Shutdown would force NHTSA to stop vehicle investigations – 9/30/13

The Center for Auto Safety is the nation’s premier independent, member driven, non-profit consumer advocacy organization dedicated to improving vehicle safety, quality, and fuel economy on behalf of all drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

by David Shepardson

Washington — The government’s auto safety regulator will halt defect investigations and public notification of new auto recalls in the event Congress fails to approve funding for the new budget year that starts Tuesday.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday it will be forced to furlough 333 of its 597 employees in the event of a partial government shutdown.

“Functions funded by the Highway Trust Fund will continue, while those funded by annual appropriations will be suspended, including safety defect investigations, field crash investigations, review of consumer complaints and notification of new vehicle and equipment recalls,” the agency said in a statement.

Click here to read the full article from The Detroit News