Susan Collins

Thank you for raising that very important issue, which is one that concerns me as well.

But should the States even be involved in this area, or should it be left up to the Federal Government so that there is a nationwide standard and approach?

In terms of insurance, yes, in the long run we might expect insurance rates to go down because fewer crashes mean lower costs for personal injury and damage.

The potential of the new technology that we're examining today is exciting, cars that drive themselves and avoid accidents.

What can you do, what can NHTSA do to ensure that States do not arbitrarily mandate various aspects of your guidance document?

Administrator, we heard Ms. Hersman say that three technologies, if they were mandated, could save some 10,000 lives.

I am pleased to be joined today by our Ranking Member, Senator Jack Reed, as we hold this hearing to examine the role of government in enhancing roadway safety through the careful deployment of automated and self-driving vehicles, which…

We must recognize that automated vehicle technology is advancing faster than government agencies can act.

These crashes are preventable, and we should be doing everything we can to eliminate them.

Let me emphasize that point: if this technology were to be perfected, automated vehicles could eliminate many of the crashes on our Nation's roadways and save thousands of lives each year.

I am disappointed, therefore, that instead of moving forward with the design and construction of the new vessel, the budget request instead proposes to conduct yet another analysis of alternatives.

Railroad safety is an important issue that this Committee takes very seriously.

I have serious reservations about the legislative proposal in the House that seeks to privatize air traffic control outside of the F.A.A.

Rail safety is a very important issue that this committee takes seriously, and I know the Department does as well.

I know that they're also engaged in a notice of proposed rulemaking to try to address this.

That means that there are lower income families that aren't receiving assistance, and that clearly needs to be remedied.

This hearing will come to order.

That is why you argue for more flexibility at the local level in your initial statement.

We are where we are today.

The ZIP code in which one is raised is a likely predictor on how one is going to do in life.

This is an issue that I continue to pursue from my seat on the Intelligence Committee as well.

I am puzzled by this because this is a rule that will help to reduce highway fatalities.

To liken our system with any other in the world is preposterous.

The budget proposes $98 billion for the Department of Transportation in mandatory and discretionary spending for fiscal year 2017.

This is not the time to be issuing unnecessary, burdensome regulations in the midnight hours.