In a recent address to the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, Congressman Rudy Yakym of Indiana’s Second District emphasized the importance of the RV industry to his constituency and the nation at large, speaking about several legislative initiatives aimed at supporting the RV industry.
One of the primary focuses of Yakym’s address was H.R. 3624, also known as the Travel Trailer and Camper Tax Parity Act. This bill aims to correct an oversight in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that inadvertently left out non-motorized towable RVs from certain tax benefits. According to Yakym, this has led RV dealers to maintain two sets of books—one for motorized and another for non-motorized RVs.
Yakym pointed out that the current tax code forces RV dealers to focus on “unnecessary paperwork” rather than selling RVs. He said, “H.R. 3624 would correct this unintended consequence and allow dealers to focus less on unnecessary paperwork and more on selling RVs.”
This could potentially benefit up to 88% of RVs sold, which are non-motorized towable RVs.
Another significant point Yakym raised was the reauthorization of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program. Yakym emphasized the unique and complex supply chain of the RV industry, which sometimes requires sourcing materials from outside the U.S.
Lauan wood, a tropical wood found almost exclusively in Southeast Asia, was cited as a key example. This wood is crucial for the RV industry due to its water-resistant and lightweight properties. However, the expiration of the GSP program has led to unnecessary tariffs, costing RV manufacturers over a million dollars a month, as per Yakym’s address.
Yakym also expressed support for H.R. 3238, known as the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act. According to the transcript, Yakym is a proud co-sponsor of the bill, which aims to encourage private investment in affordable housing—a sector where RVs could potentially play a role.
The congressman highlighted the challenges posed by inflation, supply chain disruptions, and rising interest rates, which have made affordable housing increasingly difficult to find. The bill could serve as a tool to mitigate some of these challenges.
In his address, Yakym also spoke about the need for stable tax policy. He emphasized that both families and businesses require tax certainty to plan their finances and investments effectively.
The late Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, who was also committed to supporting the RV industry, was acknowledged by Yakym. According to Goshen News, Yakym is continuing her work and aims to address several issues that were important to the late congresswoman.
It’s worth noting that Indiana’s Second District, which Yakym represents, is a significant hub for the RV industry. As stated in both the Goshen News report and Yakym’s address, about 85% of RVs on the road come from this area, particularly Elkhart County.
The legislative initiatives discussed by Yakym could have far-reaching implications for the RV industry. From tax benefits to supply chain improvements, these proposals aim to address several challenges currently faced by the industry.
As these bills make their way through Congress, it will be important for members of the RV industry to stay informed and engaged. Public hearings and committee discussions offer opportunities for industry input, ensuring that the final legislation is both balanced and beneficial.
For those interested in hearing Congressman Yakym’s full address, the video is available on YouTube.
