US Senator Boxer on Mexican Trucks on US highways

U.S. Senator Boxer on Mexican Trucks on U.S. highways

Since 09-12-07

From: senator@boxer.senate.gov [mailto:senator@boxer.senate.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2007 10:38 AM
Subject: Responding to your message

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Santos:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the safety of Mexican-owned trucks on U.S. highways. I share your concerns and am pleased to report that the Senate recently acted to address them.

As you may know, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) contained a provision to give Mexican trucks access to U.S. roads. During the debate over NAFTA, I joined many members of Congress in raising critical safety concerns about this provision and in working to pass legislation requiring Mexican trucks to meet certain safety standards before gaining full access to the Unites States.

The Bush Administration claims it has met the standards set by Congress and recently implemented a one-year pilot program allowing certain Mexican trucks to drive anywhere in our country.

I am deeply concerned about these trucks entering the United States . I strongly believe that the drivers of these trucks should have valid commercial driving licenses and comply with our hours-of-service laws. The trucks should adhere to our weight limit regulations and clean air requirements.

That is why I am pleased to report that on September 11, 2007, the Senate passed an amendment to the Transportation Appropriations bill (H.R.3074) that would block a program allowing certain Mexican trucks to drive anywhere in the United States. I voted for this amendment, which passed with an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 75-23.

We must protect the air quality and safety of our communities, and we must also ensure that these trucks meet our transportation safety standards. Rest assured that I am closely monitoring this situation and will keep working to protect the safety of the American people and environment.

Again, thank you for writing to me. Please keep in touch with me about this and any other issue of concern to you.