For Release: Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

COSTELLO VOTES TO RESTRICT MEXICAN TRUCK ACCESS TO U.S.

Washington - Citing the need to make sure Mexican trucks meet U.S. safety standards, U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) voted today for legislation to ensure that such a provision was met before a controversial North American Free Trade Act (NAFTA) pilot program goes forward.  The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed H.R. 1773, the Safe American Roads Act, which also strictly defines the duration of the program and how many Mexican firms can participate. 

In addition, the bill mandates that safety audits of Mexican trucking firms are conducted and language requirements for drivers are met.

NAFTA called for greater truck access between the U.S., Canada and Mexico.  While the pilot program has been delayed for many years, it was preparing to go forward this year despite serious concerns that Mexican trucks would not have to meet U.S. safety standards, and that reciprocal access to Mexican highways would not immediately be allowed.  Costello voted against NAFTA, and has since then consistently fought to keep unsafe Mexican trucks off of U.S. highways.  He is a sponsor of H.R. 1773.

"As I feared, NAFTA created a race to the bottom that has sent hundreds of thousands of good-paying U.S. jobs out of the country," said Costello, a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.  "We must not let the same thing happen in regard to highway safety.  This legislation injects necessary safeguards into this process."

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