Congress Eyes Consensus on DOT Appropriations Bill

In a sharp reversal of the debate that was developing prior to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Congress is moving toward a quick consensus on a transportation appropriations bill that could include measures to beef up border security and commercial vehicle inspections.

Yet at press time it was not clear whether the measure would make it more likely that the United States will open its southern border on Jan. 1 to broad Mexican trucking operations, as President Bush had proposed, or allow a delay in the effective date of that plan. Meanwhile, a top Mexican embassy official signaled that the Jan. 1 date is less of an issue now.

Prior to the attacks, Senate and House members had not met to negotiate a final bill to send to President Bush, and a contentious fight was possible while the funding bill was likely to be delayed into the new fiscal year that starts Oct. 1, requiring a temporary funding measure in the meantime.

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