Administration officials, Members of Congress tour show
In keeping with the Auto Shows status as the Public Policy Show, any number of congressmen, senators, key congressional staff, federal regulatory operatives and agency heads attended The Washington Auto Show this year, either officially or for a personal visit. Especially notable visitors were Vice President Biden, on a personal tour, and Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, a keynoter on Industry/ Media Day, Jan. 22. Business visitors like David Danielson, head of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy showed particular interest in alternative fuel vehicles and technologies.
The diversity of drivetrains and fuel options at this show is helpful for my people and me to see in the new products, Danielson said.
Other administration officials who toured the show included Victor Mendez, acting deputy secretary of Transportation; Reuben Sarkar, deputy assistant secretary for Transportation and the Department of Energy; and David Friedman, acting administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, accompanied by several NHTSA officials.
Representing EPA was Bob Perciasepe, deputy administrator, who attended SAE Internationals Government/Industry Meeting, co-located at the WAS. Chandra Brown, deputy secretary of Commerce also attended the WAS.
Members of Congress from the region visiting the WAS were House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md), along with House members Gerry Connolly (D-Va), Jim Moran (D-Va), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md).
Other members of Congress signing in over public days were: Reps Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.), Pete Gallego (D-Tex.), Alan Nunnelee (R-Miss.), and Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.). There were also tours arranged for members of congressional committees from both the House and Senate, to include the Senate Commerce Committee, the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. There were, additionally, long lists of high level regulators and administration operatives with members of Congress visiting during the Sneak Peak Preview, Jan. 22, where literally thousands thronged the Auto Show for the reception and tour on the show floor that had been arranged for them. Separate visits occurred during public show hours as well, which oftentimes were hosted by OEM members of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and Global Automakers. NADA, a third major stakeholder of the WAS and Sneak Peek sponsor, was unable to be as involved in hosting U.S. officials this year at the WAS, with the NADA Convention opening in New Orleans the same time as the WAS first weekend.
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