Bush policy is bad

During my August listening sessions, I heard Montanans voice their opposition to the latest attempt by the Bush Administration to allow Mexican truckers to operate within the U.S. I want to start by saying this proposal is a bad idea and it's great to see many Montanans feel the same way I do. This program poses a threat to American truckers, businesses, and the security of our nation's families.

There are several basic requirements that need to be met before this program is allowed to move forward. First, we haven't fully ensured that this proposal won't compromise our nation's security. Knowing who is coming into our country, and ensuring they're obeying the law while within our borders is vital to protecting America. Additionally, we need a strong language standard. If Mexican truckers want to benefit from American services, they need to be required to speak our language, period. Finally, these trucks need to be held to the same standards to which we hold American trucks and our American trucks need reciprocal access throughout Mexico. Until we're able to ensure these standards are properly observed, the Administration shouldn't be moving this risky program forward.

In May, my House colleagues and I successfully took legislative action to halt this proposal. The Senate has yet to act on it. I strongly urge the Senate to do their part in getting the legislation to the President's desk and telling him: "Sorry, Mr. President, but your plan is just plain wrong."

Denny Rehberg

Montana's Congressman