Overview
- The Senate Commerce Committee postponed the planned Jan. 14 session after Ford CEO Jim Farley refused to appear, according to multiple reports.
- Farley, through legal counsel, cited a scheduling conflict with the Detroit Auto Show and objected to unequal witness seniority.
- Sen. Ted Cruz invited Tesla’s VP of engineering rather than Elon Musk and argued Musk’s presence would distract from affordability.
- GM said Mary Barra would attend only if all invited CEOs participate, and Stellantis did not commit to its chief executive appearing.
- The panel is coordinating a new date with automaker leaders to discuss affordability, efficiency standards and U.S. manufacturing, and Cruz did not rule out subpoenaing Farley.