Federal blackmail is back! With a host of groups advocating mandates of all kinds for years, it was just a matter of time. And this time, action may be just days away. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has learned that observers expect the omnibus, 6-year highway-funding bill to reach the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives as early as the week of February 2 with debate and a vote. Senate action is sure to follow.

One amendment to the Highway Spending Bill that has been introduced would withhold 6 percent of Highway Trust Funds from any State that does not enact a mandatory-use seat belt law as a primary offense. In another development, a lawmaker announced his intention to introduce legislation to require drivers' education but withhold training funds from states that do not adopt graduated licensing. The trend is moving away from incentives and back to sanctions! While the focus is on four wheels so far, advocates for mandates could turn to two-wheels at any moment.

Friends of motorcyclists in Congress are poised to introduce the heart and soul of the joint MRF-State Motorcyclists' Rights Organization (SMRO) agenda for motorcycle safety - the very initiative you've supported for two years. The House initiative mirrors the Murkowski Motorcycle Safety Amendment being advanced in the Senate by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). The MRF and House Members are working out the details now.

The best defense is a good offense. Defeat any MANDATE involving motorcycles - by urging your Congressman to support MEANINGFUL motorcycle safety! Here's what to do NOW!

1. Call your U.S. Representative (202-224-3121) or send an email (address available at www.house.gov).

2. Explain that the Young-LaTourette-DeFazio Motorcycle Safety Initiative prevents accidents, thwarts injuries and saves lives. Tell your Representative that it:

- Is supported by House Transportation Committee Chairman Don Young, as well as both Democrats and Republicans in Congress;

- Advances rider training and motorist awareness, provides an incentive to states to fully fund rider training and mitigates road hazards;

- Satisfies major action recommendations of the "National Agenda for Motorcycle Safety;" and

- Is 100 percent crash-prevention oriented - the principle that NHTSA says offers "the greatest potential safety benefit" for motorcyclists. (Source: Motorcycle Safety Program, NHTSA, January 2003)

3. URGE YOUR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE TO SUPPORT THE YOUNG-LaTOURETTE-DeFAZIO MOTORCYCLE SAFETY INITIATIVE AND OPPOSE ANY MOTORCYCLE MANDATES!

REMEMBER: Your U.S. Representative will VOTE on the highway spending bill ANY DAY NOW. Your language will be in that bill! THIS IS THE TIME FOR CALLS AND EMAILS. Defend against MANDATES tomorrow - by advancing MEANINGFUL safety today.

All SMROs are asked to fax to the MRF a letter opposing any motorcycle mandates and supporting the Murkowski-Young-LaTourette-DeFazio Motorcycle Safety Initiatives. Please fax SMRO letters of support ASAP to the MRF at 202-546-0986.