The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing on autonomous vehicles this week and will be facilitated by committee chairman Sen. John Thune (R-SD).
The purpose of the hearing, Transportation Innovation: Automated Trucks and our Nation’s Highways, is to examine the effect automated buses, trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles will have on the economy and jobs.
“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,” Thune said. “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 small passenger vehicles.”
Witnesses scheduled to appear include Chris Spear, president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations; Deborah Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council; Troy Clarke, CEO of Navistar; and Col. Scott G. Hernandez, chief of the Colorado State Patrol.
A live video of the hearing will be available on onwww.commerce.senate.gov at 10 a.m. Eastern.
Last week, the House unanimously voted to advance the SELF DRIVE Act, which established autonomous vehicle regulations and safety requirements.