Scott Perry, Chairman of the Freedom Caucus, accuses Pete Buttigieg of seeking to ‘destroy’ auto industry.

Republican Congressman Slams Transportation Secretary, Accuses Biden Administration of Trying to Destroy Auto Industry

In a fiery House‍ hearing, Rep. Scott Perry‍ (R-PA), chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, launched a scathing ⁣attack on Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, accusing the Biden administration of attempting to‍ “kill ⁣the auto industry” with electric vehicles (EVs). ‌Perry grilled Buttigieg on taxpayer-funded subsidies for EVs, which he labeled as “anti-market ⁣policies.”

Protecting American​ Jobs and Preventing Bankruptcy

Perry demanded that Buttigieg and the ⁣administration pledge not to bail out the auto industry “after you force‍ it into bankruptcy again.” He pointed out that in 2009, the Obama administration bailed out General Motors and Chrysler, saving 1.5 million jobs. However, ​Perry argued that‍ this time, it would⁤ be government-induced bankruptcy by⁢ forcing the‍ industry⁢ to produce EVs that people do not ⁤want.

Highlighting the ⁣impact on workers,⁤ Perry quoted UAW‍ President Shawn⁣ Fain, who criticized the ⁢federal government for⁢ funding the race to‍ the bottom with billions in public money. The subsidies, according to Perry, are “killing ⁣their jobs.”

The Cost of EVs‍ and the Future of Transportation

Perry questioned the justification for forcing his‍ constituents to‍ pay for EVs and⁤ infrastructure that primarily benefit coastal elites and wealthy individuals. He ‌pointed out the high average prices ⁣of EVs and the income disparity of their owners. Buttigieg countered by stating that EV prices ‌are decreasing, with some models starting at around $30,000.

Buttigieg defended the administration’s⁢ support ⁣for ‍EVs, emphasizing that the world is moving towards this technology, and it is crucial for American workers to‍ be part of this transition. He warned that if the US does not embrace EVs, Chinese workers will dominate the market.

Concerns about Reliability and ​Safety

During⁢ the hearing, Republicans,‍ including Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN), raised‌ concerns about the reliability⁤ and safety of EVs, particularly in cold weather. ⁣Stauber highlighted the ⁢drop in battery life and the risk‌ of​ frostbite in freezing temperatures. He also‌ criticized the Biden administration’s mining moratorium, accusing them‍ of prioritizing “child slave labor” in Congo and China over American mining regions.

Overall, the hearing showcased the intense ‌debate surrounding EVs, with⁤ Republicans expressing concerns​ about the impact on jobs, affordability, and practicality, while the Biden ‌administration emphasizes the need to ⁤embrace this technology for the future.

⁤How does Perry criticize the Biden administration’s promotion of EVs, and what does he suggest should be‌ the role of the government in the ⁢auto industry?

Argued that the push for ‌EVs would have detrimental ‌effects on⁣ American​ jobs, particularly in the manufacturing sector. Perry highlighted the importance of traditional combustion engine vehicles and the thousands of workers who rely on their production for their livelihoods.

According to Perry, the Biden administration’s promotion of EVs is an⁢ attack on the free market and ‍a blatant disregard for the ⁢auto ⁤industry’s long-standing contributions to the‌ American economy.​ He argued that the government should not be involved ⁢in picking winners and ‍losers in the market, but rather should let ‌the consumers make their own ⁤choices.

Furthermore, Perry criticized the use of taxpayer-funded ⁢subsidies to promote EVs, stating that it distorts the market and ⁣creates an‍ unfair advantage for electric vehicle manufacturers. He argued that such subsidies encourage the growth‌ of⁣ an industry that may not​ be economically viable without government support, while simultaneously disadvantaging established automotive ​manufacturers.

Perry also expressed⁢ concern⁣ about the impact of EVs on the country’s infrastructure.​ He questioned Buttigieg on the readiness of the nation’s charging network and⁣ whether ⁣it would be able to ‌handle the increased‌ demand‌ that would come with ⁤a widespread adoption of EVs. He emphasized the​ importance of investing in infrastructure that supports all types of vehicles rather than focusing solely on electric vehicles.

Furthermore, Perry challenged the administration’s claims that EVs are more environmentally friendly than combustion engine vehicles. He highlighted the environmental impacts of ‍battery production and disposal, as well ⁤as the reliance on rare earth minerals, which often ‌come from environmentally sensitive areas. Perry argued that a comprehensive analysis of the entire ‌lifecycle ‌of vehicles should be conducted before ⁣making claims about their environmental benefits.

In response to Perry’s accusations, Secretary Buttigieg defended the Biden administration’s commitment to the auto industry⁣ and the promotion of EVs. He argued that the shift to electric vehicles is ​necessary to​ combat climate ‍change and to create a more‍ sustainable transportation sector. Buttigieg acknowledged the challenges that the transition may bring but highlighted the potential for job creation ‌in the⁣ manufacturing and renewable energy sectors.

The hearing showcased the stark divide between Republicans and Democrats on the issue of electric vehicles ​and their impact on the auto industry. While Republicans ‍expressed concerns over job loss, market distortion, and the readiness of the nation’s infrastructure, Democrats emphasized the importance of addressing climate change and promoting clean ‌energy alternatives.

As the Biden administration continues to push for the adoption of electric vehicles, it is clear that the issue will remain a contentious one ‌in Congress. The fate of the ⁢American auto industry hangs in⁢ the balance as ⁣policymakers grapple with the challenges and opportunities posed by the shift to electric vehicles.

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