Pilot program for Mexican carriers being challenged by second stand-alone bill

Mike

Well-Known Member
The proposed pilot program for Mexican carriers is being challenged by a second stand-alone bill in the House of Representatives.

On Thursday, Rep. Nancy Boyda, D-KS, introduced the Safe American Roads Act of 2007.

“Today, trucks registered in Mexico can drive only inside narrow border zones in the United States before their cargoes are transferred to an American vehicle. That’s a good system; it’s working,” Boyda said.

“It keeps America’s highways safe from poorly regulated Mexican traffic, prevents drug smuggling and illegal immigration, and protects American transportation jobs.”

Boyda’s bill – HR1773 – takes steps to ensure that if the proposed pilot program goes forward, but not at the cost of highway safety or national security. It also is designed to protect the American worker.

“This administration’s mad rush toward unrestricted trade should never endanger America’s citizens or their jobs,” Boyda said.

One of the chief stumbling blocks the DOT has faced in opening the border is Section 350 of the 2002 Transportation Appropriations Act. Boyda’s bill would require the DOT to comply with all 22 requirements of Section 350.

That may not seem any different that what is supposed to happen right now before the border opens, but that language will actually clear up a few problems, according to Rod Nofziger, OOIDA’s Director of Government Affairs.

While the DOT’s Office of Inspector General is supposed to certify eight of the 22 provisions in Section 350, only six of those have received that all-important certification. Provisions related to hazardous materials and bus safety have not been certified by the OIG, according to Nofziger.

Despite the fact those two provisions have not been certified, the DOT has moved forward with the proposed pilot program – simply because hazmat and buses weren’t included in it, Nofziger said.

The language in Boyda’s bill clears up any doubt that all eight provisions must be certified by the Office of Inspector General before any pilot program gets off the ground.

The Safe American Roads Act of 2007 would prevent the Department of Transportation from granting authority to Mexican motor carriers to operate beyond the commercial zones, except under a pilot program that meets the Title 49 requirements.

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“Today, trucks registered in Mexico can drive only inside narrow border zones in the United States before their cargoes are transferred to an American vehicle. That’s a good system; it’s working,” Boyda said.

“It keeps America’s highways safe from poorly regulated Mexican traffic, prevents drug smuggling and illegal immigration, and protects American transportation jobs.”

Didn't pull no punches here, LOL. Most politicians beat around the bush about these things in fear of crossing the politically correct lines and offending anybody. This person just put it all out on the table.
 

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