Legislative Affairs

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposed a “vehicle shopping” rule that would overwhelm car buyers and small businesses with additional paperwork and needlessly lengthen the sales process. The rule was proposed without credible data-driven analysis or the necessary time for public comment to avoid unintended consequences to consumers and small businesses. Unfair and deceptive practices in vehicle sales or financing are already illegal and should continue to be policed by federal regulators. However, the FTC’s proposed rule would make the auto buying experience worse, not better, for consumers. As the auto industry works to streamline the sales process post-pandemic, the FTC’s proposal will add inefficiency and complexity for dealers and car buyers. 

The FTC’s “ready-fire-aim” rule needs to go back to the drawing board. The agency allowed only 60 days for public review of this rule, despite its widespread impact on consumers and small businesses. Also, the data the FTC relies upon to support its rule is either unverified, previously rebutted, anecdotal, or non-existent. It is especially concerning that the agency did not issue an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) and denied a routine request for an extension of the public comment period. On Nov. 29, Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.) and 47 bipartisan and bicameral members of Congress sent a letter to the FTC urging the agency to withdraw its proposed “vehicle shopping” rule and instead issue an ANPRM. Members of Congress should continue to weigh in with the FTC and urge the Commission to withdraw its proposed rule and instead issue an ANPRM. 

Catalytic converters are being stolen at increasingly higher rates due to their valuable metals, such as rhodium, platinum and palladium. Thefts reported in insurance company claims have sharply increased over the past three years, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau estimates that these thefts increased by 1,215% between 2019 and 2022. Thieves can easily steal catalytic converters, and since catalytic converters are not readily traceable there is a lucrative market for these stolen parts. This crime is also associated with violence, with at least three deaths linked to the offense. These thefts are costing businesses and vehicle owners millions of dollars. The bipartisan “Preventing Auto Recycling Theft Act” (PART Act) (H.R. 621/S. 154) would help law enforcement combat this crime by providing a national framework that would mark catalytic converters, establish federal criminal penalties, and create a more transparent market that deters its theft. In May, NADA and 14 other groups sent a letter in support of the PART Act. Congress should pass the PART Act to address the growing national problem of catalytic converter theft.