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3w ago

House Defeats Bid to Block Vehicle 'Kill Switch' Funding as 57 Republicans Break Ranks

NHTSA has not issued a mandate, citing difficulty distinguishing intoxication from drowsy or distracted driving.

Close-up of engine start and stop button, red color, on dashboard of a car in Lafayette, California, February 7, 2020. Image for illustration purposes only.
Stylized teal-lit car interior with driver hands on a Mazda steering wheel and a navigation screen showing a 3D car
File photo of a woman driving, taken in August 2014.

Overview

  • The House rejected Rep. Thomas Massie’s amendment to bar funding for Section 24220 implementation by a 164–268 vote.
  • Fifty-seven Republicans joined 211 Democrats to oppose the measure, while four Democrats voted in favor, according to the official roll call.
  • The amendment sought to prohibit spending to advance or enforce impaired‑driving prevention technology directed by the 2021 infrastructure law.
  • No federal vehicle standard is currently in effect, and NHTSA reports technical hurdles in reliably detecting impairment.
  • Reactions split sharply, with critics like Gov. Ron DeSantis warning of government overreach and supporters such as Rep. Debbie Dingell and MADD arguing the technology can save lives.