House Republicans are fighting against “kill-switch” technology on new vehicles aimed at detecting impaired driving, potentially limiting and preventing vehicle operation when impairment is detected.
The opposition to the provision comes amid intraparty clashes over surveillance powers related to Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), as lawmakers grow concerned over privacy and governmental control.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) spoke with The Daily Signal about the provision in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), calling it “a direct threat to our Fourth Amendment rights.” The Congressman argues that it enables government surveillance of Americans through their vehicles.
“That’s why I introduced an amendment to FISA to eliminate the ‘kill switch’ and stop this Big Brother technology from being built into new vehicles,” Roy added.
Previous Concerns Over "Orwellian" Technology
Earlier in January, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) expressed concern over the “Orwellian” technology, warning that the provision could evolve into a system that disables cars based on how people drive, rather than suspected impairment.
“The car itself will monitor your driving, and if the car thinks that you're not doing a good job driving, it will disable itself,” Massie said during a debate on the House floor. “So, the car dashboard becomes your judge, your jury, and your executioner.”
The arguments against the provision stem from the bipartisan IIJA, which included the HALT Drunk Driving Act. The HALT Drunk Driving Act was implemented to develop tech aimed at preventing inebriated and impaired driving.
Clarification Over IIJA's "Kill Switch"
According to Military.com, the statute does not explicitly enforce a remote “kill switch.” The provision instead authorizes federal regulators to determine how vehicles respond when impairment is detected.
“The statute calls for systems capable of passively monitoring driver performance, detecting impairment, and preventing or limiting vehicle operation if a driver is deemed unsafe,” Military.com reported.
Following the IIJA’s passing in 2021, Congress gave the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) until 2024 to draft a standard. But a draft has not yet been finalized as the NHTSA continues to establish its rulemaking process.
The rulemaking process’s uncertainty has been a pivotal tool for Rep. Roy and allies to halt funding for the requirement before it is enacted.
