SPEEDY GONZALES FREIGHT ON THE ROAD AGAIN
Reaction Swift To Border Announcement 8/5/2008 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. Public Citizen and the Teamsters Union issued statements condemning the FMCSA's move. "The blatant disregard that Peters, Hill and the Bush administration have shown to Congress, which has time and again expressed overwhelming opposition to this unsafe program, is outrageous," said Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa in a statement. "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."

This hit the news here day before yesterday. They hoped nobody would notice, but apparently people were staking out their website and caught the story. This particularly sleazy bit of arrogance will likely kill off the ongoing nightmare for good this time. At least, that's the claims coming from Congressmen; who knows how much in bribe money is heading their way between now and the September sessions ...