Thread: teamsters _ I sent yall a bad letter -BUT

May 25, 2007, 1:18PM http://www.teamsterslocal397.com/political_action.html
Iraq Bill Restricts Mexican Truck Access

By DAN CATERINICCHIA AP Business Writer
© 2007 The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Provisions to delay a White House plan, giving trucks from Mexico unrestricted access to U.S. highways, are in the $120 billion Iraq spending bill President Bush is expected to sign Friday.

Congress passed the revised spending bill Thursday, providing $95 billion for U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan through September. It does not include a troop withdrawal timeline favored by Democrats that drew Bush's veto once before.

The legislation also includes several requirements, such as a certification from the Department of Transportation inspector general verifying safety and inspection requirements before the Mexican truck pilot can start. The Bush administration wanted to start a one-year pilot this year, and if successful, fully open the border to Mexican trucks.

Teamsters President Jim Hoffa praised Congress for restricting "the Bush administration's reckless plan to throw open our borders to unsafe Mexican trucks ... (and) for acting quickly to keep our roads safe."

In addition to questioning whether Mexican trucks and drivers can meet U.S. safety standards, lawmakers are concerned about the program eliminating jobs for American truckers. The Teamsters, the Sierra Club, Public Citizen and the Environmental Law Foundation last month sued in federal court to block the pilot.

Rafael Laveaga, communication director at the Mexican Embassy in Washington, Friday declined comment beyond remarks he made earlier this month about the provisions. Citing the North American Free Trade Agreement, he said then the House's action raised questions "about the commitment of most of its members to comply with international trade obligations."

The Mexican truck provisions in the war spending bill came from a House of Representatives bill passed overwhelmingly on May 15. That bill, sponsored by Rep. Nancy Boyda, D-Kan., tightened restrictions on trucks traveling into the U.S.

Boyda is pleased that most of the Mexican trucking provisions were included in the Iraq spending bill, her spokesman said Friday.

Rep. James L. Oberstar, D-Minn., chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Rep. Peter A. DeFazio, D-Ore., chair of the highways subcommittee, also welcomed the restrictions, but said they intend to pursue stronger House legislation that would prevent the Bush administration from expanding the pilot.

Well at least that is something but REALLY we don't need or want them here in any capacity.

I hope the Dream and AG Amnesty is not part of that bill!