President Bush is planning how to reverse this week's surprise blow from the House against the opening of the Mexican border to trucks under the North America Free Trade Agreement.

Tuesday, as part of its version of the transportation appropriations bill, the House passed a measure that would keep the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration from processing applications from Mexican trucking companies to operate in the U.S. (See "House Vote Could Stall Border Opening.")
Yesterday, in response to reporters' questions, White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer said President Bush was none too happy about the surprise move.
"The House action had nothing to do with safety," he said. "It has to do with banning trucks because they happen to be operated by our friends to the south. And the President thinks that's wrong. So the President is going to work diligently in the conference [committee] to reverse that action."
Fleischer told reporters it was evident that safety was not the reason for the move, because the House also denied the President's request to more than double the number of inspectors at the border. "This also raises real complications for NAFTA and for free trade," he said.
When asked if President Bush believes Mexican trucks are as safe as American trucks, Fleischer answered, "The President believes that all trucks operating in the United States have to be operated safely, regardless of who is at the wheel."
The Teamsters union released a statement praising the House provision. "This bipartisan victory in the House serves as a warning to those who would sacrifice Americans' safety on our highways in pursuit of unfettered corporate profit," said Teamsters President James P. Hoffa. The union's pressure on the Clinton administration is believed to be a major reason why NAFTA's cross-border provisions with Mexico were delayed.