Despite increased security concerns at U.S. borders in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the Bush Administration hasn't changed its mind about opening the border to Mexican trucks.
During a routine press briefing earlier this week, White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer said in a response to a reporter's question that President George W. Bush's position on allowing Mexican trucks into the country remains the same as it was before the attacks.
"It's important for the trucks to be operating safely in the United States, for them to enter legally, and for the government to hire additional inspectors on the borders," Fleischer said. Bush's plan calls for the border to be opened Jan. 1.
Fleischer dodged a question asking whether the administration would consider some kind of phase-in, saying, "the action is now in Congress and the President is hoping that Congress will take action."
He was referring to transportation appropriations legislation that stalled after the attacks. Earlier this year, the House and Senate passed two versions of the legislation, both dealing with the issue of allowing Mexican trucks into the United States under the long-delayed terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Congress was gearing up to battle over how best to compromise just before the attacks. Nearly two months later, the bills have not even been assigned to a conference committee, according to published reports.
During a routine press briefing earlier this week, White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer said in a response to a reporter's question that President George W. Bush's position on allowing Mexican trucks into the country remains the same as it was before the attacks.
"It's important for the trucks to be operating safely in the United States, for them to enter legally, and for the government to hire additional inspectors on the borders," Fleischer said. Bush's plan calls for the border to be opened Jan. 1.
Fleischer dodged a question asking whether the administration would consider some kind of phase-in, saying, "the action is now in Congress and the President is hoping that Congress will take action."
He was referring to transportation appropriations legislation that stalled after the attacks. Earlier this year, the House and Senate passed two versions of the legislation, both dealing with the issue of allowing Mexican trucks into the United States under the long-delayed terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Congress was gearing up to battle over how best to compromise just before the attacks. Nearly two months later, the bills have not even been assigned to a conference committee, according to published reports.
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