posted 06-26-2001 07:53 PM         

The measure, spearheaded by Democrats, appeared to muddle Bush administration plans for expanding the limited access now available to Mexican trucks by opening U.S. highways to them next January. The Senate has yet to consider a proposal on the issue.

The amendment, approved prior to overwhelming passage of a $59 billion transportation spending bill for fiscal 2002, would prohibit the Transportation Department from granting permits to Mexican trucking companies that failed to meet U.S. safety standards.

Approved 285-143, the amendment was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Martin Sabo, a Minnesota Democrat, and reversed a day of Democratic frustration in procedural fights with Republican leaders on the issue.

Final entry rules are not expected to be ready before the fall, but the Bush administration wants to make Mexican trucking firms apply in writing for clearance to operate for 18 months while safety records are reviewed and periodic border inspections are carried out.

If they do not meet U.S. standards at that time, their permission to operate can be revoked.

Left unclear after passage of the Sabo amendment were the safety rules Mexican trucking companies would have to meet before they could receive a DOT permit. Democrats noted what they called the absence of tough truck safety standards and driver oversight in Mexico.

"The issue is safe trucks," Rep. James Oberstar, a Minnesota Democrat, said. "Safe U.S. trucks, safe trucks from Canada, and safe trucks from Mexico."

The United States plans to allow Mexican trucks full access to highways in compliance with the North American Free Trade Agreement. The Mexican trucking provision in that accord was blocked by the Clinton administration for five years over safety concerns and opposition from labor groups.

Mexican trucks currently are confined to narrow commercial zones in border states where they transfer their goods to U.S. haulers.

Earlier in the day, the House refused to consider a proposal by Sabo to require safety audits of Mexican trucking firms before they received permission for full U.S. access. But Republican resolve softened after Democrats aggressively pressed their point on highway safety.

Rep. David Obey, a Wisconsin Democrat, said Congress was not obligated to allow "unsafe" Mexican trucks on American highways. "I want to remind you that NAFTA is a trade agreement it is not a suicide pact," Obey said.

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posted 06-27-2001 10:15 AM         

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Larry Salzman
Call 911 - there is a Prowler in my garage....

posted 06-27-2001 10:28 AM         

Next time I go there I will adjust the TRUCK FOR SUPER SOOT.