Ted Yoho: “I thank the chairman, and I yield back the balance of my time. My amendment would prohibit any funds made available…”

“I thank the chairman, and I yield back the balance of my time. My amendment would prohibit any funds made available under this act to be used to implement any Administration mandate for GPS or event data recording devices in ``light-duty, non-commercial'' passenger motor vehicles. In the recent past, the Department of Transportation and the President have both indicated their support of a mandate, a mandate which would require every car to have a recording device installed. These recording devices are more commonly referred to as ``black boxes.'' Within the past year, our nation has been rocked by evidence of surveillance techniques that have been used, unconstitutionally, by government agencies to collect information on law-abiding Americans. It is understandable then, that the revelation that a black box installed in a vehicle, often times without consumer knowledge, is concerning. Additionally, there is a need to provide clarity to the confusion surrounding who is the owner of the data collected by these event data recorders. I believe that ownerships resides with the owner of the vehicle. However, until such time as this issue is resolved, I must defer to my constituents back home who are adamantly opposed to these black boxes. I ask that my colleagues join me in supporting my amendment to protect the personal liberties of a public that is increasingly weary of government surveillance and privacy intrusions. The Acting CHAIR.…”