House Passes Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act
Yesterday the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, which would essentially prevent states that ban the sale of internal combustion engine vehicles from receiving a Clean Air Act waiver to set their own state standards. Under the Clean Air Act, states can obtain waivers to pursue standards that are more strict than those of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The legislation, sponsored by Rep. John Joyce (R-PA) passed by a largely party-line vote of 222-190, with eight Democrats voting with the Republican majority. The Senate companion bill faces an uphill battle in the Democratically-controlled Senate, and the legislation is also opposed by President Joe Biden.
Government Shutdown
Only a handful of legislating days remain for Congress to fund the government and a shutdown is beginning to look more likely. While the Senate appears on track to pass all of the necessary appropriations bills, divisions among the Republican majority stymied progress this week in the House, which will need to pass 11 more appropriations bills, or a short term resolution to fund the government, by the September 30th deadline.
UAW Strike
Many in Congress and the administration are closely watching the strike by the United Auto Workers and urging that the two sides work to reach an agreement. The UAW went on strike at midnight last night at three plants which could have ripple effects across the U.S. auto industry. President Biden made remarks on the strike earlier today.
Quotes of the Week
“When our country is as deeply divided as it is today, and when the political norms of debate and compromise are forgotten, it is vital that we step up to protect our businesses, our customers, and our employees. Without our voices, consistently and clearly speaking up for our industry, our stores are in real danger.”
-Mike DeSilva, AIADA Chairman (www.aiada.org)
“If a family wants to buy an EV and can afford it, they should buy one. But let’s make sure Americans get to decide what kind of a car they want to buy whether it’s an internal combustion engine, a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, a hydrogen fuel cell the future is with innovation and technology, maybe even something that hasn’t been invented yet.”
-Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Chair, House Energy & Commerce Committee (www.energycommerce.house.gov)
ICYMI
In case you missed it, AIADA Chairman Mike DeSilva is out with his latest Chairman’s Blog, As D.C. Flirts with Another Shut Down, Dealers Stay Focused.
Friday Feel Good
Here are just a few recent examples of how dealers are doing good:
The Jeff Wyler Automotive Family hosted a lunch for first responders to coincide with the anniversary of September 11th, 2001.
Findlay Honda in Henderson presented a check for $3,000 to the United Way of Southern Nevada.
We want to hear more about how you are supporting your local community – tweet us at @AIADA_News and use the hashtag #DealersDoGood.
