Monday's announcement by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that it was extending the Mexican border truck pilot program drew swift criticism and a vow from a powerful Congressman to act swiftly.


"When Congress reconvenes in September, I intend to move our bill as quickly as possible, and make certain that the voice of Congress is heard loud and clear at the Department of Transportation, and that this program is finally shut down," said James L. Oberstar, D-Minn., chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, according to CQ Politics. Before leaving for its August recess, Oberstar's committee approved a bill last week that would stop the Transportation Department from continuing with the pilot program.

The Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association, Public Citizen and the Teamsters Union issued statements condemning the FMCSA's move.

OOIDA issued a statement saying it is not surprised by the announcement and maintains the continuance of the program is in defiance to Congressional directives as well as existing laws and regulations.

"The Administration has shown time and again that when it comes to this program they are willing to run roughshod over Congress and the American public," said Todd Spencer, OOIDA executive vice president. "Announcing this on the first day of the recess is unfortunately par for the course with them. Sorry for the cliché, but it's 'Bush league' tactics.

"DOT has consistently bent over backwards to force this program on the public. They seem oblivious to the inherent safety and security risks of what they are trying to do," Spencer said.

Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa said in a statement. "The blatant disregard that [Secretary of Transportation Mary] Peters, [Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator John] Hill and the Bush administration have shown to Congress, which has time and again expressed overwhelming opposition to this unsafe program, is outrageous. They have continued down this dangerous road that threatens American drivers and their families despite a federal law that bans funding for the program."

"The pilot program not only is unlawful, it is reckless," said a statement from Public Citizen, noting that the Bush administration "continues to flout Congress at the expense of highway safety." Extending the program for two more years "sends the wrong message and ignores multiple entreaties by Congress to terminate the program until safety concerns have been addressed."