Senate Panel Passes Measure Restricting Mexican Truck Access

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The Senate Appropriations Committee Thursday approved an amendment that would prevent Mexican trucking companies from gaining unrestricted access to U.S. highways until American truckers are afforded the same access in Mexico. The Department of Transportation created a pilot program last month that would allow a limited number of Mexican trucks free access to U.S. highways. (Click here for previous coverage.) The amendment, co-sponsored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), prohibits the use of funds to allow Mexican trucks beyond the 20- to 25-mile commercial zone on the U.S.-Mexico border until U.S. trucks are given comparable access to Mexico, Feinstein’s office said in a press release. It was included as part of an emergency spending bill, which was approved by the full committee. “It is simply unfair to American truckers to restrict their access to Mexico while Mexican drivers are given unrestricted access to U.S. highways on a faster timetable,” Feinstein said in a statement. “This amendment will prevent that from happening.” The amendment was co-sponsored by Sens. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.).