Democrat Senator Accuses GOP Colleague of Spying on Congressional Cars
Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada) has accused Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) of "creepily" spying on congressional vehicles. She claims Moreno tracked cars used by lawmakers to work at the Capitol and noted their vehicle identification numbers (VINs) to make a point about driving safety laws.
Details of the Accusation
Rosen tweeted on Wednesday, advising Moreno to spend his time more productively instead of following cars and recording VINs. The dispute arose during a heated Senate Commerce Committee hearing.
Context of the Senate Hearing
At the hearing, Senator Moreno admitted to collecting VINs from Democratic senators' cars. His goal was to expose what he called the Democrats' “hypocrisy” regarding safety technology mandates, pointing out that many of their cars lacked optional driver-assistance features they advocate for in federal workers' vehicles.
“I object to you stalking my car and my staff to find the VIN numbers to present to this committee,” Rosen stated during the hearing.
Moreno responded, “It’s visible from the outside of the car,” referring to the VINs seen through the front windshield.
Summary
The confrontation highlights political tension over vehicle safety policies, with Rosen denouncing Moreno’s tactics as invasive surveillance.
Sen. Jacky Rosen: “Instead of @berniemoreno creepily following us to the cars we use to get to work in the Capitol and writing down their VIN numbers, I’d suggest he use his time in more productive ways.”
Author’s Summary: Senator Rosen criticized Senator Moreno for invasively documenting VINs on congressional vehicles to challenge the Democrats' stance on driving safety mandates, sparking a sharp public dispute.