Senior congressional lawmakers, motivated by Toyota Motor Co's recalls, said on Tuesday they were preparing legislation to increase auto safety.
Legislation written by Henry Waxman and John Rockefeller, chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee respectively, was still being drafted and details were not disclosed.
A draft of the legislation is expected to be introduced before Waxman's next hearing on Toyota, which is scheduled for May 6, two sources familiar with the timing of the proposal said.
One provision expected to be included would strengthen the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which has come under scrutiny in ongoing congressional investigations of its handling of Toyota safety matters.
"Recent vehicle recalls underscore the need to ensure (NHTSA) has the resources, expertise, and authority it needs to protect consumers from vehicle safety defects," Waxman said in a joint statement with Rockefeller.
Rockefeller said he and Waxman were working on the legislation, which should help accelerate a measure through Congress with the legislative calendar constrained due to the November congressional elections.
Much of what lawmakers and policymakers would like to see in a bill grew out of the Toyota investigation this year and has been discussed at hearings, news conferences and other public forums.
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