The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has learned that, with current authorizations set to expire in the next couple of weeks, the U.S. Congress passed legislation that would authorize surface transportation programs for several more months.
By voice vote, the House passed a bill (HR 2887) that would extend surface transportation programs through March 31, 2012. The bill also would extend certain highway-related taxes, including the gas tax, which is set to expire on September 30 under the most recent long-term surface transportation reauthorization. The Senate also passed the extension late on Thursday, September 15. This bill has been the vehicle for numerous motorcycle-related laws. HR 2887 is expected to be signed into law very soon.
“The extension keeps the current motorcycle awareness and education grants flowing. So far the government has returned $49 million dollars to the motorcycle riders in the country; I call that a good start,” said Jeff Hennie, MRF Vice President of Government Relations.
The bill, which should be the most bipartisan bill in the entire Congress, has been stymied for a number of legislative and political reasons – so much so that is now linked to the Federal Aviation Administration funding bill which is on its 22nd extension going back to 2007.
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica (R-FL) said the short extension represented a “bipartisan, bicameral agreement to move forward,” but warned that it should not be a “temporary Band-Aid.”
As always, the MRF will keep you updated on this issue and every other issue affecting motorcyclists in this country.