“Border politics” House passes veto-proof bill to end cross border trucking with Mexico

[jody]

Border politics

Opponents of the controversial cross border trucking demonstration project received a big boost on Tuesday when the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill (H.R. 6630) to kill the program, 395-18.

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“This administration has been hell-bent on opening up our border, but has failed to show they can adequately inspect Mexican carriers while also maintaining a robust U.S. safety inspection program,” said DeFazio.

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“This bill makes it very clear that Congress wants the border closed,” Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa said. “This time, the Bush administration can’t pretend it doesn’t understand what Congress means.”

Before Tuesday’s vote, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce sent members of Congress letters urging them to vote against the bill. “The United States promised under NAFTA to open its border to Mexican trucks—with full reciprocity for U.S. carriers—and it is vitally important that the U.S. maintain its commitment,” it said.

[babylonsister]

1. Who will this affect besides Mexican truckers?

I imagine Americans go to MX to pick up stuff, too. Or not.

[ColbertWatcher]

3. It will effect those who will profit from the Trans-Texas Corridor.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-Texas_Corridor

[babylonsister]

7. No, no, no! There IS no corridor. And I didn't read your link, but

I might tomorrow. And then follow-up. Maybe. I'm tired tonight.

[ColbertWatcher]

8. I hope you didn't now, nor will you tomorrow. Unless you're up to it. n/t

[angstlessk]

2. well, that proves my theory to be correct...whatever the chamber of commerce is for

is anti human being and pro corporation...sorry I want a chamber of human beings in every city with a welcoming logo with as much power as the corporations have...DAMN :grr:

[FreakinDJ]

4. They voted and passed this legislation already

Bush went against them and allowed the trucks by "Executive Order"

[Canuckistanian]

5. This is a bipartisan stab at the *hypothetical NAU*

If this supposed coalition of corporate and neo-con groups is SO POWERFUL, why didn't this pass?

[tazkcmo]

6. Good

Allowing any trucks into this country means they have to meet the same safety, emmission, and driver training standards our trucks and truckers are held to. They were not. That is why I support Congress' decision to stop it.

[liberalla]

9. Exactly

People down here (southern AZ) were very much against those vehicles being able to operate w/o regulation on our highways.

Glad we got that one!
___________________________

Here's another thing we need to focus on:

URGENT: We have until September 15 to save the Endangered Species Act

[pampango]

12. And if the trucks and drivers meet the same standards as Americans, should they be allowed? n/t

[Romulox]

13. Imports of drugs, food, and manufactured goods are not required to meet the same standards

as domestically produced items.

What makes trucking so special??? :wtf:

[Romulox]

10. So "free trade" is good enough for manufacturing workers, but not truckers???

Those truckers are likely hauling manufactured goods made by companies that outsourced the jobs from the US.

[Hubert Flottz]

11. Good It's about time.