Lawmakers to participate in ‘car exchange’

A bipartisan pair of House members are participating in a “car exchange” to experience how each other experiences U.S. roads. 

The lawmakers, Reps. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) and Janice Hahn (D-Calif.), said this week that they will rent car models that are similar to their counterpart’s respective automobiles. 

Davis drives a Ford F-150 Crew Cab pickup and Hahn drives a Nissan Leaf electric vehicle. 

{mosads}The lawmakers said this week the experience would be useful as Congress prepares to debate a long-term transportation funding bill in the coming months. 

 “This winter, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will be considering policy alternatives, and this bipartisan challenge will serve to highlight the regional differences in our transportation networks,” Hahn’s office said in an email to reporters. “Communities across our country are impacted differently by problems such as traffic and deteriorating road conditions, but the growing strain on our nation’s infrastructure system is felt everywhere, and demands action.  

“Congresswoman Hahn and Congressman Davis hope to use this challenge to learn more about how our system is prepared for a variety of transportation needs,” Hahn’s office continued. “While Congresswoman Hahn may be shocked at the gas prices, Congressman Davis will likely have difficulty finding charging stations. This challenge will take place in each of their districts.”