Waxman hopes to move auto safety bill after August

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By KEN THOMAS

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The House will try to advance an overhaul of auto safety laws when Congress returns from its August recess, a top lawmaker said Wednesday.

Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said he's hopeful the House will consider upgrading auto safety laws in the aftermath of Toyota's recall of more than 8.5 million vehicles.

The legislation would increase penalties against car companies, require automakers to meet new safety standards and empower the government to demand a recall.

Business groups and automakers have opposed portions of the bill that would add fees to new vehicles and bolster fines against the companies. Safety groups have urged passage, arguing the bill is needed to address problems exposed by Toyota's recalls.



Read more: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TOYOTA_RECALL?SITE=AZPHG&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[Po_d Mainiac]

1. Stick a decent 20HP engine into a Model T

Problem solved, and everyone can do their own maintenance. Put the heavy shit onto rails.