Vote on Trucking Regulation a Victory for Safety (Sen. Byron Dorgan)

Last night’s vote on my amendment prohibiting Mexican truck drivers to operate beyond commercial zones near the Mexican border is a victory for safety. It also represents a turning of the tide on the senseless, headlong rush this country has been engaged in for some time, to dismantle safety standards and a quality of life it took generations to achieve.

It also rejects the Administration’s action to push a program many of us believe would compromise the safety of American drivers.

Last night, commerce — for a change — did not trump safety. 

Because my amendment is identical to language already included in the House-passed version of this bill, I expect this provision will not be altered in the House-Senate conference committee and that we have, effectively, stopped this pilot program.

I thank every Senator who voted last night to stand up for the safety of American drivers on America’s roadways.