Mexican truckers’ free travel put on hold
By Paul M. Krawzak
Copley News Service
http://www.wvwnews.net/story.php?id=448
The Bush administration appears to be delaying the start of a one-year experiment that would allow 100 Mexican carriers access to U.S. highways for the first time since 1982.
Congressional critics of the plan said they have been told by U.S. Department of Transportation officials that the administration will comply with proposed legislation to delay the program until U.S. truckers receive the equivalent right to travel throughout Mexico. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., a sponsor of the measure, was informed about the change in plans this week.
“We were told the department would comply with the legislation even though there has not been an announcement,” said Feinstein spokesman Scott Gerber. “If that’s the case, Sen. Feinstein thinks that’s great news.”The measure, also sponsored by Sens. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., is part of a larger emergency spending bill that won passage in Congress this week.
The bill faces an uncertain future. President Bush has vowed to veto it because it contains a timetable for U.S. forces to withdraw from Iraq.
Melissa DeLaney, a spokesman for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, declined yesterday to confirm or deny that the agency will delay the program. She said the administration remains committed to opening the border and continues to work with congressional critics to address their concerns.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20070427-9999-1b27trucks.html