COMMITTEE ON HOUSE ADMINISTRATION PASSES BRADY RESOLUTION PROHIBITING TEXTING WHILE DRIVING FOR HOUSE EMPLOYEES

Washington, DC (November 4, 2009):  The Committee on House Administration today passed a resolution introduced by Committee Chairman Robert A. Brady that prohibits House employees from text messaging while driving when on official business or using House supplied equipment.  The prohibition extends to SMS text messaging, e-mailing, instant messaging and other forms of electronic data communication.

“We’ve all heard the recent reports about how distracted driving is more dangerous than drunk driving,” said Brady. “This rule change will reduce the loss of life, injury, property damage and taxpayer liability related to the conduct of official House business.”
 
On October 1st, President Barack Obama issued an Executive Order prohibiting texting while driving when conducting official government business.  Chairman Brady’s Committee Resolution parallels the Executive Order, extending the same prohibition to House employees.  On October 15th, Brady introduced H.R. 3829, a bill which reduces Federal highway funding to States that do not enact a law prohibiting the use of certain communication devices while operating a motor vehicle.
 
“Too often, we hear of motor vehicle injuries and fatalities that occur because drivers are distracted by texting.  These tragic events are preventable and we must take the lead in ensuring that the message is sent – your life and those of your family and others on the road are infinitely more important than sending that text message or answering that email,” said Brady.  “I look forward to working with Member Offices and House Officers to ensure that we communicate this new rule change and to develop corresponding enforcement measures.”
 

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