Peters Convened First Hearing as Chair of Commerce Surface Transportation Committee
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight, and Ports, Tuesday convened a hearing assessing the future of the American auto industry.
The hearing, which was the first that Peters convened as Chairman of the Subcommittee, addressed how automotive innovation will influence the future of vehicle safety, mobility, and technology in a global economy. Peters also announced that he was co-sponsoring the bipartisan RIDE Act to help address drunk driving and incorporate drunk driving prevention technology into vehicles.
“Almost 40,000 people die each year in crashes on U.S. roads, but those are more than just statistics,” said Peters during his opening statement. “Those are husbands and wives, sons and daughters, loved ones and close friends. That's why I'm committed to comprehensively working to improve safety. This includes efforts like passing legislation, such as the RIDE Act, which we will hear about today so that we can spare families from preventable tragedies.
“I'm also committed to working with the auto industry to achieve a future where technology innovation and the contributions of autoworkers solve some of the most pressing challenges that we face. One of the most important opportunities we can seize is autonomous vehicle technologies,” Peters continued. “If we want to continue being the mobility capital of the world, we must allow innovation to continue, and we cannot afford to wait until countries like China seize the moment. Allowing for the safe testing, the research, development, and deployment of these technologies will not only cement American leadership but bring with that economic growth and good-paying jobs with improved safety.”
To watch video of Senator Peters’ opening remarks, click here. For text of Peters’ opening remarks as prepared, click here.
To watch video of Senator Peters’ questions, click here.
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