Harper Releases Statement on Passage Self-Driving Car Bill

Statement

Today, the United States House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 3388, the Safely Ensuring Lives Future Deployment and Research (SELF DRIVE) Act, a bipartisan bill focused on the safe and innovative development, testing, and deployment of self-driving cars in the United States.

Congressman Gregg Harper, the Vice Chairman of the Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection, previously introduced the Disability Mobility Advisory Council Act, which would create a forum for individuals with disabilities to work alongside manufacturers, suppliers and regulators to identify impediments and ways in which the needs of the disability community can best be met by self-driving car technology. The general intent of Congressman Harper's bill is included in the House-passed SELF DRIVE Act.

Congressman Harper released the following statement on the passage of this ground-breaking legislation, and the impact this technology could have on the disability community:

"In addition to the economic opportunities and safety benefits, self-driving car technology is especially important for the disability community where lack of transportation options is widely viewed as one of the top impediments to employment and further advancement in society," said Harper. " The SELF DRIVE Act will bring everyone to the table to ensure the disability community is part of the early discussions on the design and development of these new vehicles that present limitless possibilities for those who must rely on others for daily transportation needs. For the disability community, advancements in self-driving car technology could provide more independence, access to new job markets and opportunities to have an even more active role in our society, which would be a benefit to all Americans."

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