Braley Opposes Allowing Mexican Trucks into the U.S.

Statement

Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) sent a letter to Obama Administration officials, asking them to reconsider a recent proposal to allow long-haul Mexican trucks to ship cargo into the United States.

"This proposal is dangerous and it threatens jobs here in Iowa," said Congressman Braley. "When we have so many hard-working Americans out of a job, I cannot support a program that puts Mexican workers and truckers first. I strongly urge Secretary LaHood to advise the President against allowing Mexican trucks on American roads."

Yesterday, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood offered a proposal to allow Mexican long-haul truck operators to apply for permits to operate in the United States. Labor leaders warn that such a proposal threatens American truck driver and warehouse worker jobs -- especially during the recession.

"I'm also deeply concerned that this proposal puts Americans at risk," said Congressman Braley. "Mexico's safety standards are not on par with ours, and letting tens of thousands of these trucks onto our highways poses a serious threat to everyone traveling on our roads. I drove a truck myself and I know just how dangerous these vehicles can be if they're not operated properly."

With increased drug cartel violence along the Mexican border, this proposal also threatens to give cartels an alternate way of getting their products across the border. In fact, there is little doubt that cartels would try to infiltrate the trucking system to transport drugs.
"It's due time to renegotiate NAFTA and eliminate this dangerous requirement to open our borders to Mexican trucks," said Congressman Braley.

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