Rep. DeGette Joins Colleagues and Takata Airbag Malfunction Survivor to Demand Answers and Accountability

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. DeGette joined with Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a victim of Takata's defective airbags, and other advocates to demand Congress act now to protect drivers and passengers from defective Takata airbags and to prevent another year of recalls like 2014 – which set all-time records. Earlier this year, Reps. DeGette, Pallone, Schakowsky, led Democrats from the Energy and Commerce Committee and introduced H.R. 1181, the Vehicle Safety Improvement Act. H.R. 1181 would improve motor vehicle safety and protect drivers and passengers from manufacturing negligence.

"Whenever any of us gets behind the wheel of a car, we need to trust that our car, and every vehicle on the road around us, is safe," said Rep. DeGette. "The Vehicle Safety Improvement Act helps restore a culture of safety among automakers, parts suppliers, and federal regulators. We can't eliminate every single car accident, but we can help to prevent unnecessary ones. And that will keep us all safer."

"I am glad that the Committee is refocusing on the Takata recall, but the analysis has taken too long – we need action," said Rep. Schakowsky. "The Vehicle Safety Improvement Act would increase auto safety reporting, oversight, and accountability and help reduce the likelihood of another Takata-like failure. We should advance the bill to the floor and pass it without delay. The American people can't afford to wait."

"Air bags are meant to save lives, not take lives. Yet, a supposed safety feature has become a safety hazard in more than 40 million vehicles," said Rep. Pallone. "The safety of automobile passengers must be a top priority in Congress. And while oversight is important, it's time for legislative action, starting with the Vehicle Safety Improvement Act."

"I've experienced firsthand the pain that a lack of reporting and sufficient oversight can cause related to a vehicle defect." said Angelina Sujata, a victim of a defective Takata airbag. "Airbags are supposed to save you, not hurt you. I am hopeful, though, that lessons can be learned from the tragedies that stemmed from defective airbags and vehicles and that the Vehicle Safety Improvement Act of 2015 can help to create this much needed change."

H.R. 1181, the Vehicle Safety Improvement Act, legislation to improve motor vehicle safety, was introduced by Commerce, Trade and Manufacturing Subcommittee Ranking Member Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Ranking Member Diana DeGette (CO-01), and other Committee Democrats earlier this year.

On Tuesday, June 2, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade will hold a hearing on the Takata airbag recall.

###