U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) wants Volkswagen to face a fine of $18 billion for installing deceptive software in its diesel vehicles. That’s the maximum fine allowed by the federal government
The German automaker admitted it designed the software to cheat emissions tests and hide how much pollution the vehicles were emitting.
Blumenthal said VW needs to make amends with their customers.
"Volkswagen needs to clean up its mess and come clean with consumers, who bought this Volkswagen thinking they were going to get an environmentally friendly car and what they received, was a fraud on wheels," he said.
There are an estimated 4,000 - 5,000 VW owners in Connecticut that have been affected by the deceptive software.
Blumenthal said Volkswagen should also offer customers a buy back option for the full value of their cars.
Blumenthal is a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation committee in the Senate. Last year, he called on the Department of Justice to make General Motors take full responsibility for faulty ignition switches in its vehicles.