U.S. House Approves Key Financial Responsibility Provision Backed by ABA (June 10, 2015)
On June 9, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill funding transportation programs that included a provision to stop the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration from raising insurance minimums for motorcoach companies. The American Bus Association, along with other groups, worked diligently to see this provision added to the bill as it earlier moved through the Committee on Appropriations and then to the House floor for a vote.
Specifically, the provision prevents FMCSA from spending any money to develop, issue, or implement any regulation to increase the level of minimum financial responsibility for motorcoach companies. ABA believes rulemaking, regardless of its intent, should only be undertaken after thoughtful research and for the benefit of improving safety--not simply at the whim of regulators.
“The language on financial responsibility minimums shows the House supports our position that regulators must use data-driven research when it comes to writing new rules. This is another example of how ABA is always fighting on behalf of the motorcoach industry, our members and our travel and tourism partners,” said ABA President and CEO Peter J. Pantuso. “However, the fight is not over. This vote in the House of Representatives is important, but similar funding legislation must still be approved by the Senate, and a final bill signed into law by President Obama. ABA will continue to follow the progress of this financial responsibility provision and encourage our members to express support for it to their Senators.”