AVIA CEO Jeff Farrah Calls on Congress to Establish a National Autonomous Vehicle Framework

WASHINGTON – Testifying today before the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA) Chief Executive Officer Jeff Farrah urged lawmakers to move swiftly on legislation that unlocks the full safety and economic potential of autonomous vehicles (AVs) while keeping the United States ahead of global competitors.

“Across the country AVs are providing valuable transportation services, moving both passengers through autonomous ride-hailing fleets and goods through trucking fleets and middle- and last-mile delivery operations,” Farrah said in his testimony. “This progress has occurred in the absence of a federal policy framework for AVs and is therefore leaving U.S. companies at a disadvantage to competitors in China and other countries.”

AVIA recently released its federal policy framework, Securing American Leadership in Autonomous Vehicles, which outlines key legislative recommendations, including the establishment of a National AV Safety Data Repository, AV safety case requirements, and cybersecurity standards.

Farrah highlighted the private investment in AVs, more than 145 million autonomous miles already logged by AVIA member companies, and data showing dramatic crash-reduction potential. Yet, he warned, America’s competitiveness and public-safety gains hinge on federal leadership:

“Congress can and should lead the way on a federal policy framework that both answers key questions on vehicle design, construction, and performance and facilitates safer roads, more accessible vehicles, and strengthened supply chains.”

Farrah noted that while twenty-six states have enacted AV deployment statutes, the absence of a unified national standard is giving China room to seize market leadership:

“We can continue to leave a void at the federal level, which supports China’s ambitions to dominate the global AV market and puts U.S. states at the forefront of policymaking that is in need of federal direction.”

Key recommendations from Farrah’s testimony include:

• Directing the U.S. Department of Transportation to set nationally applicable design, construction, and performance standards for AVs.
• Establishing a National AV Safety Data Repository to ensure transparency and build public trust.
• Requiring Automated Driving System (ADS) behavioral-competency tests and a formal ADS safety case.
• Modernizing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) to accommodate driverless designs and promote accessibility.

Farrah emphasized AVIA’s readiness to collaborate with Congress, regulators, first-responders, and communities to translate these proposals into statute and accelerate safe deployments nationwide.