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Following a House Energy and Commerce Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection (DCCP) Subcommittee Hearing, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and Chairman Bob Latta (OH-05) expressed their commitment to working together on autonomous vehicle legislation. The DCCP hearing discussed 14 bills aimed at establishing a working framework for regulation of self-driving vehicles that would allow manufacturers to innovate and increase safety on the roads. Video of today’s hearing can be viewed here.

“Today’s hearing is an important step toward finding bipartisan consensus on the best ways to deploy automated vehicle technologies and keep this country at the forefront of innovation,” said Dingell. “With a staggering 35,000 deaths on our roadways in 2015, the development of these technologies has the potential to improve motor vehicle safety and save lives. Automated vehicles are going to be developed – it is simply where it will happen first and by whom. The U.S. must stay at the forefront of innovation and technology, and we must make sure that we remain in the driver’s seat as opposed to countries like China or India. We must also ensure that safety is the number one priority, discuss cyber security and understand the impact on the labor force as well as societal impacts, including the benefits automated vehicles provide for the aging, disabled and others. I look forward to working with Chairman Latta and my colleagues on a bipartisan bill that ensures the U.S. is the leader in this important area.”

“Self-driving cars provide the opportunity to increase safety on our roadways and improve quality of life for all Americans,” said Latta. “In order for the U.S. to lead on this cutting-edge technology, we need a framework that allows industry to innovate while ensuring high safety standards. This endeavor should not be a partisan exercise, and I’m glad to work with Congresswoman Dingell to ensure that the federal government is performing its customary oversight role while allowing industry the ability to develop, test, and implement this new technology. Her insight and perspective will be valuable as we work to develop a legislative and regulatory approach that strikes the right balance.”

Michigan and Ohio are ranked first and second in the country, respectively, in the number of businesses that supply auto parts. Both states would benefit economically and in job creation from the implementation of self-driving car technology.