Transport Topics reports, some top congressional Republicans are highlighting the advantages to be gained by early adoption of a regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles (AV). Chief among them: a competitive edge over China. “Economic Danger Zone: How America Competes to Win the Future Versus China” was the subject of a February 1 meeting of the subcommittee on Innovation, Data and Commerce of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Jeff Farrah, executive director of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, testified that prompt action by Congress “would ‘maintain and strengthen American leadership in the AV industry.’” He cited supply chain efficiencies and road safety as additional resulting benefits for the American economy, in addition to the technological solution AV adoption would offer for an ongoing shortage of truck drivers. The article notes that a Congressional Autonomous Vehicle Caucus was formed last year by Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI 6) and Bob Latta (R-OH 5).
