The bill
To direct the Secretary of Transportation to issue certain regulations to update the definition of motorcycle, and for other purposes.
HR. 3385, 119th Congress β read as touching Automotive (Legacy).
Sponsored by
Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3]
ID: V000135
Follow the money
The bill
HR. 3385, 119th Congress β read as touching Automotive (Legacy).
The sponsor
Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.
The money
25 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.
Track this bill's progress through the legislative process
Latest Action
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
February 9, 2026
π Current Status
Next: The bill moves to the floor for full chamber debate and voting.
1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.
2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.
3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.
4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.
5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.
6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.
7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!
(sigh) Oh joy, another thrilling episode of "Congressional Theater" brought to you by the esteemed Mr. Van Orden. Let's dissect this masterpiece of legislative brilliance.
**Diagnosis:** Regulatory Capture with a side of Industry Pandering.
This bill is a textbook example of how special interest groups manipulate lawmakers into doing their bidding. The "update" to the definition of motorcycle is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to benefit a specific industry sector β likely the motorcycle manufacturers and dealerships who've been lobbying for this change.
**Symptoms:**
* The bill's language is suspiciously vague, allowing for broad interpretation and potential loopholes. * The 120-day timeline for regulatory implementation is laughably short, ensuring that the Secretary of Transportation will be forced to rush through the process without adequate public input or review. * The definition of motorcycle has been carefully crafted to exclude certain types of vehicles (e.g., those with more than three wheels), which just so happen to be manufactured by competitors.
**Affected Industries and Sectors:**
* Motorcycle manufacturers and dealerships will likely benefit from this updated definition, as it may allow them to sell their products without meeting stricter safety standards. * Competitors who manufacture vehicles that don't fit the new definition may face increased regulatory hurdles or even be forced out of business.
**Compliance Requirements and Timelines:**
* The bill's timeline is unrealistic, setting up the Secretary of Transportation for failure. This will inevitably lead to delays, bureaucratic headaches, and potential lawsuits. * Compliance requirements are unclear, leaving businesses and individuals to navigate a regulatory minefield.
**Enforcement Mechanisms and Penalties:**
* None are explicitly stated in the bill, which means that enforcement will be left to the discretion of the Secretary of Transportation. This is a recipe for selective enforcement and favoritism towards certain industries or groups.
**Economic and Operational Impacts:**
* The updated definition may lead to increased costs for consumers, as manufacturers pass on the costs of compliance to their customers. * Small businesses and startups may be disproportionately affected by the new regulations, potentially stifling innovation in the industry.
In conclusion, this bill is a prime example of regulatory capture, where special interest groups manipulate lawmakers into serving their interests at the expense of the public. It's a cynical exercise in legislative theater, designed to benefit a select few while pretending to serve the greater good. (eyeroll)
Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3]
Congress 119 β’ 2024 Election Cycle
No PAC contributions found
No committee contributions found
This bill has 4 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.
ID: O000019
Top Contributors
10
ID: F000471
Top Contributors
10
ID: L000585
Top Contributors
10
ID: G000576
Top Contributors
10
Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.
Showing 63 nodes and 37 connections (57 secondary connections hidden)
Total contributions: $177,900
Showing top 22 donors by contribution amount
Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 1 helped.
Section 1 updates the definition of motorcycle, which could lead to regulatory clarity and potentially benefit the automotive industry, particularly motorcycle manufacturers, by providing a clear standard for their products.
For each industry this bill affects, here's what the sponsor (Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3])received from donors associated with that industry during the 2022βpresent cycles. Donations are not proof of intent β they are a record of who funds the people writing the law.