Today, the ABMA Committee had their monthly meeting. They received an update on our legislative priorities from our Government Affairs Associate and discussed tax extenders that will be considered by Congress post-election, the Robinson-Patman Act, and the ABMA Annual Lobby Day in D.C.
Congressional Update
In September when Congress was in Washington, they were focused on funding the government and passed extenders until mid-December. They then quickly left town to go back on the campaign trail. We expect more of the same in December when they come back to again work on funding the government with some additional considerations of expiring tax extenders.
ABMA sent a letter to the Chair and Ranking Members of the House Committee on Ways and Means and Senate Committee on Finance regarding extending the bonus depreciation tax provision. You can read more about it here.
We are currently working to get cosponsors for the LICENSE Act, which would make permanent two waivers issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic related to CDL skills test examiners and CLP holders. Cosponsors demonstrate to chamber leaders that there is support for a bill, which increases the likelihood that it will be put up for a vote in committee and on the chamber floor. It takes just two minutes to send your federal representatives a message about the LICENSE Act and why they should become a cosponsor.
The Robinson-Patman Act makes it illegal for any company to use size and buying power to get special deals and discounts from suppliers. It has not been enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in many years, but there has been recent movement to get the FTC to start reinforcing the Act again. ABMA will be keeping a close eye on this.
Lobby Day
Every year, ABMA hosts an annual Lobby Day in Washington D.C. Last year, we had to be virtual due to Capitol Complex access issues, but we will be live and in person in 2023. Be sure to mark Spring 2023 on your calendars and be on the lookout for an official date and information after the election.
