Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation Chairwoman Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) has requested information from Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi regarding the company’s efforts to address sexual assault and misconduct during Uber rides. The request asks for details about Uber’s policies, safety protocols, and any planned improvements to protect users of its platform.
“The Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation is conducting oversight of corporate practices and the roles of federal agencies that may impact consumer safety. Recent reporting has highlighted that Uber receives a ‘report of sexual assault or sexual misconduct in the United States almost every eight minutes.’ Specifically, news coverage states that ‘from 2017 to 2022, a total of 400,181 Uber trips resulted in reports of sexual assault and sexual misconduct in the United States,’ a number significantly higher than the 12,552 cases previously disclosed by Uber,” wrote Subcommittee Chairwoman Mace.
Sami’s Law was enacted in January 2023 to direct the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine how ridesharing companies safeguard both riders and drivers. According to a GAO report released in September 2024, available data does not fully reflect the scale of assaults within the ridesharing sector. The report noted ongoing safety concerns for those using these services.
“This reporting and the prevalence of incidents raises questions about how Uber identifies, responds to, and discloses incidents of sexual assault and sexual misconduct on its platform. The disparity between previously disclosed data and recent reporting raises concerns about the accuracy and completeness of safety data. The Subcommittee is particularly concerned that underreporting or delayed disclosure of such incidents could hinder policymakers, law enforcement, and the public from fully understanding the scope of the problem and making informed decisions,” continued Subcommittee Chairwoman Mace.
James Comer currently serves as a member of Congress representing Kentucky’s 1st district since replacing Ed Whitfield in 2016. He previously served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 2001 to 2012. Comer was born in Carthage, Tennessee in 1972 and lives in Tompkinsville. He graduated from Western Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1993.
