On the recordSeptember 6, 2017
Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment that will provide the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with $9 million in order to facilitate their critical work on self-driving cars. Earlier today, the House passed the SELF DRIVE Act, which expanded NHTSA's authorities in this area. This amendment I am offering supplies the initial financial resources needed to carry out the directives of that bill. This includes validating the safety of self-driving cars; defining new testing protocols as the technology advances; and partnering with industry, along with State and local governments, to conduct oversight of these new vehicles. NHTSA will play a key role in fostering adoption of this technology that promises so much: expanded mobility, much safer roads, decreased energy usage and emissions, and less congestion.
