jim Banks (R-IN), following President Trump’s call to action during his 2026 address.
If enacted, the law would require states to restrict CDLs only to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain temporary work visa holders as a condition for receiving Department of Transportation funding. It would also mandate English-only CDL testing and require revocation of CDLs issued to undocumented immigrants or those without qualifying legal status—even if they previously had work authorization. Additionally, it would strengthen verification processes and recertification requirements for compliance with eligibility and safety standards.
Mike Kelly has represented Pennsylvania’s 16th District in Congress since 2011 after succeeding Kathy Dahlkemper. He was born in Pittsburgh in 1948 and currently resides in Butler.
Kelly earned his BA from the University of Notre Dame in 1970.
