Question: Are motorcycles included in the federal government's "Cash for Clunkers" program?
Answer: Motorcycles were not included in the original clunker program, enacted by Congress as part of a Supplemental Appropriations bill in June. The program was slated to run through October 2009, however, due to its popularity, the appropriated funding has been exhausted. Legislation to provide an additional $2 billion in funding is expected to be voted on and passed in the Senate today to keep the program going. However, the pending funding legislation makes no changes in the existing program and as such, motorcycles will still not be included. No amendments to the existing program were considered, as the addition of any amendments would make it impossible to pass before the upcoming month long recess.
The additional funding legislation will enable the program to continue into September. If there is consideration of a new program after that, MIC will work to get motorcycles included. There are two stand-alone clunker bills pending:
1. Sponsored by Sen. Carey (D-PA) includes motorcycles selling between $7,000 and $20,000 (MIC advocates inclusion of motorcycles selling for less than $7,000 as well).
2. Bill sponsored by Sen. Feinstein (D-CA) does NOT include motorcycles.
When the clunkers program was originally discussed, Congressional staff involved with the legislation told MIC staff that they would not consider motorcycles because they were having enough difficulty getting support for the car program. However, now that the car program has proven so popular, perhaps there will be a push for continuation. If so, it will provide an additional opportunity to advocate for motorcycle inclusion.
