WASHINGTON, DC - The Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), today reviewed two proposals to improve safety on American roads and keep families safe across the country.
“Vehicle safety is a very serious issue that continues to be a concern for this subcommittee and the driving public. I have said that Americans deserve more. The legislative proposals we considered today are a step in the right direction towards providing the driving public with confidence that the vehicles they drive are safe and the recall process works," said Burgess.
Members reviewed the Motor Vehicle Safety Whistleblower Act, which incentivizes automotive employees and contractors to disclose information about possible safety violations if they are concealed or go unreported. If the information provided by the employee leads to an enforcement action, that employee or whistleblower would be eligible for a percentage of the monetary penalty. Companion legislation, S. 304, was unanimously approved by the Senate.
The subcommittee also discussed the Improving Recall Tracking Act, which would establish a national database of vehicle identification numbers and driver registration information to facilitate efforts by automakers to notify affected consumers of motor vehicle defects and safety recalls. The legislation would also make it easier to check vehicles for open recalls.
“I am disappointed that this committee has been forced to hold multiple hearings over the past few years on motor vehicle recalls. But even when facing these issues, I remain an optimist. I believe that cars are safer today than ever before and the data shows that. The new technologies that are being developed and deployed will make us even safer on the road," said full committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI), “There can be no margin of error when it comes to vehicle safety. Lives are on the line - and the public deserves the peace of mind that they are safe every time they get behind the wheel."
