Kay Bailey Hutchison: “I will also read from the Austin American Statesman of July 31, 2001; the headline, ``No Matter Their Origin, Trucks…”

“I will also read from the Austin American Statesman of July 31, 2001; the headline, ``No Matter Their Origin, Trucks Must Be Safe.'' For Central Texans, the fight over Mexican trucks on America's roads and highways is more than just an inside-the-beltway partisan political battle. Austin is ground zero for trucks coming across the border and up Interstate 35. I-35 from San Antonio to Dallas is already one of the most dangerous stretches of interstate in the Nation. Adding thousands of unsafe trucks to the mix increases the threat to accidents, injuries and fatalities. What is spirited debate and hardball politics in Washington is deadly reality in Austin. In fact, both sides may be right. A NAFTA panel said as much earlier this year when it found the United States in violation of the treaty for restricting Mexican trucks but then added, the safety of trucks crossing the border is a legitimate issue and an important responsibility of the Federal Government. That is the tribunal that was unanimously speaking with two Mexican members, two United States members, and a British chairman. It goes on to say: Congress should not abrogate NAFTA for purely political purposes and force Mexican trucks to meet stiffer standards than the American-Canadian fleets. If the Mexican trucks do not meet the standards, however, pull them off the road. It should, as President Bush suggests, step up inspections and increase enforcement of the safety standards already in place.”