Dianne Feinstein's response to mexican Trucking concerns
Apparently, Feinstein is satisfied with the safety of this abomination of a program and we should all be pleased the Government will not longer be funding this program.
Dear Mr. xxxxx
Thank you for writing to me to share your concerns about allowing Mexican trucks to travel on United States highways. I appreciate you taking the time to write, and I welcome the opportunity to respond.
As you know, the Department of Transportation (DOT) created a pilot program to expand cross-border trucking operations with Mexico. This program allows U.S. truckers to make deliveries in Mexico and Mexican truckers to deliver to the United States. In defending the pilot program, DOT asserted that Mexican trucks operating in the United States would be inspected to ensure that they comply with U.S. safety regulations.
On December 26, 2007, the President signed into law the fiscal year 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which provides funding for most federal government agencies. You will be interested to know that this bill includes an amendment offered by Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), which I supported, that eliminates funding for the DOT Mexican truck pilot program. Despite the passage of Senator Dorgan's amendment, on January 3, 2008, DOT announced that it would continue the pilot program and allow Mexican truckers to operate throughout the United States.
Please know that I share your concerns about the impact that these trucks could have on safety, air quality, and security. I expect Congress to hold hearings to address DOT's policy to ignore Congressional requirements, and I will keep your thoughts in mind as I continue to monitor this situation.
Again, thank you for writing. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841. Best regards.
Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator
