SEMA’s Washington Rally looked a lot different in 2021 than in years past. It marked the first time SEMA members met with their lawmakers and their staffs in Congress remotely rather than in person. While the goal was to have everyone come to Washington, restrictions on meetings in the U.S. Capitol complex made it impossible. Nevertheless, the virtual meetings were focused, beneficial, and helped to build support for top industry legislative priorities.
How many members of Congress have sold more than 100 racetracks, raced professionally, and have fought to reform government at the local, state, and federal levels? If your answer was one, you guessed correctly. U.S. Representative Bill Posey (R-FL) is one of a kind. He is a former racer, classic car owner, and has been one of SEMA’s strongest supporters since his days in the Florida State Legislature. When he’s not fighting to make the federal government more accountable and fiscally responsible, he’s working to advance policy solutions that benefit racers and automotive enthusiasts.
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing U.S. Representative John Curtis (R-UT), who represents Utah’s third congressional district, which borders Arizona and extends more than 300 mi. north to just outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. It is home to Moab and some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities in the nation—from canyons and red rock country to snow-capped mountains.
When Congress passed a SEMA-led law in 2015 to allow small businesses to produce completed replica cars, it was hailed as “revolutionary.” For the very first time, federal statute authorized small auto manufacturers to produce completed replica vehicles under a streamlined regulatory structure that reflected the distinctly different business model of this niche industry. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) completed the law’s implementing regulation in January, which must be reviewed by the Biden administration before it becomes official. NHTSA’s regulation offers a business-friendly pathway for companies to begin producing classic cars in 2021.
How many members of Congress grew up around racing, have three degrees from Harvard and spend their free time providing medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic? If you guessed one, you’re correct. His name is U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz (D-CA), and SEMA is fortunate to call him a friend.
2020 was anything but a typical year, defined by the COVID-19 health crisis that disrupted almost every facet of life in the United States. It should be no surprise that the results of the November election were equally unique. As the political world tries to make sense of the mixed messages that voters sent to Washington, D.C., on Election Day, the balance of power in Congress was still uncertain as this issue of SEMA News went to press. Two U.S. Senate races in Georgia, which carried over into a January 5 runoff election, would determine which political party controlled the Senate. Let’s take a look at the results of the elections and how they will impact the issues on the legislative horizon in the 117th session of Congress (2021 and 2022).
You don’t have to keep up with the fast-paced and turbulent world of politics to know that there is a presidential election on November 3. President Donald Trump is facing former Vice President Joe Biden in a race to control the White House for the next four years. The president of the United States is the most consequential elected office in America, and the outcome of this race will greatly impact the direction of the country and the lives of its citizens.
On July 10, 2020, SEMA members joined with car clubs, businesses and thousands of enthusiasts to celebrate the 11th annual Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD). A wide range of events was held nationwide to commemorate the special day. The celebration was designated with SEMA-requested companion resolutions introduced in the U.S. Congress by the co-chairs of the SEMA-supported Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus. U.S. Senate Resolution 650 was sponsored by Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC), while Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL) and Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA) sponsored U.S. House of Representatives Resolution 998.
While many lawmakers spend their entire adult lives in government, U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) chose a different path, entering public service after spending more than three decades working in the automotive aftermarket. His experience in the industry and in dealing with government regulations shaped his views on a range of issues, which is why Sen. Braun is using his platform to make government friendlier to small businesses, taxpayers and automotive enthusiasts.
With the 2020 presidential campaign in full swing, the race is shaping up to be unlike any other in recent memory. Gone are the historical norms that we have seen in past elections, especially when it comes to the way in which candidates connect with voters.