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Gold9472
09-06-2007, 06:51 AM
Despite worries, Mexican trucks set to roll into U.S.
Key lawmaker seeks to halt NAFTA program

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/0906mextrucks0906.html

Sean Holstege
The Arizona Republic
Sept. 6, 2007 12:00 AM

The government is expected today to allow the first of up to 151 Mexican trucks to deliver cargo throughout the United States. But lawmakers may try to block or stall the program.

Rep. James Oberstar, D-Minn., who chairs the House transportation committee, will urge the Senate today to pass legislation freezing money to implement the program. In July, the House voted 411-3 to restrict the Mexican truck program, which was negotiated in the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement.

The move has drawn outcry from some, including the Teamsters union, who say it will allow in dangerous trucks driven by poor drivers. Others warn it could increase human and drug smuggling.

A final report on the controversial program from the inspector general of the U.S. Department of Transportation is expected today. The American Trucking Association said that a draft includes minor technical concerns that won't hinder the program but added that there's a chance Congress could cause a brief delay in the rollout. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said it would launch the program upon the report's release

Last year, 4.5 million Mexican trucks crossed into a 25-mile commercial zone, where they are required to transfer their cargoes.