Lois Capps: “In 2004, Raechel and Jacqueline Houck were tragically killed in California when their rented Chrysler PT Cruiser crashed…”

“In 2004, Raechel and Jacqueline Houck were tragically killed in California when their rented Chrysler PT Cruiser crashed and caught fire due to a safety defect that was under recall. A glaring safety gap in current law allows recalled cars to be rented without being repaired, which is why I have introduced H.R. 2198, the Raechel and Jacqueline Houck Safe Rental Car Act, so as to close this gap and prohibit the renting of vehicles that are subject to safety recalls. The bill is supported by all major car rental companies and consumer safety groups as well as by General Motors and Honda, yet Chrysler and Ford continue to oppose this bill for unclear reasons. Chrysler's opposition is particularly troubling considering this week's announcement that NHTSA is imposing a record $105 million fine and vehicle buyback requirement on Chrysler for its failure to adequately fix recalled vehicles or to notify vehicle owners in a timely manner. While H.R. 2198 wouldn't solve all of Chrysler's recall problems, it would at least ensure that American families who rent Chryslers this summer will know they are safe. This is a commonsense idea. I hope Chrysler voices its support for the bill and helps me bring it to the House floor soon for a vote. ____________________”