Rep. John Boozman, R-Ark, on Wednesday withdrew a proposal that would have allowed drivers to take up to two hours off during a 14-hour shift
and log it as off duty.
Boozman said the measure, which he hoped to attach to the larger highway bill, would allow driver flexibility. A sampling of opinion on driver web sites showed only limited support for what was originally called the Boozman amendment.
Critics of the measure labeled it the Wal-Mart amendment, for the retail giant headquartered in Boozman’s Arkansas legislative district. The national press ran with that early this week and pressure grew for the amendment’s withdrawal.
"It has become clear that there is a lot of misinformation about why I am seeking to change the rules governing truck drivers' hours," Boozman said in a statement.
"I will attempt to work with (Democrats) as well as officials in the administration, to soothe their concerns and provide the nation's truckers with a little relief."
Besides Wal-Mart, Boozman’s district is also home for J.B. Hunt and Tyson Foods.