Congressman Calls for Review of Overseas Support for Autonomous Vehicles

A House Republican has urged the U.S. transport regulator to investigate autonomous-vehicle companies’ use of foreign-based remote assistance operators, escalating congressional scrutiny after recent Senate testimony revealed overseas human involvement in U.S. robotaxi operations.

Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) has sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy calling on the Department of Transportation to examine the use of foreign-based Remote Assistance Operators (RAOs) by AV companies on American public roads. 

The push for the probe follows Waymo’s earlier claims of driverless autonomy, which drew scrutiny after Chief Safety Officer Dr. Mauricio Peña disclosed under oath before the Senate Commerce Committee that the company employs remote vehicle operators in the Philippines, raising questions about what “self-driving” actually means.

In the letter shared exclusively to and seen by Decrypt, Carter warned that decisions on U.S. roads “may be influenced—or directly controlled—by individuals who are not Americans, are not subject to U.S. jurisdiction, and may not understand English, our road signs, and American traffic laws,” adding that the arrangement raises “serious and reasonable concerns about roadway safety, situational awareness, and national security.”

“Users of autonomous vehicle services are currently in the dark about their safety and privacy when it comes to RAOs,” Carter told Decrypt. “We know there have been instances of fatal or near-fatal crashes involving AVs, and we cannot wait for a confirmed threat to the U.S. or fatal accident involving a remote foreign driver to act.”

“This is a matter of safety and national security, and the Department of Transportation has every right to get to the bottom of how this technology is being used and what threat it poses to passengers and pedestrians alike,” he added.

“There have been several cases nationwide where drivers with little to no knowledge of English put themselves and others in harm’s way, prompting states to require English language proficiency in order to operate a motor vehicle. Remote foreign drivers must be held to the same standard,” Carter added.

The congressman grounded the language risk in a real-world precedent, pointing to a fatal October crash on California’s I-10 freeway involving a commercial driver with limited English. 

He noted that RAOs operating in “complex or high-stakes environments such as interstates, construction zones, and school zones” face the same risks—and should be held to the same standard. 

The letter went further on accountability, warning that overseas operators “may have no allegiance to the U.S. or regard for passenger safety, meaning reckless and life-threatening decisions could be made by an individual who will not face the consequences of their actions.”

Carter also requested that any DOT investigation examine whether audio or video in autonomous vehicles is “recorded, stored, or accessed by foreign personnel,” noting that vehicles may pass near federal facilities or national defense infrastructure. “Passengers deserve clear answers regarding their privacy,” he wrote.

Congressional pressure stems from Peña’s Senate testimony earlier this month, confirming Waymo uses remote operators, including some overseas, to assist in complex scenarios, while insisting, “They provide guidance, they do not remotely drive the vehicles,” and that the car “is always in charge of the dynamic driving task.” Waymo has been approached for comment.

Jason Nelson contributed to this reporting.