Schakowsky Statement on House Passage of Autonomous Vehicle Legislation

Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3388, the SELF-DRIVE Act. This bipartisan legislation on autonomous vehicles is the result of months of intense discussion and negotiations beginning in the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection (DCCP) Subcommittee, where Rep. Schakowsky serves as Ranking Member.

“Autonomous vehicles have great potential to improve safety on our roads by reducing accidents caused by human error. My goal in crafting this legislation has been to make sure that this technology is deployed safely and that we also advance existing safety technologies. Our bipartisan agreement incorporates important safety priorities like mandatory safety assessment certifications, a priority plan for writing new and updating existing safety standards, cybersecurity and privacy plans from AV manufacturers, and HOT CARS legislation to prevent child heatstroke deaths in vehicles.

“With the development of self-driving cars, we must carefully consider the impact that they will have on workers who make their living behind the wheel. As this bill moves to the Senate, I look forward to continuing to work with stakeholders and my Senate colleagues to improve this bill and send consensus legislation to the President’s desk. The bill passed today is the next step toward promoting innovation and safety on our roads.”

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