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U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement after touring the North American International Auto Show in Detroit with a bipartisan delegation of Members of Congress.

“The future of mobility is here, and Michigan – the heart and soul of the auto industry – is leading the way. It was great to tour the Detroit Auto Show today with a bipartisan group of colleagues committed to working together to support the auto industry and advance mobility. Other shows may have glitz and glamour, but here in Michigan, we have grit and determination, and the innovation happening in the domestic auto industry is truly inspiring.

“The Auto Show makes clear that automated vehicle technologies are no longer theoretical. Our companies can build them today, which makes passing the bipartisan SELF DRIVE Act to support the safe development and deployment of self-driving vehicles even more important. These advancements bring us closer to reducing congestion on our roads, improving mobility for seniors and those with disabilities, keeping the U.S. at the forefront of innovation and technology, and reducing the more than 35,000 deaths on our roadways each year, 94 percent of which are tied to human error. The auto industry is changing at a rapid pace, and we need a regulatory framework in place that will encourage innovation, while always putting safety first.”

For photos please click here and here.

The House of Representatives unanimously approved the SELF DRIVE Act, legislation championed and developed by Dingell, in September. The legislation establishes a framework for the regulation of self-driving vehicles that will allow manufacturers to innovate and increase safety on the roads.

Dingell was joined on today’s tour by Michigan Representatives Mike Bishop (MI-08), Bill Huizenga (MI-02), Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), Sandy Levin (MI-09), John Moolenaar (MI-04), Dave Trott (MI-11), Fred Upton (MI-06) and Tim Walberg (MI-07), as well as House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (OR-02) and Energy and Commerce Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection Subcommittee Chairman Bob Latta (OH-05).