Senate Committee Kills Amendment to Modify Recalls
The Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee did not approve Section 4209, an amendment for rental recalls in the S. 1732 bill: Comprehensive Transportation and Consumer Protection Act of 2015.

Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) introduced Section 4209 to the S. 1732 bill. Photo via Wikimedia.

Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) introduced Section 4209 to the S. 1732 bill. Photo via Wikimedia.
During Wednesday’s meeting, the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee did not approve Section 4209, an amendment for rental recalls in the S. 1732 bill: Comprehensive Transportation and Consumer Protection Act of 2015, according to a press statement from the committee.
Introduced by Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), Section 4209 would have allowed car rental companies to rent recalled vehicles that haven’t been repaired. The amendment said that rental car companies must tell renters about the recall notices — if they don’t anticipate fixing the cars first.
Instead, the committee voted to require car rental companies to “ground” (take out of rental service) vehicles subject to a federal safety recall until repairs are made.
The modification resulted from an amendment presented by Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.). “The Raechel and Jacqueline Houck Safe Rental Car Act” is also supported by the American Car Rental Association (ACRA), the Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety (CARS), AAA, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety as well as several other consumer safety advocates.
The committee did approve the overall bill (S. 1732) with a 13-11 vote. The bill sets policy for automotive, trucking and rail regulators.
More Legal & Legislative

Government Affairs Executive Wins Leading Rental Car Industry Award
Robert Muhs started in the car rental industry with Avis Budget Group two years before the first International Car Rental Show.
Read More →
Using AI To Find Rental Car Damage
Angry car renters are storming social media, the mainstream media, and online ratings platforms to complain about charges they claim are either unfounded or excessive.
Read More →
Bandit Towing A Tough Road For Car Rental Companies
Operators often must spend far too much time and resources trying to recoup rental cars towed away and held hostage to outrageously high fees.
Read More →
Bandit Towing A Tough Road For Car Rental Companies
Operators often must spend far too much time and resources trying to recoup rental cars towed away and held hostage to outrageously high fees.
Read More →
ACRA: Spurring Car Rental Industry Success
The American Car Rental Association scored more access and influence in 2025 as it grows its services for car rental operators.
Read More →
AVOA Partners with AALA and NLC
The American Vehicle Owners Alliance (AVOA) recently announced its partnership with the American Automotive Leasing Association (AALA) and the National League of Cities (NLC).
Read More →
ACRA Takes Bold Strides On Capitol Hill
The American Car Rental Association’s annual legislative and lobbying event upped the face time with and access to members of Congress.
Read More →
Rental Car Leader Engages With Primary Industry Causes
Q&A Interview: Federal contracting, EV charging infrastructure, stolen vehicles, and policy advocacy drive an agenda for Carlos Bazan-Canabal that stretches beyond his car rental executive post.
Read More →
Get Ready: ICRS 2026 Open for Business and Call for Papers
The 30th anniversary International Car Rental Show heads to the Dallas area as it celebrates a legacy and pivots toward an industry marketplace and forum suited to the fourth decade ahead.
Read More →
Inside The Fight To Catch Rental Car Thieves
Recovering stolen rental vehicles requires foresight, cooperation, and a firm grasp of legal procedures with car renters.
Read More →
