The House wants to do what the Bush administration should have done long ago -- put the brakes on Mexican trucks freewheeling on American roads.
The 395-18 vote by lawmakers to end the cross-border trucking project -- more than enough to override a presidential veto -- makes a statement about the creeping Mexicanization of America. And given the lax enforcement of American immigration law (12 million to 20 million illegals in the U.S.), about President Bush's commitment to border integrity.
A pilot program permits up to 500 trucks from 100 Mexican companies access to U.S. roads. Critics contend Mexico lacks adequate driver drug testing, hours-of-service standards and that the program could contribute to smuggling or insurance fraud. And there remain serious questions about the safety of the Mexican trucks.
The Bush administration claims it will ensure that Mexican trucking will be subject to thorough scrutiny. But should the public believe Mr. Bush?
On Feb. 23, 2007, at a Mexican trucks news conference in El Paso, Texas, Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said it was only a "yearlong demonstration program," a "pilot program," and a "test program."
Last month, the administration quietly said it would continue the "pilot" program for two more years.
Ending mission-creep⢠Mission accomplished.
