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Your Motorcycle Riders Foundation team in Washington, D.C. is pleased to provide our members with the latest information and updates on issues that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. Count on your MRF to keep you informed about a range of matters that are critical to the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle. Published weekly when the U.S. Congress is in session.
NEWS FROM THE HILL – Profiling Update, RPM Act Advancing
We have reached an important RPM Act milestone thanks to our recent work during Bikers Inside the Beltway. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) was officially added as a cosponsor of S. 203 recently, making him the 8th Democrat on the bill. This symbolically demonstrates that the bill has enough support to get 60 votes and overcome a filibuster and pass the Senate. The RPM Act in the Senate (S. 203) currently has 34 cosponsors, while the companion measure in the House (H.R. 350) has 123 cosponsors. Given this information, now is the time to not just ask for additional co-sponsors but rather to push for a vote on the floor. Your MRF will carry this message in the halls of Congress this summer! We hope we can count on you to do the same back in the district.
Following our May 23rd event, the profiling resolution (S.Res.154 & H.Res.318) enjoyed an uptick in support with Reps. Rep. LaHood (Illinois), Grothman (Wisconsin), Nolan (Minnesota), Zeldin (New York) and Thompson (Pennsylvania) signing on in the House and Angus King (Maine) signing on in the Senate. This brings the total supports up to 9 in the house and 3 in the Senate. While this is a good start, we have a long way to go. The more co-sponsors this bill has, the more likely it will be voted on and approved. If your Member of Congress or Senator has not yet signed on, please contact them! Look for an engagement from the MRF early next week to help you in contacting your elected official to ask for support.
EXECUTIVE & REGULATORY UPDATES – MAC Letter Response & Comey Hearing
In one of the most highly watched congressional hearings since the days of Watergate and the impeachment of President Bill Clinton, this week former FBI Director James B. Comey testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee about his conversations with President Donald Trump, who fired him in May, about the investigation into some of his associates’ ties to Russia. The line to get one of the 80 seats was out the door and around the block in the Senate. Comey began his testimony by accusing President Donald Trump's administration of slandering him with its explanations of his abrupt dismissal, but also saying he did not believe the president or his aides asked him to stop the Russia probe as it related to the 2016 elections. Though no new revelations were revealed, more details were provided and there were several instances in which Comey suggested that he couldn’t discuss in an open setting. These are likely the places where the investigating most likely has found evidence of wrongdoing, or enough suspicion to investigate.
In timing of what could only be described as highly coincidental, the Department of Transportation sent a letter of response to the Senate in regard to a sign-on letter sent back in February citing concerns over adequate representation of motorcyclists on the Motorcyclist Advisory Council or ‘MAC.’ Though dated May 11, the letter was transmitted to the Senate on May 24. One day AFTER the Bikers Inside the Beltway event. The letter was signed by Finch Fulton, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation and indicated that the objective behind the MAC was to attract “motorcyclist practitioners” to serve on the Council. In other words, they want motorcyclists, but only ones that are also experts in roadway design, engineering, construction and maintenance. To date, DoT has claimed that the majority of applicants fulfill both of these criteria. The letter also states that they (Federal Highway Administration) will ensure that participants have the necessary expertise and diversity to serve. So far, the nominees have not been identified but when announced the MRF will circulate the list, closely scrutinizing to see how ‘diverse’ the Council is. We already have commitments from our champions in the House and Senate to help us in this process. This fight is not over…we won’t stop until we are satisfied! For a copy of the letter, contact Megan Ekstrom at megan@mrf.org
STATE NEWS – New Mexico
The New Mexico Motorcyclist Rights Organization Board is working diligently behind the scene to protect your rights and fight for justice. Recently, one of their members was killed while at a local carwash while washing his motorcycle after a day of riding. Members of the NMMRO board were notified of the shooting and arrived on the scene that afternoon to provide support for the family, friends and brothers of the victim and to ensure the rights of the motorcycle community were upheld. The NMMRO recently reported that no arrests have occurred in connection with the shooting but they have opened a dialogue between the local police department and their organization to ensure a proper investigation will be held into what is a senseless shooting.
The MRF is saddened to hear of the NMMRO’s loss and is in support of their efforts in the state.
MRF NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
We’re coming fresh off another successful Bikers Inside the Beltway Event that was held in the days leading up to Rolling Thunder in our nation’s Capital. Though this was only my 2nd ‘BITB’ I am told it was the largest to date with participants from across the U.S. representing the club world, NCOM, and of course the MROs…the backbone of this great organization. I’ve heard from many of you saying that you enjoyed your time in Washington and are already looking forward to next year’s event. It was definitely a success, thanks in part to MRF A&E who helped to spearhead a unique event in the Capitol, bringing a SMARTrainer in to let staff and elected officials experience a taste of what it’s like to ride. And legislatively we made headway, too, with an influx of sponsors for the RPM Act as well as the Anti-Profiling Resolution. We also advanced conversations as they relate to motorcyclists’ concerns over autonomous vehicles and expressed our frustration with the MAC and lack of motorcyclists.
I want to take just a moment to express my gratitude for everyone that joined us in D.C. spending your time and money to advance our cause. If you participated in BITB congratulate yourself because you are supporting and moving the needle in the world of motorcycle rights. And for those that didn’t come to D.C., thank your brother or sister that did and get your ass to D.C. next year!
RIDE FREE-
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Megan Ekstrom
Vice-President of Government Affairs & Public Relations
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation