Commerce Hearing to Examine the Potential of Self-Driving Trucks

Hearing will help lawmakers address a key issue in self-driving vehicle legislation

September 6, 2017

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a hearing titled“Transportation Innovation: Automated Trucks and our Nation's Highways” at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 13, 2017. The hearing will examine the benefits of automated truck safety technology as well as the potential impacts on jobs and the economy.  Including or excluding trucks, buses, and other heavy duty vehicles has been a topic of discussion in ongoing bipartisan efforts to draft self-driving vehicle legislation.

“Self-driving technology for trucks and other large vehicles has emerged as a pivotal issue in Congress’ attempt to help usher in a new era of transportation,” said Thune. “This hearing will offer all members of the Commerce Committee the opportunity to hear expert testimony on the future highway safety benefits of applying automated technology to trucks as well as perspectives on excluding trucks from legislation affecting passenger cars.”

Witnesses:

-  Colonel Scott G. Hernandez, Chief, Colorado State Patrol
-  Mr. Troy Clarke, Chief Executive Officer, Navistar
-  Mr. Ken Hall, General Secretary-Treasurer, International Brotherhood of Teamsters
-  Ms. Deborah Hersman, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Safety Council
-  Mr. Chris Spear, President and Chief Executive Officer, the American Trucking Associations
* Witness list subject to change.

Hearing Details:

Wednesday, September 13, 2017
10:00 a.m.
Full Committee

This hearing will take place in Russell Senate Office Building, Room 253. Witness testimony, opening statements, and a live video of the hearing will be available onwww.commerce.senate.gov.
NOTE: Witness added September 7, 2017