RVs Move America Week Advocacy Day Covers Top Industry Issues on Capitol Hill

RVDA board members participated in RVs Move America Advocacy Day on June 5th in Washington, DC.  Organized by RVIA, the event included all sectors of the industry and is designed to demonstrate to government officials the industry’s significant economic impact while advocating for important legislative priorities, including:

The Travel Trailer and Camper Tax Parity Act:

·        The issue: The current definition of “motor vehicle” in the federal tax code inequitably impacts certain segments of the RV industry. While dealer inventory financing interest charges on motorhomes remains fully deductible, since 2017 towable RVs have been limited to deductions of only 30 percent of interest expenses based on earnings before interest and tax. The RV industry asked that lawmakers in the House of Representatives co-sponsor the Travel Trailer and Camper Tax Parity Act (H.R. 3624), which was introduced in the House by Reps. Rudy Yakym (R-IN) and Dina Titus (D-NV). The industry also requested that lawmakers in the Senate co-sponsor the Travel Trailer and Camper Tax Parity Act (S. 3345), which is spearheaded by Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Angus King (I-ME).

Support GSP reauthorization and reform legislation:

·        The RV industry relies on the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) to import duty-free lauan from Indonesia. The program expired on December 31, 2020, costing RV companies over $1 million per month since it expired. Advocates asked their lawmakers to support the Generalized System of Preferences Reform Act (H.R. 7986), which retroactively reauthorizes the GSP program until 2030 and contains long-overdue updates to Competitive Need Limitation thresholds.

Support de minimis reform:

·        A loophole allows duty-free importation of merchandise valued at $800 or less, directly shipped from abroad to the U.S. The current system has cost RV businesses millions of dollars and resulted in potentially poorer experiences for customers. Advocates requested that lawmakers support the End China’s De Minimis Support Act (H.R. 7979) as a first step. They noted that Congress must go further to prevent China from undermining American businesses.

Support the outdoor recreation package (EXPLORE Act/America’s Outdoor Recreation Act):

·        Industry representatives requested lawmakers’ support for the bipartisan America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (S.873) and its House companion, the EXPLORE Act (H.R. 6492). These bills provide additional tools to directly expand outdoor recreation opportunities including camping on public lands.