School Bus Safety Week Sponsor Drive Exceeds Goal

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 19, 2006) - Following the annual visit to Capitol Hill by the three major school bus industry associations last week, seven more members of the U.S. House of Representatives signed on to HR 498, a resolution honoring the goals and ideals of National School Bus Safety Week. This put the number of sponsors at 57, more than enough to bring the resolution to a House vote.

Rep. "Jimmy Duncan

NSTA, along with NAPT and NASDPTS, worked with Rep. John J. "Jimmy" Duncan (R-TN) to promote this recognition of the school bus industry and our outstanding safety record. Members of all three associations have contacted their representatives to become sponsors, and on May 10, industry leaders had the opportunity to meet with their individual legislators during NSTA's Hill visit.

"This is a wonderful example of the effectiveness of teamwork," said NSTA President John Corr. "When the industry works together, we
can accomplish our goals."

The resolution is now pending before the 40-member House Government Reform Committee. Duncan's staff indicated the resolution may reach the House floor before the end of next month. Don Walker, Duncan's deputy chief of staff, told STN the resolution will likely be brought up under the "suspension calendar because it is non-controversial."

Suspension calendars are typically handled as the first item of business on Monday or Tuesday morning of any given week the House is in session. This time of year there are typically 10 to 15 items brought up under the suspension rules. Discussion of all items on the suspension calendar is limited to a total of 45 minutes and then a vote -- either a voice vote or by roll call -- is taken. Passage requies 2/3rds of those voting. Walker added, "For stragtegy purposes you should plan on at least 2/3rds vote of the entire house."

Listed below by state are the resolution co-sponsors as of May 19, 2006. STN will add additional co-sponsors as they sign onto this important resolution.