From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office
Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA's senior vice president of government and public affairs, and Tony D'Antonio, the CEO of D'Antonio Automotive in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and host of Lost Classics on Last Chance Garage, recently met with the members of the U.S. House of Representatives' Blue Dog Caucus.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss one of the most pressing issues facing the aftermarket: calibrating advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to reflect the modified state of a car, truck or SUV after its ride height and/or profile has been modified. Bailey-Chapman and D'Antonio discussed why this issue is important and the necessity for Congress to enact legislation that enables aftermarket businesses to properly calibrate ADAS, which is crucial for modifying newer vehicles. Blue Dog members were also eager to discuss policy solutions to encourage more young men and women to enter the trades by addressing the barriers that many young automotive entrepreneurs face when seeking the necessary financing to start their own businesses.
In its advocacy on behalf of the industry, SEMA's government affairs team continually finds new and creative ways to represent its members, the industry as a whole and the interests of automotive enthusiasts. Accordingly, SEMA was honored that the House Blue Dog Caucus, which comprises ten fiscally responsible and pragmatic House Democratic members, invited us to speak to their members.
- The Blue Dogs proudly note that the positions they take as a caucus are common sense and consistent with the mainstream values of the American public and are dedicated to transcending party lines to get things done for the American people, such as ensuring a strong national defense for our country and pursuing fiscally responsible policies.
"Thanks to Blue Dog Chair Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) for inviting Tony and me to speak to the Caucus," said Bailey-Chapman. "It was an honor to speak to their members about the issues that matter to the automotive aftermarket. I enjoyed the thoughtful dialogue with the Blue Dog Caucus and look forward to continuing to work with their members to stand up for the interests of our industry."
Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Chair of the House Blue Dog Caucus (center), speaks with Alex Taylor (left) and Emily Reeves (right) during the 2024 SEMA and PRI Washington Rally.
