By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
As part of SEMA's campaign to pass the RPM Act, SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola recently traveled to Washington, DC, to meet with members of Congress who are integral to the legislative process on the bill and urge key members of Congress to move the RPM Act.
With strong legislative support from over 155 members of Congress and unprecedented grassroots advocacy from industry members and enthusiasts, the RPM Act is well positioned to be passed into law this year. However, the bill must still be voted on to become law.
To help get the bill over the finish line, Spagnola met with key elected officials, including strong bill supporters and members who are best positioned to shape automotive policy. Specifically, Spagnola met with the following lawmakers about the RPM Act:
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), an RPM Act cosponsor and Ranking Member on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), RPM Act cosponsor & Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rogers (R-WA), the senior Republican on the Energy & Commerce Committee
Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), one of the strong voices on automotive issues on the E&C Committee. Rep. Dingell’s new district will include Plymouth, MI, which is home to SEMA’s Detroit Garage.
- Mike Thompson (D-CA), an RPM Act cosponsor and the Chairman of the Congressional Motorsports Caucus
- Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), an RPM Act cosponsor
"We had very productive meetings with some of the most important lawmakers in the automotive policy space last week," said Spagnola. “The momentum for passing the RPM Act is building, and the progress we are making is in no small part thanks to the phone calls and letters SEMA members, the racing community, and automotive enthusiasts have made to Congress. Now is the time to keep our foot on the gas and continue to remind lawmakers that they must pass the RPM Act before the November election. It is time that Congress delivers for the men and women in our community and protects the right to convert and sell parts for race vehicles.”
The RPM Act (H.R. 3281/S.2736) is a bill that would protect the future of racing by clarifying in federal law that it is not illegal to modify and convert a street vehicle into a dedicated race vehicle. The House and Senate must pass the RPM Act by Jan. 3, 2023, in order for it to become law during the 117th session of Congress. Business and enthusiasts are urged to continue to reach out and contact their legislators at www.saveourracecars.com, and push for passage of the RPM Act this year.
Congress will be in session in July before the House and Senate go into recess during the month of August, which makes it the perfect time to invite lawmakers to the racetrack or your business. Hosting members of Congress when they are back in their district is one of the best ways to advocate for the RPM Act. SEMA staff stands ready to help facilitate these visits. If you would like to host your lawmakers, please contact erics@sema.org.