For Release: Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

HOUSE PASSES LEGISLATION TO STOP MEXICAN TRUCK PILOT PROGRAM

Washington - The House of Representatives today approved H.R. 6630, legislation to terminate a Bush administration pilot program that allows Mexican trucks to operate in the United States. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) has long opposed the North American Free Trade Agreement provision that allowed for cross border truck operations.

Last year, the Bush administration implemented a pilot program that has allowed 27 Mexican companies to make nearly 10,000 trips into the U.S. In August, the program was extended for two additional years. H.R. 6630 would terminate the program subject to a thorough review of its impacts.

“Against the will of Congress, President Bush is pushing recklessly ahead with this program,” said Costello. “There are safety, environmental and economic impacts that need to be evaluated, and this legislation will provide an opportunity to do that. We must be absolutely sure that cross border truck operations are not compromising the safety of the traveling public.”

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