Why It Matters

American Bus Association Inc. is lobbying to block new motorcoach tariffs and to establish a federal 15-minute floor on engine idling restrictions, a goal that matches the bipartisan BUSES Act announced in June 2026. A Federal Register notice describes a presidential proclamation setting a 10% tariff on buses under HTSUS heading 8702, effective Nov. 1, 2025, and Congress.gov lists H.R. 9317, a House measure that would bar engine-idling restrictions on over-the-road and school buses when idling is under 15 minutes; its committee status is not established. ​

By the Numbers

The association's third-quarter 2026 in-house filing reports $260,000, up $180,000 from the $80,000 reported in the second quarter of 2026. Compared with the third quarter of 2025, when the same registrant reported $70,000, the in-house amount is up $190,000. Brumidi Group filed a separate third-quarter 2026 report for the association at $20,000, bringing the combined total to $280,000.

The in-house filing lists three lobbyists, all with prior government service:

  • Steve Coyle, director of government relations, transportation policy; former House staffer in the office of Rep. Kathleen M. Rice (D-NY-4)
  • Lewis Myers III, director, government relations and research; former staffer in the offices of Sen. Joe Manchin III (I-WV), Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV-4), Del. Stacey Plaskett (D-VI-0), Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA-35), and Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-CA-29)
  • Callie Hoyt, senior vice president, public affairs and government relations; former Senate staffer

Broader Context

Motorcoach tariffs

The American Bus Association and the United Motorcoach Association jointly opposed the proposed Section 232 tariffs on truck parts in May 2025 comments to the Commerce Department, arguing that roughly half of the affected parts are used in intercity and charter bus operations, that the U.S. does not produce traditional motorcoaches domestically, and that added costs could hinder safety upgrades and reduce service access in rural and underserved communities.

BUSES Act and idling restrictions

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) announced the bipartisan BUSES Act on June 16 with Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-NY-23) as co-introducer; the bill would set a 15-minute federal floor for idling restrictions on over-the-road buses and end New York City's bounty-style idling enforcement, and the association's president and CEO, Fred Ferguson, praised it at the announcement.

American Franchise Act

S. 3525, the American Franchise Act, sponsored by Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS), clarifies when a franchisor can be held liable as a joint employer for a franchisee's employees; the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee held a hearing on the bill March 19, 2026, and it remains in committee. The filing lists H.R. 5262 and S. 3525 under the American Franchise Act title, but H.R. 5262 is the Bank Competition Modernization Act.

Advertisement

NPS fee structure

The filing seeks to maintain the current National Park Service (NPS) commercial use authorization (CUA) fee structure without imposing new fees on international visitors. Available records do not establish a specific new CUA fee change by the filing date.

The Bottom Line

The association's in-house spending has risen sharply over the past two quarters after holding near $70,000 to $80,000 per quarter through most of 2025 and early 2026. The BUSES Act has no scheduled floor vote; if the House Energy and Commerce Committee does not act before the 119th Congress adjourns, the bill lapses and would need to be reintroduced.

Access the Legis1 platform for comprehensive political news, data, and insights

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article