Iraq Bill Effects Mexico's Trucking Industry

Provisions to delay a White House plan, giving trucks from Mexico unrestricted access to U.S. highways, is in the $120 billion Iraq spending bill that President Bush signed Friday, reports the Associated Press.

The legislation also includes several requirements, such as a certification from the Department of Transportation inspector general verifying safety and inspection requirements before the Mexican truck pilot can start.

The Bush administration wanted to start a one-year pilot this year, and if successful, fully open the border to Mexican trucks.

Teamsters President James Hoffa praised Congress for restricting "the Bush administration's reckless plan to throw open our borders to unsafe Mexican trucks" and "for acting quickly to keep our roads safe."

In addition to questioning whether Mexican trucks and drivers can meet U.S. safety standards, lawmakers are concerned about the program eliminating jobs for American truckers.

Rafael Laveaga, communication director at the Mexican Embassy in Washington, Friday declined to comment beyond remarks he made earlier this month about the provisions. Citing the North American Free Trade Agreement, he said then the House's action raised questions "about the commitment of most of its members to comply with international trade obligations."

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