DIAMOND BAR, Calif.-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 in the nation's capital.
The 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 industries.
Mr. Campbell provided SEMA members with a look at how the Senate ``really works.'' Also, Congressman Donald Manzullo, R-Ill., gave an assessment of the small business initiatives SEMA members have identified as a top priority. Both legislators, according to Diamond Bar-based SEMA, predicted progress on issues such as product liability reform and the number of federal regulations imposed on small businesses.
SEMA President Chuck Blum said the turnout of 28 members of Congress ``shows what a long way we have come in building relationships.''