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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) proposed rule to introduce a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) aimed at pedestrian head protection is a misguided attempt to address a complex issue through heavy-handed regulation. The initiative, which seeks to adopt the Global Technical Regulation No. 9 (GTR 9) on pedestrian safety, imposes unnecessary burdens on the automotive industry while offering questionable benefits to public safety. This proposal reflects broader concerns about the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to fundamentally manipulate the U.S. auto industry, with significant implications for costs, jobs, and consumer choice. Increased Automobile Costs: A Hidden Tax on Consumers The proposed rule mandates vehicle manufacturers to redesign the front hoods of passenger cars, light trucks, multipurpose passenger vehicles (MPVs), and certain buses to meet specific head injury criteria in simulated pedestrian collisions at speeds up to 25 mph. NHTSA argues that these changes are necessary to mitigate head injuries for child and adult pedestrians; however, the cost of compliance will inevitably be passed on to consumers. Despite NHTSA’s assertion that the redesign costs will be "negligible," the reality is that even small changes to vehicle design can ripple through the manufacturing process, affecting the entire front-end structure of a vehicle. This isn't merely a "one-time" adjustment; it's a redesign that impacts multiple aspects of vehicle development, testing, and assembly. For vehicles such as pickup trucks and SUVs—segments that make up about 22% of U.S. passenger vehicle sales—this could mean substantial cost increases. Add to this a $10,000 certification fee per model for compliance testing, and the economic burden becomes evident. For American families, who are already grappling with inflation and rising interest rates, these additional costs represent a hidden tax that makes it even harder to afford a new car. Questionable Risk Assessments and Dubious Safety Claims The proposed standard aims to reduce approximately 67.4 pedestrian fatalities annually, according to NHTSA's estimates. But the agency provides little to no data explaining how these numbers were calculated. The projected benefits appear dubious at best, especially when considering that the proposal targets vehicles for modifications based on a relatively narrow set of accident scenarios. Furthermore, NHTSA's reliance on Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) technology as a complementary measure raises questions about the efficacy of this rule. AEB systems were originally designed to prevent collisions with other vehicles, not pedestrians. Rapid advancements in AEB technology do not guarantee reliable pedestrian protection, and reshaping regulations around an emerging technology introduces significant uncertainty. The proposal essentially bets on unproven technology rather than providing concrete evidence that these changes will genuinely enhance pedestrian safety. The Threat to American Auto Worker Jobs This rulemaking comes at a time when the auto industry is already undergoing significant transformations, including the shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) and automation. Mandating costly new safety requirements could jeopardize the economic viability of some vehicle models, leading to reduced production and potential job losses in manufacturing plants, particularly those producing trucks and SUVs, which are popular among American consumers. Moreover, automakers operating on "uniquely American platforms" may face higher compliance hurdles compared to companies using international platforms that already integrate some GTR standards. This puts U.S. auto workers at a disadvantage, as domestic manufacturers may be forced to either shift production overseas or cut costs through layoffs and automation. In an industry where competition is global, additional regulatory constraints could further erode America's manufacturing base. A Play into the Hands of Globalization and Loss of Consumer Choice The adoption of GTR 9, a United Nations regulation, signals an alignment with global standards that erodes the distinctiveness of American manufacturing. It represents a form of regulatory globalization, where domestic policy is dictated by international norms rather than tailored to American conditions. This rule effectively homogenizes the auto market, forcing U.S. businesses to comply with standards developed in a global context that may not adequately reflect the needs and preferences of American drivers. The proposal also threatens consumer choice by limiting the availability of certain vehicles. As automakers adjust their lineups to meet the new standards, models that do not easily conform to the requirements may be phased out. For example, larger SUVs and pickup trucks may be deemed unfit under the new pedestrian safety criteria. This regulatory pressure prioritizes perceived safety gains over the consumer's right to choose the vehicle that best suits their lifestyle and needs. The Biden-Harris Administration's Broader Agenda This rulemaking aligns with a broader pattern under the Biden-Harris administration of using regulatory power to steer the auto industry in a particular direction. From aggressive fuel economy standards to subsidies for electric vehicles, there is a clear attempt to reshape the market according to a specific vision of transportation that favors certain technologies and regulatory frameworks over others. While safety is a legitimate concern, the means of achieving it should not involve coercive measures that disrupt the market and impose costs on consumers and workers alike. Conclusion: A Need for Sensible Regulatory Policy The NHTSA's pedestrian protection proposal exemplifies regulatory overreach. It imposes significant costs on automakers, threatens American jobs, and limits consumer choice, all while providing questionable safety benefits. A more balanced approach would focus on encouraging voluntary compliance through the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) and fostering technological innovation without mandating rigid and costly requirements. If the goal is to genuinely improve pedestrian safety, policy should focus on more comprehensive measures such as better urban planning, enhanced traffic law enforcement, and driver education, rather than reshaping the automotive industry at the expense of American workers and consumers. As the November 18 deadline for public comments approaches, stakeholders should voice their concerns and advocate for a more sensible path forward.

On Wednesday, October 9, CPAC with Bienvenido hosted Senator J.D. Vance for a townhall in Mesa, Arizona with concerned voters.   CPAC Senior Fellow Mercedes Schlapp and Founder and President of Bienvenido US Abraham Enriquez interviewed President Trump’s vice presidential candidate in a panel format on tough issues Arizonans are facing under the Biden-Harris administration.   Vance articulated the policies of a future Trump administration on the economy, the southern border, human trafficking, religious liberty, parental rights, and education reform. In taking questions from the audience, Vance made clear that a second Trump administration will prioritize lowering operating costs and red tape for small businesses and providing support for law enforcement officials to fight crime and drug and human trafficking and to create safer towns and cities.   Utah Congressman Burgess Owens and U.S. Senate candidate for Arizona Kari Lake also took the stage to address voters in the key battleground state.   With election integrity issues, a radical Democrat governor and Congressmen, Arizona is an important swing state in the 2024 election, and CPAC found many patriotic Arizona voters ready for a change in administration. Watch the livestream of the full townhall meeting on YouTube @CPAC .

The Department of the Interior is especially active in Nevada, and for Nevada ranchers, a positive relationship with the agency is critical to the health and prosperity of the small farms. Secretary of the Interior under President Trump David Bernhardt addressed the department’s interaction with ranchers to the Ranchers for Trump rally.  Bernhardt recalled a meeting during his confirmation process in which Senator Chuck Schumer challenged Bernhardt’s concern for the western states with the line, “There aren’t very many people out there.”  “What I said back to him was ‘The people that live out there are just as important as the people that live in New York City.’ And here’s waht you’re going out to vote for and think about voting, and this is truly the bottom line in my opinion: You’re voting for the future of your community and you’re voting to put in place a group of people that care about you, care about what you do, and care about your community’s future,” said Bernhardt.   His anecdote illustrates the difference between Left and Right, between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. The one could not care less about small, family farms, and the other could not care more about uplifting American farmers.   Watch Bernhardt’s full remarks on social media @CPAC.

CPAC is proud to introduce the new CPAC Voters Guide in time for Election Day 2024.   Knowing what’s on the ballot in your state and understanding what it means can be challenging and time-consuming, but the CPAC Voters Guide makes it easy and accessible. The CPAC Voters Guide breaks down the candidates and key ballot measures on the ballot in all fifty states and Washington, D.C. Not only does the guide show which measures have the support of CPAC, but it explains the implications of each measure and why CPAC supports it. You’ll also find the important measures that do not have CPAC’s support and how they contradict our mission to protect life, liberty, and property.   The stakes are high in the 2024 election. Make sure you’re informed and ready to cast your vote on November 5 with the CPAC Voters Guide. Peruse the guide by selecting your home state at CPAC.org/Guide .

On Tuesday, October 8, CPAC hosted a special screening of the new film Average Joe in Arizona.  CPAC was joined by special guests Elaine Beck, Miss Scottsdale, Miss Arizona USA, and more.   Average Joe comes from the makers of the God’s Not Dead films and tells the true story of a high school football coach’s fight to keep freedom of religion free. The film is an inspiring story to fight for one’s belief and to live one’s faith publicly and unashamedly.   See more from CPAC’s screening on social media @CPAC and learn more about Average Joe at averagejoemovie.com .

CPAC board member, doctor, and rancher himself, Brooke Miller addressed fellow ranchers at the Ranchers for Trump Rally in Fallon, Nevada.   “I’m like you. I’m a rancher, and I understand the problems that you all face,” assured Miller.   Those problems include monopolies taking over the cattle industry and shoving small, American ranchers out of the market. It has caused America to become a net importer of beef, often beef of lower quality than what is produced domestically.   Yet another result that Miller also understands intimately is the declining health of Americans.   “I’ve seen during my career, my almost 40-year career, the gradual decline in the metabolic health of people in this country. It is a massive drain on our treasury and our society. Last year, diabetes mellitus cost this country $415 billion,” revealed Miller.   “I am very worried about the future of this country,” he added. “I’m worried that my children and my grandchildren and your children and your grandchildren will not enjoy the same prosperity and freedoms that we have enjoyed. So, that’s why we’ve got to get out and encourage every legal citizen to vote in this upcoming election.”  Watch Miller’s full remarks on CPAC+.

What started as lawfare meant to throw him in jail and take him off the 2024 ballot, has turned into attempts on President Trump’s life. In just the last year, President Trump has been targeted in four criminal cases and two assassination attempts.  The Left has shown the extents to which they are willing to go in order to impose their agenda. We have also witnessed the great force President Trump is for freedom and to foil the Left’s plans to replace democracy and freedom with globalism and communism.    The Left knows Americans are behind him and are doing everything they can to keep him from the American people. In this final stretch of the campaign, let President Trump know that you’re behind him.   Add your name to our petition at CPAC.org .

The Trump administration established peace in Russia, China, North Korea, the Balkans, and the Middle East, all areas experiencing tension or conflict today under the Biden administration. Ambassador Ric Grenell explains how the Trump administration did it and what a second Trump administration would do to fix it the Biden administration’s foreign policy disaster. The Trump administration established peace by putting pressure on its NATO allies to finally carry their weight and contribute 2% of their GDP to NATO’s defense of their countries. They curbed Europe’s reliance on Russian energy and sanctioned the Nord stream pipeline. Now, NATO has gone soft and member dues are funding woke initiatives like climate change programs, and Russia is waging war on Ukraine. In the Middle East, Trump ended funding to terrorist groups and states, such as Iran, funding that the Biden administration resumed. Now, Israel is fighting for its life in an existential war with Iran-backed Hamas. Tough diplomacy is the solution to the wars and aggression from our enemies. An assertive America leading the world from a position of economic and military strength worked to bring peace and prosperity in Trump’s first term, and it will work again in a second term. In Grenell’s words, “You better have an SOB diplomat if you want to avoid war.” Watch the full conversation on Rumble @CPAC .

Hurricane Helene left Tennessee and North Carolina communities devastated. Hundreds are dead and many are still stranded without power. While the federal government has been slow to aid victims, state and city officials, non-profits, private companies, and Good Samaritans have rushed to Tennessee and North Carolina to help piece lives back together. Matt and Mercedes Schlapp join Elaine Beck to discuss the mismanagement of FEMA and the impact the Biden administration’s lack of response to the hurricane could have on the 2024 election.  “Are we taking care of our citizens first? Are we taking care of our people first?” queried Mercedes Schlapp. “When you look at the fact that FEMA did put close to $9 million into this kind of secure and settlement program to help resettle illegal migrants on top of that, so much of that money going into the NGOs that are facilitating the flights for illegal immigrants into these different communities, and here you have individuals who have lost, Americans, who have lost everything.”  “The government can’t do everything. We can’t do everything in our lives. You make choices, and their choices have been to open the border and to put the priority on people who are non-citizens, who are illegal,” added Matt Schlapp.   Scandalously, FEMA has prioritized illegal aliens over taxpaying, American citizens so that just as hurricane season is starting, FEMA is already running out of money, is unable to help Hurriance Helene victims, and is actively preventing private citizens from filling the void and helping victims themselves.   The FEMA fiasco is waking Americans up to the reality that the federal government is being mismanaged under the Biden administration and that the federal government should not and cannot be relied upon to rescue Americans in times of need.   Watch the Schlapps’ full conversation with Elaine Beck on social media @CPAC.

On Wednesday, October 9, CPAC will host a townhall with Vice Presidential candidate Senator J.D. Vance at Redeemer Apostolic Church in Mesa, Arizona.   Vance will take questions from and speak directly with concerned Arizonans on the issues affecting them most. Arizona is a battleground state with known election integrity issues and serious border security concerns. Vance and President Donald Trump offer policies that can secure Arizona’s elections, towns, and border. Vance touched on these policies in Tuesday's Vice Presidential debate. The townhall is the opportunity to hear him expand on those positions and engage in productive discourse. CPAC is honored to host Vance to articulate these policies directly to Arizona voters.   Learn more and register to receive express check-in for the townhall at CPAC.org/townhall .

CPAC’S Center for Combatting Human Trafficking was proud to join the House Judiciary Committee in celebrating unanimous support for H.R. 7137, the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act (TSRA) during a markup last week. Too many victims of human trafficking have suffered the consequences of their offenders’ criminal acts. The TSRA provides a legal framework at the federal level for states to follow that will close the gaps in unjust victim criminalization that results from the abuse of modern-day slavery.   All too often human traffickers take advantage of their victims, forcing them to commit criminal acts and “take the fall” for the horrific actions of their abusers. The heinous acts these traffickers commit should not be punishable through their victims. The TSRA will provide relief to those who were convicted of crimes due to their association in the criminal acts as a victim of human trafficking. Statistically, there is not a problem when identifying the victims in human trafficking cases. Yet, these victims often are unable to assist law enforcement and rebuild their lives because the existing legal framework punishes the survivors instead of the traffickers. Now, Congress is joining CPAC, victims’ advocates, and law enforcement in flipping this paradigm to punish the real offenders. Our Center remains committed to ensuring our elected leaders prioritize ending the evil of modern day slavery and looks forward to working alongside Congress to ensure the TSRA becomes law.

CPAC is proud to host a red carpet screening of the new film, Average Joe, on October 8 in Mesa, Arizona.   In August of this year, CPAC hosted the debut of another powerful film, God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust. Now, we are proud to host a special screening for the newest film from the makers behind God’s Not Dead, Average Joe.  Based on the incredible true story, Average Joe follows the fight of high school football coach Joe Kennedy to defend expression of religion in the public square. After being fired for praying after each football game, Kennedy embarks on a court battle to protect the Constitutional rights of all Americans to freedom of speech and freedom of religion.   The film speaks to the fight of many average Americans to live their faith openly and without fear of discrimination as guaranteed by the Constitution.   Join us on October 8 in celebrating the release of this inspiring film. To register and for more information visit  CPAC.org/joe .