Late last week, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed a provision that urges a resolution in the ongoing dispute over Mexican trucks entering the U.S.

The provision, contained within the FY2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill, cites "serious and legitimate" concerns over the safety of those Mexican carriers, but also recommends that the Obama Administration work to develop a proposal to establish a program that will "enhance the efficient movement of commerce."

Earlier this year, Congress voted to end a controversial safety program that allowed limited entry of Mexican trucks into the U.S.  That action triggered retaliation by Mexico in the form of over $2 billion in tariffs against American goods including many fresh produce items.  Previously, under the NAFTA dispute resolution process, Mexico had won a case that charged the U.S. with unfairly limiting access to these truckers in violation of that trade agreement.

United Fresh has advocated a rapid resolution to this crisis, due to the economic harm that it is causing the fresh produce industry. "If this language is passed by the both the House and Senate, it would signal a change in congressional intent regarding the safety program," said United's Vice President of Government Relations and Legislative Affairs Kam Quarles. "That would clear the way for the administration to work with the Mexican government to end the retaliatory tariffs."