Associated Press
WASHINGTON — 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.
"This is a victory for safety, for trade and for both our countries," said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., a lead negotiator on the issue. Rep. Hal Rogers, R-Ky., also participated in negotiations.
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.
Among some of the details of the agreement:
Copyright ©2001 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.