Dems urged to pass auto safety overhaul Consumer advocates want action before GOP controls House By David Shepardson Detroit News Washington Bureau Washington - Consumer advocates are pressing Democratic leaders in Congress to approve an overhaul of the nation's auto safety laws before Republicans take control of the House. Ralph Nader, a longtime advocate for auto safety, urged Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to pass an overhaul of the nation's auto safety regulations in the wake of Toyota Motor Corp.'s troubles over sudden acceleration. 'The postelection session of Congress is not for sissies,' Nader wrote, urging passage of the rule changes. House and Senate committees have approved separate versions. He also called for lawmakers to make reforms in the nation's food safety laws. Reid has scheduled a vote to end debate on the food safety bill. But Reid's spokesman, Jim Manley, declined to comment on the auto safety bill. Nader said the auto safety bill would 'strengthen sanctions and advance certain safety improvements and capabilities' of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In an interview, Nader said House leaders can't just focus on the issue of whether to extend all of President George W. Bush's tax cuts before they expire at year's end. 'They have to show they can walk and chew gum at the same time,' he said. Dave McCurdy, president and chief executive officer of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, said his group has 'never lobbied against auto safety legislation.' He said his members could back a narrowly tailored bill. The group has backed a vehicle brake override standard and a keyless ignition systems standard to ensure a consistent way of shutting off an engine in the event of unintended acceleration. It also supports mandatory data recorders in new vehicles. A House committee in May approved a bill requiring NHTSA to take action on a host of new regulations, including: Fining auto executives who submit false reports $5,000 per day or up to $5 million for a single recall. Increasing the maximum fine against automakers from $16.4 million per recall to $200 million, or $25,000 per vehicle. Requiring NHTSA to start developing rules on the placement of vehicles' pedals, to avoid obstructions, within 18 months. The House bill would give NHTSA authority to stop sales and order immediate recalls if it finds 'an imminent hazard of death or serious injury.' 