ARIZONA: Giffords Remains Motorcycle Caucus Co-Chair

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Giffords Remains Motorcycle Caucus Co-Chair
Bart MadsonManaging Editor
. The new Congress has formally recognized the Congressional Motorcycle Safety Caucus. The 11-member bi-partisan union, active in the last Congress as well, promotes the interests of motorcycling and motorcycle safety in the U.S. House of Representatives. Representative Gabrielle Giffords will continue to co-chair the Congressional Motorcycle Safety Caucus.

The MIC and AMA have both issued statements of support for the formal recognition of the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus in the 112th Congress. Giffords, a Democrat representing Arizona’s 8th District, chairs the caucus with Texas Republican Michael Burgess. A rider for more than 20 years, Giffords continues to recover from an assassination attempt during a Tucson shooting rampage that claimed six lives.

The Motorcycle Industry Council and American Motorcyclist Association issued statements of support for Giffords and the caucus.

“We are honored that Congressman Burgess will once again serve as Co-chair of the Caucus, and we are especially heartened that Representative Gifford’s will remain as a co-chair as well,” said MIC Senior Vice President of Government Relations, Kathy Van Kleeck. “Giffords is a rider herself and has always been enthusiastic about motorcycle safety. We look forward to her continued recovery and return to the House.”

"It's great to have Reps. Burgess and Giffords back as leaders of the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus," said AMA Senior Vice President for Government Relations, Ed Moreland. "The Congressional Motorcycle Caucus is made up of dedicated members of Congress who ensure that motorcyclists aren't forgotten on Capitol Hill. Reps. Burgess and Giffords have proven that they are true friends of motorcycling.

"We look forward to working with our old friends in the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus, as well as new members who join, to help protect and promote the motorcycling lifestyle," Moreland said.

The Congressional Motorcycle Caucus urged riders to participate in the June 15th Ride to Work Day, with Giffords cutting a promotional video for the annual event (embedded below). The caucus and its members have sponsored other House resolutions in support of motorcycle safety, including May’s Motorcycle Safety Month.