Democrat Senator Accuses GOP Colleague of Spying on Congressional Cars
Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada) has accused Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) of "creepily" spying on congressional vehicles. The allegation arose amid a heated Senate Commerce Committee hearing focused on driving safety legislation.
Details of the Accusation
Rosen criticized Moreno for allegedly following senators to their cars and recording their vehicle identification numbers (VINs) to make a political point. She tweeted on Wednesday:
“Instead of @berniemoreno creepily following us to the cars we use to get to work in the Capitol and writing down their VIN numbers, I’d suggest he use his time in more productive ways.”
Context from Senate Hearing
During the hearing, Moreno admitted to obtaining VINs from Democratic senators' vehicles. He used this information to argue that the Democrats were hypocritical about safety technology, as their cars did not have the driver-assistance features they support mandating for federal employees.
Exchange Between Senators
- Rosen objected to Moreno’s actions: “I object to you stalking my car and my staff to find the VIN numbers to present to this committee.”
- Moreno responded by noting the VINs are visible from outside the car: “It’s visible from the outside of the car.”
VINs can typically be seen through the front windshield, which Moreno cited in his defense.
Summary
This dispute highlights tensions over proposed driving safety regulations and the lengths lawmakers are willing to go to challenge each other’s positions.
Author's summary: Senator Jacky Rosen accused Senator Bernie Moreno of spying on congressional cars to challenge Democrats' stance on vehicle safety, sparking a sharp exchange in a Senate hearing.