According to Sawyer Merritt, the U.S. House Committee hearing emphasized that a federal autonomous vehicle framework is crucial for the U.S. to maintain leadership in the global AI race with China. By establishing uniform regulations, the framework offers certainty for innovators, manufacturers, and investors in the AI and autonomous driving sectors. This regulatory stability is expected to accelerate AI-driven transportation solutions, encourage investment, and facilitate the safe integration of autonomous vehicles into the U.S. economy, ultimately fostering business growth and technological advancement in the American AI ecosystem (Source: Sawyer Merritt on X, 2026-01-13).