Reuters AlertNet Lite - Senator makes bid to block Bush on Mexican trucks

Reuters AlertNet Full site

NEWSDESK

Senator makes bid to block Bush on Mexican trucks

10 Sep 2007 20:22:01 GMT
Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON, Sept 10 (Reuters) - Congress could act quickly to block a new Bush administration pilot program allowing long haul Mexican trucks to operate anywhere in the United States, a U.S. senator said on Monday.

"My hope is the Senate will do as the House as done and we will put the brakes on the pilot program," Sen. Byron Dorgan, a North Dakota Democrat, told reporters.

Dorgan offered an amendment denying funding for the one-year program, which was begun late last week. The House of Representatives passed similar legislation overwhelmingly in July.

The Senate could vote on Tuesday on Dorgan's amendment.

The United States and Mexico agreed as part of the North American Free Trade Agreement 13 years ago to permit expanded cross-border trucking. However, for the past six years, the Bush administration has been fighting with opponents in Congress over implementing the provision.

Opponents say Mexico drivers do not have the same rest rules as U.S. truckers and could cross the border already fatigued. They are also concerned about licensing, insurance and drug testing.

The Teamsters Union, fearful of job losses among drivers and related personnel, has played an active role in challenging the administration in court and in Congress.

The administration plans to gradually allow Mexican trucking firms greater access to U.S. highways, topping out at 100 firms and about 500 trucks at the conclusion of the pilot program.

Currently, Mexican trucks must transfer their goods at areas just inside U.S. border crossings. U.S. trucking firms, until now, have not been allowed to operate in Mexico.

The pilot program would be reevaluated toward the end of 2008 but American officials expressed confidence in the safety protocols that Mexican carriers will have to follow.

Dorgan accused the Bush administration of rushing to implement the pilot program, just one hour after the Transportation Department inspector general's office issued a report on the issue that was required by Congress.

AlertNet news is provided by

Email this article Send comments

Countries

Small country map
© 2004 Europa Technologies Ltd.

Reset map

• Mexico profile
· View map

MORE >>

NGO latest

• ADRA Helps Hurricane Felix-Devastated Nicaragua
ADRA - International

• Historic Hurricanes Pound Central America and Mexico, World Vision Responding
WV - USA

• Hurricane Felix: ADRA Prepared as Storm Hits Central America
ADRA - International

• CARE prepares for Hurricane Felix response in Central America
CARE - USA

• CWS Appeal: Summer 2007 U.S. flooding (broadened response)
CWS

MORE >>

Latest news

• FACTBOX-Congressional reaction to Petraeus testimony

• Senator makes bid to block Bush on Mexican trucks

• Cialis boosts sex after spinal cord injuries-study

• Spinach, eggs ward off cause of blindness -study

• Blood pressure rising among U.S. children - study

MORE >>

Last updated:Mon Sep 10 20:22:59 2007