The number one economic driving force of the Mexican economy is illegal activity in the US. This is well known, well documented, and well accepted. I’m not sure what you think they are going to start exporting across the border that they can’t already legally ship now. This will increase their main economic activity in this country, which is criminal under our laws.
$300 billion in trade in 2006 alone. Come on.
Things will only get busier: The Chamber of Commerce noted that under NAFTA, trade with Mexico has nearly quadrupled — from $81 billion in 1993 to $332 billion in 2006.
The Chamber argued that trucking is vital to the two countries’ trade partnership.
Likewise, the National Industrial Transportation League (a trade group representing companies that move their products by truck) said the pilot project should go forward.
John Ficker, the group’s president and CEO, told the Senate panel that cross-border trucking is “essential to the growing economies of both countries.” He said the pilot project will ensure a safe and efficient transportation system capable of meeting the projected growth in freight movement between the U.S. and Mexico.
He also noted that the U.S. Transportation Department has met all the mandated Congressional requirements to allow safe Mexican trucking companies access to US markets. “These requirements are as stringent as those applied to US-based trucking companies,” Ficker said.
Transportation Secretary Peters said the United States has never shied away from opportunities to compete, open new markets and trade with the world.
“Now that safety and security programs are in place, the time has come for us to move forward on this longstanding promise with Mexico,” Peters said in El Paso. She also noted that in response to the U.S. pilot project, the Mexican government has agreed to let U.S. trucks ferry cargo into Mexico.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says the Bush administration is “committed to retaining a high level of security and safety standards under this program.
He said the “tough security measures” already in place will remain unchanged.
“Safety is the number one priority and strict U.S. safety standards won’t change,” Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez said.
Mexican trucks traveling on U.S. highways will not be allowed to carry hazardous materials.
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewNation.asp?Page=/Nation/archive/200703/NAT20070323d.html
No wonder the teamsters are so upset, they are losing out on some serious money here. That money however will go back into the consumers’ pockets in lower prices on these goods.
God forbid that happens. I am sure Hillary will save the teamsters in the name of “border security.”