MEXICO CITY -- Mexicos's Senate denied President Vicente Fox permission on Tuesday to travel to the United States and Canada -- the first time Congress has stopped a Mexican leader from leaving the country.

Lawmakers, apparently fed up with Fox's frequent trips overseas, voted 71-41 to deny permission for Fox's trip next week. Those voting in favor of the trip were from Fox's National Action Party.

Since taking office in December 2000, Fox has made frequent trips abroad to meet with world leaders and attend international summits. Opposition lawmakers have complained that he spends too much time traveling abroad.