U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz is spearheading a Senate committee listening to meant to problem federal security necessities for autos, the Wall Avenue Journal studies.
Options that might come below problem by the committee embrace Automated Emergency Breaking (AEB), which received’t go into impact as a federally mandated requirement for brand new autos till 2029, in accordance with the Journal. Additionally doubtlessly on the chopping block is the “verify the backseat” reminder to make sure dad and mom don’t depart children within the automobile.
The Cruz-chaired Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation has already issued summons to executives of Detroit’s “Massive Three” automakers — Common Motors (GM), Ford Motor Co. and Stellantis (which absorbed Chrysler properties like Dodge, Ram and Jeep) — demanding they clarify the rising price of autos.
The listening to will get rolling on Jan. 14, ostensibly to get some solutions from business titans on methods to carry down automobile prices, the Journal studies.
Nonetheless, it appears a blame recreation is already underway.
Earlier this 12 months, a lobbying group sued the Division of Transportation over the upcoming AEB requirement, saying it will “considerably enhance prices” of producing, despite the fact that many automakers have already added the function of their very own accord.
The finger pointing is likely to be extra precisely described as an optics charade. Certainly, Cruz seems to have loads of motive to do the bidding of the automotive business, of which he’s the highest congressional donation recipient, 2024 marketing campaign finance information from Open Secrets and techniques reveals.
Equally, the Journal’s reporting suggests there’s no point out of tariffs being handed on to clients — an omission doubtlessly deflecting blame away from the Trump administration. Since Trump proclaimed “liberation day” in April, his tariffs have raised costs on billions of {dollars} in autos and auto components, in accordance with supply-chain logistics consultants.
Prices for a brand new automobile lately hit a report excessive, with common month-to-month funds climbing to $766. As a consequence of skyrocketing costs mixed with stagnant wages, missed funds and repossessions are additionally at a 15-year excessive.
Within the rush to chop car prices, are security options actually the very first thing that ought to go? In line with the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration, such options have saved 860,000 lives and prevented tens of millions of accidents since 1968.
Anybody keep in mind the preliminary blowback for Ralph Nader’s 1965 e book Unsafe at Any Velocity and the next campaign to standardize and implement the seat belt?
Nicely, right here we’re once more.
Maybe as a substitute of going after life-saving security options, Cruz may crack down on pointless bloatware, or — if we’re actually dreaming large — break up the monopolies that may get away with driving up prices as the results of little competitors.
And whereas we’re at it, how about some Cruz Management?
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