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U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Joe Barton (R-TX), Ted Lieu (D-CA), and Joe Wilson (R-SC) today announced the formation of the bipartisan House Smart Transportation Caucus dedicated to advancing new innovation in connected and autonomous vehicles. 

“The future of the auto industry is changing at a rapid pace, and we are committed to keeping the U.S. in the driver’s seat,” said Dingell. “Connected and autonomous vehicle technology is one of the most competitive areas globally for manufacturing, and we need to show the world that we are leading the way in developing technology that will improve car safety and fuel efficiency, reduce congestion, and save lives. In addition, the future of mobility is changing rapidly and legislators are considering policy options that will change models of transportation in this country. The creation of this bipartisan caucus will help educate Members about the innovation that is happening in the United States, identify policy areas that need to be improved to support the development of new technologies, and boost collaboration to ensure the U.S. always maintains its competitive edge.”
  
“I am excited to join the Smart Transportation Caucus and work to further educate and inform my fellow Members of Congress on the rapidly developing technologies in the transportation sector,” said Barton. “The Texas 6th Congressional District is home to one of the largest General Motors plants, and I have closely followed their deployment of connected vehicles and other cutting-edge technologies. This caucus will focus on a wide array of transportation methods and safety implications from a 21st century perspective.”

“Technological advances in the auto industry have the potential to transform transportation in America – making our highways safer and reducing traffic,” said Lieu. “But we must implement smart policies that encourage safety and security so we can ensure that a cyberattack does not turn connected cars into weapons or paralyze an entire city. Our technological advances are only as good as the cyber security that ensures products work efficiently and safely. The bipartisan Smart Transportation Caucus will focus on encouraging the deployment of new technologies with an emphasis on safety, security and innovation. As an original cosponsor of H.R. 3994, the Security and Privacy (SPY) Car Study Act with Mr. Wilson of South Carolina, I am honored to work with him alongside Representatives Barton and Dingell as well as Senators Gardner and Peters to ensure smart, safe and secure transportation for all Americans.”

“I am grateful to join my colleagues as a co-chair and founding member of the Smart Transportation Caucus,” said Wilson. “Vehicle safety is of great importance to me because South Carolina is America’s leading exporter on cars and tires. As cyber vulnerabilities in vehicles threaten the safety and privacy of American families, we need to promote collaboration across both the public and private sectors.”

The Smart Transportation Caucus will encourage the development and deployment of existing and next-generation technologies, including connected and automated vehicle safety technologies, smart infrastructure, advanced traffic and freight management systems, real-time transit and parking technologies. The Caucus will also coordinate relevant stakeholders in the Federal government, the auto industry, the communications industry, transportation safety advocates, cybersecurity groups and the privacy sector to engage in meaningful debate on policies and priorities that will help best support this new era in transportation.