Margaret Tweet assesses US Rep Marie Gluesenkamp Perez vs. Washington State Senator John Braun in the 3rd Congressional District race

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and may not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com

On August 12, 2025, an undocumented immigrant who had obtained Commercial Driver Licenses from California and Washington recklessly attempted a U-Turn on a Florida Turnpike and collided with a mini-van, killing three people. Investigators administered an English Language Proficiency assessment, in accordance with FMCSA guidance, which the driver failed. He provided correct responses to just 2 of 12 questions and identified only one of four highway traffic signs.

Margaret Tweet

My Northwest reported problems with commercial driver’s licenses found in 8 states. An internal Washington state review discovered 685 immigrant drivers who were incorrectly issued regular commercial licenses instead of non-domiciled commercial licenses.

A September, 2025 press release announced that Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-3) co-sponsored H.R 5563-the Drive Safe Act- that lowers the age requirement to operate a commercial motor vehicle across state lines from 21 years old to 18. Driver requirements would include 280 hours of on-duty time, of which 160 hours must be drive time in a commercial motor vehicle accompanied by a driver who is at least 26 years old. HR 5563 is in committee and may be voted on soon. The Truck Safety Coalition reported that truck crash deaths have surged by nearly 62% since 2009 and opposes HR 5563.  Advocates for Highway Safety share a Truck Safety Fact Sheet that reports in 2023:

5,472 people were killed, & 153,452 people were injured in crashes involving large trucks

Insurance rates reflect higher risk associated with younger, less experienced drivers. SW Washington border crossings to Oregon include bridges in Astoria, Longview, Vancouver I-5 and I-205 Bridges, Bridge of the Gods and more. Bridges offer less margin for error. On the I-205 Bridge over the Columbia River southbound a long semi-truck apparently didn’t see my sedan, and started moving into the rightmost lane as I entered the bridge. I narrowly avoided getting hit by diverting to the shoulder.

Also in 2025, The Oregonian/OregonLive obtained public records about a Washington investigation of CDL testing. A CDL school located in Vancouver and Auburn and a tester for CDL licenses were allegedly involved in a bribery scheme. Per the OregonLive report, Washington regulators noted training conditions at a CDL school that bypassed English proficiency standards, and failed to properly document training hours and students’ skills among other problems. Records showed that the Department of Licensing identified 877 drivers between April 2023 and Sep. 15, 2024 who may not have been properly tested. Only 134 drivers were selected for re-testing, and just 74 drivers actually re-tested. However, 80% of them failed the test! Some drivers transferred their licenses to other states including Oregon, that does not require re-testing when commercial drivers submit a license from another state. Reform is urgent.

John Braun has served Washington as a state senator for 13 years. Braun built a manufacturing company in Chehalis, WA that employs nearly 350 people and makes ambulances that transport first responders and those injured in traffic collisions or needing emergency help. In contrast, Gluesenkamp-Perez has served as US Rep for 4 years. She often refers to the car care business she owns with her husband in mailers and audio ads, yet fails to mention that the car shop is located in Portland, OR.

Braun emphasizes, “In manufacturing, you don’t waste a dollar. In government, we shouldn’t waste your money either.”

Rep. Perez boasts about securing $30 million in federal funds for a Lid over I-5 with a park and paths for pedestrians, bicycles, scooters etc next to the extensive Ft. Vancouver National Park. Perez has also championed an unnecessary $3.5 Billion OR MAX light rail extension into Vancouver over a I-5 Bridge Replacement. Cost conscious leaders are needed for cost effective bridges that will better serve vehicles and freight. Remember to vote in the Primary Election Tuesday, August 4.

Margaret Tweet

Camas