By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
More than 100 SEMA members descended on the nation’s capital to participate in SEMA’s 2022 Washington Rally on Thursday, September 22. Industry leaders took to the halls of Congress to remind lawmakers of the cultural and economic importance of the automotive specialty-equipment industry and motorsports.
During the event, SEMA members urged Congress to pass H.R. 3281/S.2736, the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act. The bipartisan bill would protect Americans’ right to modify street vehicles into dedicated racecars and the industry’s right to sell the parts that enable racers to compete. The RPM Act currently has 132 co-sponsors in the House and 33 co-sponsors in the Senate, and the number continues to grow. Members also raised awareness for other issues facing the industry, including the REPAIR Act, harmful tariffs and zero-emissions vehicle mandates.
This year’s event marks the 16th time representatives from SEMA have held a fly-in on Capitol Hill. The event raises SEMA’s profile in Washington, D.C., and plays a pivotal role in the association’s advocacy efforts in Congress.
SEMA members who couldn’t make it to the Rally can get involved by hosting their local lawmakers at their business. To learn more, please contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.
(L–R): Michael Essex of Motor Trend Group, John Viscardo of Viscardo Enterprises, U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL), Sofia Morreale of The Tuning School, Bob Morreale of The Tuning School and Rob Fisher of E3 Spark Plugs.
U.S. Senator Shelly Moore-Capito (R-WV) speaks at a lunch event during the 2022 SEMA Washington Rally.
U.S. Representative Ted Budd (R-NC) addresses participants at the 2022 SEMA Washington Rally.