The Matrix

Given the speculation and concern over ransomware attacks impacting the 2020 U.S. election, the recent spate of private companies falling victim to such attacks, and the October 1, 2020 advisory issued by the Department of Treasury (“Advisory”), it is no surprise that ransomware is trending in cybersecurity.

On September 23, 2020, Representatives Bob Latta (R-Ohio) and Greg Walden (R-Ore.) re-introduced the “Safely Ensuring Lives Future Deployment and Research In Vehicle Evolution Act’’ or the ‘‘SELF DRIVE Act” to create a federal framework for autonomous vehicles (“AVs”).  The measure lacks bipartisan support and is not expected to reach the floor of the House of Representatives during this session.  But the continued effort demonstrates the importance that many lawmakers put on promoting a U.S.-led effort in the development of self-driving vehicles.  The matter likely will be among the key transportation themes before the next session of Congress, which convenes in January.  On the Senate side, policymakers have not advanced autonomous vehicle bills.  In the previous congressional session, an autonomous vehicle policy measure advanced in the House but came up short in the Senate.