Nov 28, 2001

Compromise Reached on Plan to Allow Mexican Trucks More Access to U.S. Roads

By Suzanne Gamboa Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Bush administration and congressional negotiators have agreed on a plan to open more U.S. highways to Mexican trucks, but also to require more safety checks on the vehicles.

Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Phil Gramm, R-Texas, on Wednesday announced the deal reached by House and Senate negotiators and the White House. The issue had been a sticking point as the House and Senate negotiators try to reach agreement on a transportation spending bill.

"We have not compromised on the strong safety regime that's in place to protect Americans on our highways," said Todd Webster, a spokesman for Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., a lead negotiator on the issue.

The 1993 North American Free Trade Agreement among the United States, Mexico and Canada called for allowing Mexican trucks to travel throughout the United States by Jan. 1, 2000. But opposition from unions and safety groups kept that from happening. Currently, trucks from Mexico are restricted to a commercial zone along the border.

Bush has pledged to uphold the NAFTA provision, and Mexican President Vicente Fox has said it is key to U.S.-Mexico relations.

But opponents in Congress cited safety concerns and threw up a roadblock last summer.

The House passed an outright ban on Mexican trucks in June, while the Senate in August passed a measure calling for strict safety regulations and more truck inspectors at the border. Bush opposed both bills and threatened to veto the transportation spending bill if the final version delayed opening more roads.

Gramm and McCain had vowed to filibuster any measure that the White House opposed.

The senators said the agreement will "allow the border to open in a timely manner, consistent with our obligations under NAFTA, while protecting the safety of the American traveling public."

AP-ES-11-28-01 1936EST

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-- Anonymous, November 28, 2001