Kagen Applauds Termination of Mexican Truck Program
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KAGEN APPLAUDS TERMINATION OF
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March 12, 2009 |
Washington, DC — Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. said we are keeping our nation secure by bringing an end to the unsafe program of allowing unregulated trucks based in Mexico into the United States.
“I consider it my primary responsibility as a leader to keep our citizens safe,” said Kagen. “Allowing trucks across our borders without proper safety regulations puts millions of Americans at risk. For years we have been calling on our President to put the brakes on foreign-based trucks at the border. I am glad to say that now we have a President who can think things all the way through and put an end to this program.” The Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009, which President Obama signed into law yesterday, contains a provision preventing the Department of Transportation from using any funds for a cross-border pilot program which allows unsafe Mexico-based trucks into the United States. This legislation marks the second time that Congress has voted to stop this program. The previous administration continued the pilot program despite the objection of Congress and a prohibition on the use of funding for the program in the FY 2008 Consolidated Appropriations law. Congressman Kagen also co-sponsored the Safe American Roads Act, which passed the House in May 2007. The bill sought to block the Mexican truck pilot program from going forward until 22 specific safety requirements were verified by the Department of Transportation. The 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act also included funding for 16 projects throughout the 8th Congressional District that will create jobs by training people for new careers, improving infrastructure, growing transportation, protecting our environment, increasing public safety, supporting local farmers and providing access to affordable health care. |
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