On Sept. 10, two motorcycling-related amendments were approved by the Subcommittee on Research and Technology of the U.S. House Science, Space and Technology Committee as part of the “Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2015.” The bill – as part of the broader surface transportation authorization bill – prioritizes research and development activities within the U.S. Dept. of Transportation. It passed by voice vote.
The two motorcycle-related amendments were introduced by U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren on behalf of U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner.
Amendment No. 036 would require the DOT engage the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study on the most effective means of preventing motorcycle crashes. While this study is being conducted, no federal funding would be provided to states to conduct motorcycle-only checkpoints. The Senate version does include language to prohibit federal funding for motorcycle-only checkpoints. The federal dollars from this program should be used exclusively for proven highway safety strategies and not sporadic, discriminatory checkpoints.
The amendment was approved by voice vote.
Amendment No. 037 would prohibit the DOT from lobbying for any activity on any pending federal, state or local legislation. This is commonly known as the “NHTSA Lobby Ban.” Sensenbrenner included similar language in the Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 1997.
It was approved by a vote of 7 – 6.
The American Motorcyclist Association applauds these amendments and will work to include them in the next highway bill. On Sept. 17, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is tentatively scheduled to consider the highway bill.
To ensure these amendments are included, urge your representative today to include these amendments as part of a six-year highway bill.
Now, more than ever, it is crucial that you and your riding friends become members of the AMA to help us protect our riding freedoms. More members means more clout against the opponents of motorcycling, and your support will help the AMA fight for your rights – on the road, trail, racetrack, and in the halls of government. To join, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com/membership/join.
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