DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (May 8, 2001) – More than two dozen members of Congress, along with motorsports celebrities, recently joined 70 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) member companies for the fifth SEMA Washington Rally.
Held in the nation's capital, the two-day event included a reception for the bi-partisan Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, which numbers 72 senators and representatives. Co-chaired by Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, R-Colo., and Congressman Sander Levin, D-Mich., the caucus was formed in 1996 to raise the profile of the motorsports and specialty automotive industry both in Washington and throughout the country.
As part of the Washington rally, association members were provided by Mr. Campbell with a look at how the Senate “really works.” Also, Congressman Donald Manzullo, R-Ill., House Small Business Committee chairman, gave an assessment of the small business initiatives SEMA members have identified as a top priority.
Both legislators, according to Diamond Bar-based SEMA, expressed confidence that some tax relief will be legislated within the next year, and also forecast progress on other issues such as product liability reform and the number of federal regulations imposed on small businesses.
SEMA President Chuck Blum said it was “exciting to have 28 members of Congress” accept the association's invitation to participate in this year's event. “That shows what a long way we have come in building relationships with our senators and representatives these past five years” the rallies have been held, he said.