CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Reps. Nick J. Rahall and Alan B. Mollohan, both D-W.Va., are working to prevent uninspected Mexican trucks from crossing the border into the United States to deliver goods anywhere across the nation.

Last week, the House of Representatives voted to immediately end a pilot program, set up under the North American Free Trade Agreement, to allow those trucks to operate beyond "commercial zones" near the border.

Rahall, vice chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said, "The safety of our roadways must come first.

"We cannot have Mexican trucks disobeying our traffic and cargo standards and endangering the safety of American drivers. I am proud to have co-sponsored this bill, which helps protect the lives of the many West Virginians on the roads each day."

Similar legislation is pending before the Senate.

The U.S. Department of Transportation began its one-year pilot program over objections from Congress. The program allowed up to 100 Mexican trucking companies to operate on U.S. highways within defined zones.

The DOT began the controversial pilot program on Sept. 6, 2007, with support from the Bush administration.

The House passed the bill after the DOT announced it would extend the program for two more years, until Sept. 6, 2009.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Reps. Nick J. Rahall and Alan B. Mollohan, both D-W.Va., are working to prevent uninspected Mexican trucks from crossing the border into the United States to deliver goods anywhere across the nation.

Last week, the House of Representatives voted to immediately end a pilot program, set up under the North American Free Trade Agreement, to allow those trucks to operate beyond "commercial zones" near the border.

Rahall, vice chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said, "The safety of our roadways must come first.

"We cannot have Mexican trucks disobeying our traffic and cargo standards and endangering the safety of American drivers. I am proud to have co-sponsored this bill, which helps protect the lives of the many West Virginians on the roads each day."

Similar legislation is pending before the Senate.

The U.S. Department of Transportation began its one-year pilot program over objections from Congress. The program allowed up to 100 Mexican trucking companies to operate on U.S. highways within defined zones.

The DOT began the controversial pilot program on Sept. 6, 2007, with support from the Bush administration.

The House passed the bill after the DOT announced it would extend the program for two more years, until Sept. 6, 2009.

Before the NAFTA program began, Mexican trucks were prohibited from operating beyond the 20-mile "commercial zones" near the U.S.-Mexico border.

Mollohan opposes the program because of Mexico's weak regulations over the hours truckers can drive, vehicle safety, driver training and driver licensing.

"The Department of Transportation has always signaled its intent to fully open the border to Mexican trucks without addressing significant safety concerns," Mollohan said.

"This legislation is necessary for the protection of the traveling American public. We now have uninspected trucks and untested drivers on our highways."

Rahall criticized the program for failing to hold Mexico-based drivers to the same federal standards that govern U.S. commercial trucking operations, including drug testing and criminal background checks for drivers who haul hazardous chemicals and other materials.

"This is just one example of why I voted against NAFTA more than a decade ago," Rahall said. "Its programs not only put American jobs and the American economy at risk, but also pose serious dangers to the safety of American citizens."

Mollohan said the DOT's recent announcement to continue the pilot program "flouts the will of Congress."

"In addition, during the past year, the administration has been unable to demonstrate an ability to adequately inspect Mexican carriers to ensure the safety of American highways," Mollohan said. "The safety of the traveling public must come before the administration's unwise loyalty to free trade."

Reach Paul J. Nyden at pjny...@wvgazette.com or 348-5164.