Cross-border truck program hits a pothole

If Congress axes funding, Mexico may block exports
By Paul M. Krawzak
COPLEY NEWS SERVICE
December 19, 2007

WASHINGTON – The Mexican government is considering blocking U.S. exports, such as pork and rice, should Congress cut off funding for a cross-border trucking program, as is expected to happen within days.

Even if Congress ends funding for the contentious program through the catch-all spending bill that is under consideration, there is a growing expectation that the Bush administration will find a way to continue it in what some say would be an act of defiance and others say would be compliance with the law.

“We learned that the Mexican government has recently been undertaking an exercise to estimate the impact of retaliating against the U.S. if this pilot program is halted,” said Janet Kavinoky, a U.S. Chamber of Commerce lobbyist who focuses on transportation legislation.