Bill Pascrell: “this is not about Mexican trade. This goes to the very issue of safety, besides taking our national sovereignty, our…”

“this is not about Mexican trade. This goes to the very issue of safety, besides taking our national sovereignty, our manufacturing base, the American jobs and Mexican jobs. Look at the data. NAFTA is now threatening the safety of our constituents. The decision by a faceless panel is requiring our government to allow hazardous trucks access to our roadways. In testimony before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on July 18, 2001, Secretary Mineta stated, ``Every Mexican firm, vehicle and driver that seeks authority to operate in the U.S., at the border or beyond, must meet the identical safety and operating standards that apply to the U.S. and Canadian carriers.'' That is where it is at. It is a sad day that the Olver amendment is desperately needed 3 years later after Mineta's speech, as we cannot count on the Department of Transportation to act appropriately and in the public's interest by requiring foreign-built trucks and buses from meeting Federal motor vehicle safety standards. The measures Congress has passed addressing safety have made progress towards ensuring trucks on our highways meet certain standards. It is not just an issue of fairness. It is a matter of life and death. The bottom line is, Mr. Chairman, the House cannot allow this administration to gut safety regulations or compromise environmental standards in the name of trade.”