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Thursday, March 27, 1997

201 lawmakers oppose expanded Mexican trucking access

By MICHELLE MITTELSTADT

Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Nearly half of the House of Representatives is on record opposing a NAFTA provision that would allow Mexican cargo trucks unfettered access to U.S. highways.

"Despite overly optimistic reports to the contrary, there has not been sufficient progress in addressing safety deficiencies to justify expanding privileges for Mexican motor carriers," 201 House Democrats and Republicans wrote President Clinton recently.

The Teamsters union, which is coordinating opposition to the trucking rules, said the letter offers further proof of concern about roadway safety. "Clearly, there is a growing feeling in Congress that implementing the NAFTA trucking provisions is a dangerous idea," Teamsters spokesman Steve Trossman said Wednesday.

The Clinton administration in December 1995 blocked implementation of the trucking rule allowing Mexican trucks access to highways throughout California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Administration officials cited safety concerns, saying Mexican trucks frequently don't meet U.S. safety, weight, driver and insurance standards.

Mexico bitterly protested the action, calling it a violation of NAFTA. Since then, both countries have been engaged in talks to end the dispute. The main sticking point has been a U.S. demand that Mexico step up inspections before trucks cross into the United States.

A senior U.S. trade official told Congress this month that substantial progress had been made on the question of increasing inspection at the border.

The ban won't be lifted until Mexican drivers are required to meet the same standards as U.S. drivers, said U.S. Trade Representative's office senior counsel Ira Shapiro.

But the 201 lawmakers said the trucking ban should remain in effect.

"Declarations that all trucks, U.S. or foreign, must meet U.S. safety standards are meaningless without adequate oversight by competent inspectors," they wrote.

Transportation Department officials didn't immediately return a call seeking comment.

Texas Gov. George W. Bush and the other border-state governors have asked Clinton to lift the trucking ban. Bush says Texas has the necessary safeguards to weed out unsafe trucks. The Texas Department of Public Safety is adding 109 new troopers to help enforce safety and weight laws.

But the Teamsters, citing the General Accounting Office, say fewer than one of every 200 Mexican trucks is inspected at Texas checkpoints. And of those inspected, half are rejected.

More than 7,000 Mexican trucks roll into Texas daily under their pre-NAFTA access to a 20-mile commercial border zone. Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story
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