DeGette Statement on General Motors’ Internal Report on Ignition Switch Failures

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-01) issued the following statement after General Motors announced findings of an internal report on ignition switch failures and plans to create a victim compensation fund:

"I am deeply troubled by the findings in the Valukas report. GM's internal assessment confirms many of the troubling details our ongoing House investigation is uncovering. Siloed responsibilities and a corporate culture that deemphasized safety created an environment that allowed problems to linger, leading to additional accidents and loss of life. As we incorporate the findings in the Valukas report into what we have discovered in our investigation so far, I expect further clarification and explanation from GM will be necessary.

"We also need more details to understand how accident victims may receive compensation from GM as well as what legal rights individuals may have to waive as a condition of payment. These issues are complicated by the timing of GM's recent bankruptcy and the dates accidents occurred. While proactive attention on the company's part is welcome, I will pay close attention to make sure victims' rights are respected."

Rep. DeGette serves as the Ranking Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, which is conducting investigations into GM and its handling of faulty ignition switches that contributed to numerous accidents.

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