Those who say Congress never gets anything done and politicians are all talk and no action are frequently proven correct. The greatest obstacle to passing legislation in the 21st century in Washington, D.C., is the unwillingness to compromise. Every now and again, however, Congress comes together and embraces the philosophy of “a good compromise is when neither side is happy.”

The global trading system has the potential to foster economic growth and support peaceful relations between nations. If it breaks down, it can lead to confrontation as countries seek to shield their domestic industries. Tariffs can be a powerful tool for leveling the playing field or, conversely, lead to trade wars and protectionism. The Trump Administration is using tariffs to strengthen its hand in trade negotiations with its trading partners. Is the strategy working?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has concluded that it is technologically possible to provide tire identification number (TIN) data in an electronic format for all tires. The findings are included in a Congressional study required under the 2015 Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act. The electronically readable data would be a marking or tag within or on the tire sidewall. The TIN could then be captured and transmitted electronically using a handheld scanning tool.

Replica Cars: SEMA has sued the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for failure to implement a 2015 law that permitted low-volume automakers to sell up to 325 replica cars each year. Replicas are cars that resemble production vehicles manufactured at least 25 years ago. The law provided NHTSA until December 2016 to issue any regulation needed to implement its provisions. The agency missed the deadline and has yet to issue a regulation. Alternatively, NHTSA has not pursued other options that would allow replica car manufacturers to immediately begin production, such as issuing a guidance document. Companies have not hired workers, businesses have lost money, and consumers have been denied their rights to purchase replica cars as a result of NHTSA’s inaction. SEMA has asked a federal appellate court to compel NHTSA to act.

Maryland—Off-Highway Vehicles: Governor Larry Hogan signed into law a bill to establish an off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail fund to maintain and construct OHV trails on land that is owned or leased by the Department of Natural Resources. There was no specific fund related to OHV trails previously.

Sonoma Raceway President and General Manager Steve Page testified before a key Congressional subcommittee in September, urging members to continue to allow street vehicles to be modified and converted for motorsports competition. Page joined a panel of experts to discuss “Big Relief for Small Business: Legislation Reducing Regulatory Burdens on Small Manufacturers and Other Job Creators.”