More than 100 RV Industry Association (RVIA) members and partners gathered on Capitol Hill on June 5th for Advocacy Day, part of RVs Move America Week.
They participated in 107 meetings with federal policymakers, emphasizing the significant economic contributions of the RV industry and advocating for key legislative priorities crucial for its growth.
Advocacy Day is a cornerstone event for the RV industry, serving as a vital platform to build and maintain legislative support among representatives.
“Our members and Association staff enjoyed another successful Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill speaking with our Congressional representatives about RV industry priorities,” said Jason Rano, vice president of government affairs for the RVIA. The industry’s strategy involved highlighting its economic impact during the meetings.
The RV industry has a substantial economic footprint, contributing $140 billion annually to the U.S. economy and supporting over 600,000 jobs. This economic impact underscores the importance of securing legislative support to ensure continued growth and success, as per the News & Insights report of the RVIA.
One of the primary legislative priorities discussed was the reauthorization and reform of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program. This program, which expired in December 2020, is essential for the RV industry to import duty-free lauan from Indonesia.
Advocates called for support of the Generalized System of Preferences Reform Act (H.R. 7986), which would reauthorize the GSP program until 2030 and update the Competitive Need Limitation thresholds. These changes are vital to reduce reliance on Chinese imports and bolster American manufacturing.
Another key legislative focus was the Travel Trailer and Camper Tax Parity Act. The current tax code’s definition of “motor vehicle” creates an inequity affecting towable RVs, which constitute 85% of the market.
While motorhome financing interest charges are fully deductible, towable RVs have been limited to only 30% of interest expense deductions since 2017. Advocates urged lawmakers to support the Travel Trailer and Camper Tax Parity Act (H.R. 3624 and S. 3345) to rectify this disparity.
The de minimis reform was also a significant topic of discussion. A loophole in the current system allows duty-free importation of merchandise valued at $800 or less, impacting U.S. jobs and RV businesses.
Advocates requested support for the End China’s De Minimis Support Act (H.R. 7979), emphasizing the need for broader reforms to protect American businesses from these unfair advantages.
The outdoor recreation package, including the America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (S. 873) and the EXPLORE Act (H.R. 6492), was another major focus. This bipartisan legislation aims to address various challenges faced by the RV industry and outdoor recreation.
Key components include providing technical and financial assistance to campgrounds, extending public land shoulder seasons, improving broadband access, and modernizing federal campgrounds.
Advocates urged Senators to support this comprehensive outdoor recreation package, highlighting its potential to enhance the RV experience for all Americans.
Specific benefits of the outdoor recreation package include technical and financial assistance to campgrounds to help respond to unprecedented demand. Additionally, extending public land shoulder seasons can allow for longer enjoyment of parks and campgrounds while minimizing overcrowding by spreading out visitation.
Improved broadband access in outdoor recreation areas is crucial for public safety and visitor needs. Modernizing federal campgrounds through pilot programs can ensure better facilities and experiences for RV enthusiasts.
During the meetings, advocates conveyed key messages about the legislative priorities, sharing personal stories and experiences to highlight the importance of these issues. These interactions emphasized the need for legislative action to support the RV industry’s continued growth and sustainability.
The success of Advocacy Day is a testament to the RV industry’s commitment to ensuring a bright future for RV enthusiasts and businesses alike. By engaging with policymakers and advocating for these critical legislative priorities, the RVIA and its members are paving the way for continued growth and success in the industry.
As the RV industry moves forward, the support garnered from these advocacy efforts will be instrumental in addressing challenges, fostering innovation, and expanding the joy of RVing to more Americans. Advocacy Day is not just about legislation; it’s about building a community of supporters who understand and champion the unique needs of the RV industry.