To direct the Secretary of Transportation to issue certain regulations to update the definition of motorcycle, and for other purposes.
Download PDFSponsored by
Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3]
ID: V000135
Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law
Track this bill's progress through the legislative process
Latest Action
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
February 10, 2026
Introduced
Committee Review
📍 Current Status
Next: The bill moves to the floor for full chamber debate and voting.
Floor Action
Passed House
Senate Review
Passed Congress
Presidential Action
Became Law
📚 How does a bill become a law?
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!
Bill Summary
(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 – 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)
Related Topics
💰 Campaign Finance Network
Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3]
Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle
No PAC contributions found
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Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance
This bill has 3 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.
Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23]
ID: O000019
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Fitzgerald, Scott [R-WI-5]
ID: F000471
Top Contributors
10
Rep. LaHood, Darin [R-IL-16]
ID: L000585
Top Contributors
10
Donor Network - Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3]
Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.
Showing 33 nodes and 34 connections
Total contributions: $154,800
Top Donors - Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3]
Showing top 22 donors by contribution amount