Carter tells DOT: Investigate Waymo's use of remote foreign drivers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA) this week sent a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urging the Department to investigate the use of foreign-based Remote Assistance Operators (RAOs) by autonomous vehicle companies, particularly Waymo, operating on public roads in the United States.

This letter comes after Waymo's Chief Safety Officer stated, during a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing and in sworn testimony, that the company employs remote vehicle operators located in the Philippines.

In the letter, Rep. Carter writes, "Decisions affecting traffic flow, emergency responses, and vehicle behavior on U.S. streets may be influenced-or directly controlled-by individuals who are not Americans, are not subject to U.S. jurisdiction, and may not understand English, our road signs, and American traffic laws. This raises serious and reasonable concerns about roadway safety, situational awareness, and national security."

The letter cites an October 2025 collision on the I-10 Freeway in California caused by an illegal immigrant commercial driver, which killed 3 and injured several others.

Rep. Carter continues, "This issue is not about hindering innovation. Autonomous vehicle technology holds promise, but public trust depends on transparency, accountability, and prioritizing the safety and privacy of Americans above cost-cutting or convenience. A thorough review by the Department would help ensure that companies operating on U.S. roads are meeting appropriate safety, language, privacy, and security standards."

Read the full letter here.

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