Posted on 01/03/2008 6:31:23 AM PST by SwinneySwitch
WASHINGTON -- It doesn't look like the pilot project allowing Mexican trucks deep into U.S. territory will be around for much longer.
Still, even though a bill to cut funding for the controversial program was signed by President George W. Bush recently, the DOT hasn't made many moves to halt it yet.
A $555 billion omnibus appropriations spending bill, which signed into law last week, contained a provision that cuts funding from the cross-border program. "None of the funds made available under this Act may be used to establish a cross-border motor carrier demonstration program to allow Mexico-domiciled motor carriers to operate beyond the commercial zones along the international border between the United States and Mexico," the bill states.
However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration says the program will continue because the bill's language refers to funds "to establish" a program, and doesn't apply to the program already underway.
The Owner-Operators Independent Drivers Association, a longtime opponent of the Mexican truck pilot, reacted angrily to the FMCSA's decision to press on.
"Apparently, this rogue administration wants to play word games and intends to thumb its nose at the clear Congressional intent behind the unambiguous legislation," said OOIDA Executive Vice President Todd Spencer.
While FMCSA is keeping the program in place, it still faces court challenges by OOIDA and other groups.
In OOIDA's official publication, Land Line, Spencer said is group would likely push forward its impending lawsuit to stop the program if FMCSA doesn't cancel it soon.
Would you like to see the Mexican border open up soon?
Absolutely. I'd love access to a new market; or be able to run less costly truckers up here. 18%
No Way: Just think how Mexican competition would erode our domestic linehaul rates. 82%
Ping!
If you want on, or off this S. Texas/Mexico ping list, please FReepMail me.
Why does this program need federal funding?
Inspections on Mexican trucks maybe ?
According to most politicians...EVERYTHING needs federal funding.
Safety inspections?
LAWYER and GOVERNMENT SHILL: "It''ll be a complicated matter of suing the Mehican Co. whose drive and junk truck killed your family member. The State Dept. has to become involved to resolve this issue and that will take time."
Democrats get to tell the teamsters, and other constituents with isolationist policies, that they tried to stop the program.
Republicans have their own isolationist constituencies as well.
They also get to say they did it to increase border security.
However, they did it in such a way that it won't have any real effect.
It's just like how they keep passing bills to construct border fencing and then not funding the fence, or changing the wording so that the fence doesn't actually have to get built.
They understand that such things are unpopular with voters, so that create an illusion that they are trying to do something about it, without actually doing anything about it.
The Gov is right on this one. Words matter and the program was already established. If it had said “operate” it would have been different.
Clue: The people who inserted the language into the bill knew that when they did it.
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