WASHINGTON, DC....Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, wrote Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood challenging the administration's cross-border trucking "pilot" program that opens the U.S.-Mexico border to the free flow of truck traffic. He also submitted legislation to limit the administration's authority to implement the program. This agreement will have a significant impact on the safety of American drivers, security on the border, and American jobs.  

  "As I have said many times, three issues must be addressed in the cross-border trucking program: safety, security and job loss," said DeFazio. "I have sent several letters to DOT asking them to address these issues. My calls for caution have gone unanswered. My legislation puts the brakes on a bad deal for American truck drivers and the traveling public."

 DeFazio's bill will limit the use of scarce Highway Trust Fund dollars to pay for the Electronic On-Board Recorders (EOBR) for Mexican trucks.

  "As we debate deep and harsh cuts to programs that help middle class families, it is outrageous that taxpayers are being told to foot the bill for the Mexican trucking industry to comply with American safety standards. My bill would stop the Department of Transportation from raiding the Highway Trust Fund to pay for equipment on Mexican trucks. Let the Mexican government or the Mexican carriers pay for their equipment and let’s use U.S. gas tax revenue for its intended purpose of putting Americans to work rebuilding our roads and bridges," said DeFazio.

 In March, DeFazio sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood requesting additional details regarding the proposed pilot program the U.S. negotiated with Mexican officials.

 The pilot allows Mexican trucks to operate on U.S. highways beyond the current border commercial zone and it allows Mexican carriers to obtain permanent operating authority from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) after 18 months in the pilot program. That permanent authority could not be rescinded were Congress or the Administration to terminate the Mexican truck pilot program.

 DeFazio continues to questions the legal authority of DOT to implement a permanent program.