Bipartisan Measure to Support the American Bicycle Industry and Restore “Made in the USA”
WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, announced that he introduced the U.S. Bicycle Production and Assembly Act with Congressman Mike Thompson (D-Calif.). Buchanan and Rep. Thompson are Co-Chairs of the Congressional Bike Caucus. This legislation provides a temporary suspension of tariffs on imported bicycle components if those components are used to assemble bikes in the United States.
“Our goal is simple: strengthen American manufacturing, support American workers and ensure that U.S. bicycle companies can compete on a level playing field,” said Buchanan. “This bill incentivizes the assembly and production of bicycles here at home, protecting American workers and promoting a widely-enjoyed hobby with countless health benefits. This pro-manufacturing legislation supports domestic production capacity, drives investment and gives U.S. businesses a competitive edge in global markets.”
“Ninety-seven percent of bikes purchased in the United States are made elsewhere. It’s time we change that. The U.S. Bicycle Production and Assembly Act would give bike manufacturers the foothold they need to grow a thriving industry right here in the United States. I am glad to work with Rep. Buchanan to introduce this legislation to bring bicycle manufacturing back to our shores,” said Rep. Thompson.
Buchanan’s bill supports American manufacturing, protects jobs and ensures U.S. bicycle companies’ competitiveness. Importers must provide documentation to U.S. Customs and Border Protection proving that parts will be used to assemble bicycles here in the United States, ensuring that American businesses are the ones to benefit.
Additionally, the U.S. Bicycle Production and Assembly Act mandates that the U.S. International Trade Commission report to Congress within five years on progress toward two primary goals: assembling 2 million bicycles annually in the U.S. within five years and 5 million bicycles annually within ten years.
The legislation is endorsed by PeopleForBikes.
“We greatly appreciate the bipartisan leadership of Rep. Buchanan and Rep. Thompson as well as the hard work put into this proposal by many members of PeopleForBikes. This legislation supports American jobs, lowers costs for domestic producers, and makes it easier to build and assemble bikes in the U.S. It’s a smart, targeted solution to a longstanding problem—how to grow U.S. bicycle manufacturing in the face of rising costs and global trade pressures,” said Jenn Dice, CEO, PeopleForBikes.
Buchanan has strongly advocated pro-growth manufacturing policies and tax incentives to help small and mid-sized businesses compete globally. He is currently serving as Chair of the American Manufacturing Tax Team on the House Ways and Means Committee, which focuses on expanding, revitalizing and reshoring American manufacturing. He previously introduced the American Innovation Act to remove initial barriers to creating a business, putting money back in the pockets of our country’s best job creators and setting start-ups on a path toward success.
