Why It Matters

International auto dealers face an existential squeeze from three converging policy crises that AIADA is urgently lobbying to resolve. Tariffs on imported vehicles and parts—already reaching 25% under Section 232 authority—directly threaten dealer margins, while competing congressional bills create uncertainty over presidential tariff power.

Simultaneously, EPA emissions standards threaten demand for fuel-efficient imports that international dealers depend on. Most immediately, the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" permanently extended the Section 199A deduction but introduced an auto loan interest deduction limited to American-made vehicles, creating perverse incentives for dealers selling imported brands.

American International Automobile Dealers Association’s (AIADA) lobbying strategy reflects dealers’ precarious position: they need tariff relief, regulatory flexibility on emissions, and tax parity with domestic competitors. With a former House Ways and Means Committee chief of staff on staff and $870,000 committed this quarter, AIADA is playing defense while trying to shape implementation rules that will determine whether international dealers thrive or merely survive.

By the Numbers

The AIADA spent $870,000 on in-house lobbying in Q3 2025, continuing a two-decade pattern of sustained advocacy. Since 2003, the organization has reported approximately $25 million in total lobbying expenditures.

AIADA’s lobbying team consists of three in-house professionals:

  • Cody Lynn Lusk, President and CEO, has filed 70 disclosures since 2007. Lusk served as Chief of Staff to Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX-3), giving him direct experience with the House Ways and Means Committee.

  • Rachel P. Robinson has filed 69 disclosures totaling $21.5 million.

  • Ashley Marie Burch joined in 2017 with 34 filings.

The Agenda

AIADA is lobbying on three critical issues affecting its 9,500 member dealerships this quarter.

Trade and tariffs top the agenda. AIADA is pushing back against Section 232 auto tariffs and broader tariff authority debates as Congress splits over presidential power. Major automotive suppliers like Honda North America Inc. and Robert Bosch LLC are similarly engaged, creating an industry-wide lobbying push.

Federal emissions standards represent the second front. AIADA is supporting Congressional Review Act resolutions targeting the EPA’s California waiver allowing "Advanced Clean Cars II" rules that effectively mandate zero-emission vehicle transitions. The association is also backing broader legislation like the Transportation Freedom Act to repeal EPA standards outright.

Taxation comprises the third priority. AIADA is advocating to make permanent the Section 199A pass-through business deduction, repeal the estate tax via H.R. 1301/S. 587, and shape provisions affecting EV tax credits and auto loan deductibility within broader tax reform packages.

Broader Context

AIADA is engaging in high-stakes advocacy as three major policy domains reshape the automotive retail landscape.

Tariff uncertainty dominates the trade agenda. The administration has imposed substantial tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts under Section 232 authority, affecting a $640 billion annual import market. Congress remains fractured on presidential tariff power, with competing proposals offering opposing visions.

Emissions standards remain contested despite recent legislative action. AIADA’s focus on Congressional Review Act resolutions reflects ongoing regulatory uncertainty. Broader proposals like the Transportation Freedom Act continue seeking to reshape vehicle emissions rules.

Tax policy offers both wins and complications. Key hearings at the House Ways and Means Committee emphasized urgency around the Section 199A deduction and estate tax relief—both critical for family-owned dealerships.

Between The Lines

Congress is actively reshaping automotive policy across three critical fronts where AIADA is engaged.

On tariffs: A Senate Finance Committee hearing and House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee hearing signal ongoing debate over presidential tariff authority. The H.R.735 – United States Reciprocal Trade Act grants broader presidential power, while the S.348 – STABLE Trade Policy Act seeks to reclaim congressional authority.

On emissions standards: AIADA is lobbying on Congressional Review Act resolutions to disapprove EPA’s California waiver. Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) has co-sponsored multiple bills to end EV mandates.

On taxes: The H.R. 1 "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" encompasses several AIADA priorities around business deductions and estate tax relief.

Competitive Landscape

AIADA is not alone in pushing back against tariffs and emissions standards. Major manufacturers like Honda and supplier Robert Bosch are heavily lobbying on tariffs, creating a powerful industry chorus. Environmental advocates like Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) have strongly defended EPA authority, creating organized opposition.

The Bottom Line

AIADA is spending $870,000 this quarter to influence three major policy debates affecting its 9,500 member dealerships. The association’s lobbying team, led by a former Republican House Chief of Staff with deep Ways and Means Committee connections, is pushing back on auto tariffs, fighting EPA emissions mandates, and securing permanent tax cuts. These priorities align with active legislation and congressional hearings, positioning AIADA as a key player in shaping automotive retail policy.