DC Update: FAA Reauthorization Hearings Begin, Autonomous Vehicles on the Table 

A report on government actions that could affect the remote-production industry

The Congressional agenda was a little light on the traditional issues affecting remote production this week, but there are a few new developments worth looking into. On Tuesday, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection held a hearing on self-driving cars. Several members of Congress in both the House and the Senate said they plan to work together to develop regulatory flexibility for the auto industry to create self-driving vehicles, with an eye toward proposing legislation this year.

Although the hearing is not specifically on automated trucks, the topic may be picked up as the discussion progresses. As you know, automated trucks would have an impact on remote production by adding both potential costs and opportunities for operators to install autonomous technology. Stay tuned for updates on how this issue unfolds.

On Wednesday, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation held its first of five hearings on FAA reauthorization. The discussion at this hearing focused mainly on the status of aircraft-certification service at the FAA but extended into the possibility of new taxes and fees to pay for updated infrastructure. The LSCC will be following the remaining hearings and report on issues that directly affect the remote-production industry.

Thursday marked the 72-day countdown until DOT appropriations run out and 226 days until FAA reauthorization expires. The Highway and transit policy is up for renewable in 1,323 days.

More Cabinet-nominee confirmations are planned for next week. Look for next week’s LSCC update for more information.