House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee to Consider Vehicle Safety Legislation Reflecting Key MEMA Supplier Priorities

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Tuesday, Jan. 13, the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade will hold a legislative hearing titled “Examining Legislative Options to Strengthen Motor Vehicle Safety, Ensure Consumer Choice and Affordability, and Cement U.S. Automotive Leadership.” The hearing will consider 16 legislative proposals as part of ongoing discussions tied to the upcoming highway reauthorization. 

MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association, welcomes the subcommittee’s focus on proposals that closely align with long-standing supplier priorities — advancing vehicle safety, modernizing regulatory frameworks, supporting innovation and reinforcing the global competitiveness of the U.S. automotive supply chain. 

Among the measures under consideration is the discussion draft of the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act, sponsored by Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY). The draft would establish a dedicated New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) office within the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), led by an associate administrator, to strengthen and modernize the agency’s consumer information programs. 

The proposal would also create a new NCAP Advisory Committee with formal supplier representation and require NHTSA to evaluate options for establishing a public-private partnership or independent entity to support the program’s future development. In addition, the draft directs NHTSA to address outstanding congressionally mandated rules and guidance — a long-standing concern for MEMA members seeking greater regulatory clarity and certainty. 

Importantly for vehicle suppliers, the draft includes a MEMA-supported provision granting suppliers independent authority to conduct public-road testing and evaluation of vehicle technologies — an essential step in accelerating  supplier-led development and improving safety outcomes. 

“Vehicle suppliers are at the forefront of developing the next generation of safety and mobility technologies,” said Paul McCarthy, chief executive officer, MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association. “Empowering suppliers to independently test advanced systems and participate meaningfully in NCAP modernization strengthens safety, accelerates innovation, helps the U.S. remain globally competitive and ensures continued U.S. leadership in automotive technology .” 

The subcommittee will also consider the discussion draft of the SELF DRIVE Act, sponsored by Reps. Bob Latta (R-OH-5) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI-6). The legislation would establish a comprehensive federal framework for automated vehicles, creating uniform national standards to support the safe and timely deployment of automated vehicle technologies. It also includes the ability for suppliers to independently test automated driving system technologies on public roads.  

McCarthy went on to state, “MEMA looks forward to continuing to work with Congress as these measures advance through the legislative process.”

Together with members, MEMA will remain actively engaged with policymakers and stakeholders as the highway reauthorization process moves forward, advocating for policies that enhance vehicle safety, foster innovation and reinforce the strength and competitiveness of the U.S. vehicle supplier industry. 

About MEMA. The Vehicle Suppliers Association 

MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association, is the leading trade association in North America for vehicle suppliers, parts manufacturers and remanufacturers. It has been the voice of the vehicle supplier industry since 1904. Its more than 1,000 members are Strong by Association.  

Automotive and commercial vehicle suppliers are the largest manufacturing sector in the United States and lead the way in vehicle innovation. MEMA members supply the vehicle from cradle to grave: from its birth on the assembly line through the vehicle lifetime.  

MEMA serves vehicle suppliers through two membership groups: MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers. Our members conceive, design and manufacture the parts, systems and technologies that make up two-thirds of the value of every vehicle and keep hundreds of millions of vehicles on the road running safely and affordably. We meet and enhance society’s transportation needs and our members are committed to safety, sustainable businesses, innovation, and the people who rely on us. 

MEMA has offices in Washington, D.C.; Southfield, Mich.; and Research Triangle Park, N.C. Learn more at mema.org.