On the recordJune 3, 2015
Madam Chair, we have an amendment before us that would strike a provision that has been carried in every transportation appropriations bill since 2009. The section simply grants the Secretary or his representatives the authority to engage in activities with States and State legislators to consider proposals related to the reduction of motorcycle fatalities. This consultation is entirely voluntary. Madam Chair, in 2013, we had 5,000 motorcycle fatalities in this country. That is the last year for which we have data. The research and expertise of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration can be extremely helpful--helpful to State highway traffic safety agencies as they consider measures they might want to undertake to improve motorcycle safety. Why wouldn't we want to be in partnership with the States as they address this important safety issue? Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.
