Overview
- The Jan. 14 Commerce Committee session was delayed after Ford CEO Jim Farley refused to appear on that date.
- Ford objected to unequal witness seniority after Tesla was invited at the vice president level rather than CEO Elon Musk, citing longstanding parity norms.
- Farley also cited a scheduling conflict tied to the Detroit Auto Show through legal counsel.
- Committee spokesperson Phoebe Keller said the panel is coordinating with industry leaders to set a new date and will center the discussion on auto affordability, efficiency standards, and domestic manufacturing.
- GM said CEO Mary Barra would attend only if all invited CEOs participate, Stellantis has not committed, and Sen. Ted Cruz defended excluding Musk as a move to keep the focus on prices.