Representatives Michael Burgess and Gabrielle Giffords Remain as Co-Chairs WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 2, 2011 The Congressional Motorcycle Safety Caucus (CMSC) has been officially registered for the 112th Congress. At the start of each Congress all official caucuses must be reestablished and recognized formally by the U.S. House of Representatives. The CMSC is a bipartisan group of 11 Members of Congress committed to improving and advancing the safety of motorcyclists. This is the third consecutive Congressional session that the CMSC has been formed. The Motorcycle Industry Council’s Senior Vice President of Government Relations, Kathy Van Kleeck, said, “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.” She continued, “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.” MIC’s Director of Federal Affairs, Duane Taylor noted, “We are excited by the new session and look forward to working with the Members who have been with MIC on this since the beginning as well as any new or returning Members who would like to join the Caucus.” He concluded, “I encourage all riders contact their Member of Congress and ask them to sign up to be a Member of the Congressional Motorcycle Safety Caucus.” The Motorcycle Safety Caucus has actively highlighted the safety of motorcyclists by passing Congressional Resolutions supporting the goals of May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, hosting a Capitol Hill event attended by the Secretary of Transportation, drawing attention to Ride to Work Day and ensuring that motorcycle safety is remembered in the transportation reauthorization process. The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. It is a not-for-profit, national industry association representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment firms, media companies and consultants. The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office near Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org. More, from a press release issued by American Motorcyclist Association: Congressional Motorcycle Caucus goes back to work U.S. Reps. Michael Burgess and Gabrielle Giffords to remain as co-chairs PICKERINGTON, Ohio — U.S. Reps. Michael Burgess (R-Texas) and Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) will remain as co-chairs of the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus for the new 112th Congress, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports. The bi-partisan caucus, which has existed for many years, was formally recognized by the U.S. House for the new Congress. Official caucuses must register and be recognized at the start of every two-year Congress. The caucus is made up of members of Congress who are passionate about motorcycling and who work to promote the interests of motorcyclists. “It’s great to have Reps. Burgess and Giffords back as leaders of the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus,” said Ed Moreland, AMA senior vice president for government relations. “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. About the American Motorcyclist Association Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its support of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.