One of the provisions of the North America Free Trade Agreement has caused some controversy of late. The provision was to allow Mexican truckers to be able to deliver Mexican products anywhere in the United States by the year 2000.However, in 2009 the United States Congress decided to cut funding for the pilot program in the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill over safety concerns. As Farm Futures reports, Mexico retaliated by instituting tariffs on American goods entering Mexico. The National Association for State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) reports that 2/3 of the products affected by these tariffs are agricultural products. NASDA reports in in August 11, 2009 news letter that language was included in the 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act that could allow the program to continue.
Regardless, President Obama stated during the North American Leader's Conference that the administration is committed to resolving the issue. The President also said that any fixes to immigrations issues would have to wait for now, as the administration and Congress is currently focuses on the health care debate.
Posted: 08/11/09
