Republicans have just decided to stir the pot. In what can be labelled as a controversial move, Republican Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming have just introduced a bill that would effectively defund current acting administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ann Carlson.
The nomination for Ms. Carlson had previously been withdrawn due to substantial industry and congressional opposition, yet she is still currently serving as acting administrator in an “acting capacity” – which is being seen as skirting constitutional requirements by many Republicans.
The bill will be introduced as an amendment to a so-called “minibus” appropriations package funding various agencies such as Transportation, Housing, and Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2024. If passed into law, it would effectively defund Ms. Carlson from her current position at NHTSA.
This bill seeks to close a loophole that allows unelected officials to continue working after their nomination has been officially withdrawn without receiving any direct rejection or floor vote from Congress – thus avoiding proper oversight in matters pertaining to fuel efficiency regulations etc., which have a direct impact on taxpayers’ money and resources across the nation.
As ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee, Senator Cruz argued that this was in violation of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act which prohibits “any person who has been nominated to fill any vacant office from performing that office’s duties in an acting capacity.”
While some experts claim that this proposed fuel economy standard could potentially increase car prices and force electric vehicle purchases – something Ms. Carlson herself asserted would “reduce harmful emissions” – others feel it may lead to job insecurity amongst those employed within the auto sector due to its potential effects on gas-powered cars and trucks nationwide.
In addition, there are concerns about legality with regard to all agency initiatives overseen by Ms. Carlson since her nomination fell through earlier this year with no replacement having been nominated so far by The White House either.
This has led many Republicans including Senator Cruz himself questioning how legal such actions can actually be when not conducted under approving oversight from Congress itself?
