2020 Outlook
With 2020 now officially underway, Congress has returned to Washington D.C. after a three-week break. The 2nd session of the 116th Congress opened formally on Wednesday, January 7th and will run through the end of 2020. In January 2021, a new Congress will be sworn in and any legislation that was not passed in the previous two years must be reintroduced. Therefore, the MRF D.C. team is committed to a full-court press to pass our legislative priorities this year.
It goes without saying that D.C. is a town built on politics, and a presidential election year only amplifies that. One of the most obvious ways that an election year and specifically a presidential election year impacts Congress is the calendar. Politicians up for reelection want to spend more time back home shaking hands and kissing babies and less time in Washington D.C. In 2020 the House of Representatives is scheduled to be in session for only 112 days. The Senate is planning on spending slightly more time in D.C. with a scheduled workload of 142 days.
This compressed schedule means that we at the MRF need to make the most of our opportunities to educate lawmakers, advocate for our priorities and most importantly, demonstrate the strength of our movement.
First and foremost, Bikers Inside the Beltway is a fantastic opportunity for MRF members to meet with lawmakers. Nothing gets the halls of Congress buzzing like the sight and sound of hundreds of bikers pulling up to the U.S. Capitol. Make sure to mark your calendar for May 19th and join us for a critical day of lobbying in D.C.
Secondly, over the next few weeks, you will be receiving calls to action on different pieces of legislation Congress will be dealing with this year. Answering a call to action is the easiest way to reach a Congressional office and let them know that you care about motorcycle issues. Please keep your eyes peeled as we roll these out leading up to Bikers Inside the Beltway. Your participation is critical to demonstrating just how many motorcyclists care about these issues.
Finally, since Congress wants to spend their time at home, you should have no problem seeing them at parades, picnics and other civic events throughout the year. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself, tell them you are a rider and ask them to support our priorities.
This year presents motorcyclists with both challenges and opportunities for our community. We in D.C. are excited to navigate the next 12 months and deliver victories for our membership. We are immensely proud to represent you every day here in Washington and to “Ride with the Leaders.”
Happy New Year, let’s get to work! |
