Auto Safety Legislation—
President Johnson has told a committee of state governors that "strict national safety standards for automobiles" are needed even though ultimate responsibility for traffic safety remains with the states.
Johnson said that "the traffic safety legislation I have proposed will move us out of the age of ignorance." He urged support of the Administration legislation a few days before the House and Senate Commerce Committee separately began closed-door sessions on it.
Auto manufacturers wanted the legislation amended to give the states a role in setting safety standards. They sought a key role for the Vehicle Equipment Safety Commission, which is sponsored by the states.
"The auto industry's latest proposal would emasculate the President's bill and would impose an undue burden on the Secretary of Commerce," a Commerce Department spokesman said. "We're definitely opposed to it."
Johnson said the Administration legislation will "give us the resources to find
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