As the Senate Commerce Committee hearing unfolded on Wednesday, tensions flared when Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., accused Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, of engaging in ‘stalking’ behavior by obtaining the vehicle identification numbers, or VINs, of several Democratic senators’ cars. The exchange occurred during the questioning of Ryan McCormack, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Transportation under secretary for policy. Moreno defended his actions by explaining that he had gathered the VINs of the cars to demonstrate a perceived hypocrisy on safety technology among the Democratic Party, arguing that the vehicles in question lacked the driver-assistance features the party has advocated for federal workers. However, Rosen immediately accused Moreno of an invasive act, suggesting that his actions targeted her and her staff, raising ethical concerns over the use of personal information in congressional debates.
Rosen’s allegations sparked a fierce back-and-forth as Moreno attempted to justify his actions, asserting that the VIN numbers were easily visible from the outside of the vehicles. He claimed that this process was merely a means to highlight the party’s stance on safety technology, emphasizing that the data he collected did not include any personal or sensitive information. In response, Rosen accused him of overstepping his bounds and infringing on her and her staff’s privacy, arguing that the act was both unprofessional and unethical. She demanded that Moreno provide the list of VINs he had obtained and clarify his intent in collecting the data. The heated exchange further escalated when Moreno pointed out that the Senate continues to operate despite the ongoing government shutdown, emphasizing the disparity between lawmakers’ continued paychecks and the plight of federal employees who are currently without pay.
Moreno criticized Rosen and other Democratic senators for their financial privileges, suggesting that they should consider the impact of the shutdown on the American public, particularly those struggling with basic needs such as food and shelter. He challenged Rosen to reflect on these issues, stating that while she might be ‘donating’ her paychecks, the reality is that the government remains in a shutdown, with federal workers facing significant hardships. Rosen, however, defended her position, accusing Moreno of being out of touch with the realities of the American people, especially those affected by the current crisis. She argued that the Senate should prioritize addressing the needs of ordinary citizens rather than engaging in partisan political games. The confrontation, which initially seemed to be dominated by personal attacks, eventually shifted towards broader policy discussions, with Moreno querying whether it would take 60 votes to pass legislation. Rosen’s response, which emphasized the importance of listening and cooperation, marked a temporary de-escalation of the heated exchange.
Following the hearing, Rosen expressed her disappointment with Moreno’s actions, stating that his behavior was an overreach and a violation of her privacy. She called upon him to provide a thorough explanation for his actions and to ensure transparency in the use of the data he collected. The incident highlighted the growing tensions within the Senate, particularly in the context of the government shutdown, and revealed the broader ethical and political debates surrounding the responsibilities of lawmakers and the impact of their decisions on the American public. As the hearing concluded, the incident served as a reminder of the often contentious nature of congressional proceedings and the personal stakes involved in policy debates.