The United States House of Representatives finished up work on a long-term highway bill and approved its passage by a vote of 363-64. The bill—the first long-term highway bill passed by the US House in decades—is matched by a similar bill passed earlier this year by the Senate.
“This bill is absolutely critical to America and our economy,” said Rep. Bill Shuster, R-PA, Chairman to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
This bill has several provisions important to motorcyclists. First and most importantly, the bill ends the federal funding of motorcycle-only checkpoints, a top priority of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.
The bill also re-convenes the National Motorcycle Advisory Council (NMAC), an advisory council that advises the Secretary of Transportation on how infrastructure issues affect motorcyclists in ways that are vastly different than for four-wheeled vehicles.
Lastly, the bill commissions a study to determine the best ways to prevent motorcycle crashes. Because it focuses only on prevention rather than on helmet use, this study would be the first of its kind.
The House and Senate will next form a conference committee to iron out the slight differences between the two versions of legislation before sending it the President for his signature, a process that is expected to be fast-tracked for quick approval.
The MRF thanks every motorcyclist who came to DC to lobby, as well as every motorcyclist who communicated with their members of Congress on this important issue.
As always, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation will keep you updated and informed on this issue.
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