MEMA Prepares for the New Trump Administration, Looks Ahead

With the election of Donald J. Trump as the 45th President of the United States, big changes are coming to Washington. Between now and January 20, 2017, when the new administration takes office, MEMA will take steps to lay the groundwork for a positive relationship with the new administration. And, while Presidential transitions are primarily focused on vetting new officials, MEMA has already begun the process of establishing a dialogue with the Trump transition team.  

Now that the election is over, we can begin to explore what to expect in the months to come. Given that the House and Senate remain in GOP control, we can expect that the Trump administration will take initials steps toward repealing the Affordable Care Act, filling the Supreme Court vacancy and other vacant cabinet-level appointments, tax reform, making changes to immigration policy and border protections, and rolling back climate and labor regulations imposed by the Obama administration. What is less certain in the longer term is significant action on trade. During the campaign, Candidate Trump indicated that he was opposed to the completed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, and there is little prospect for the Senate to ratify that in the waning days of the Obama administration.

Candidate Trump also indicated he was opposed to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and would work to renegotiate that agreement.  Finally, he indicated that he would take vigorous actions against China regarding currency and unfair trade practices.

While MEMA is looking forward to communicating with the Trump transition team to express our priorities, there is still work to do on pending regulatory issues under the outgoing Obama administration. On Nov. 15, MEMA testified before the House Subcommittee on Commerce Manufacturing and Trade regarding driverless vehicles. The testimony on behalf of MEMA and its division members was an important part of a multi-pronged effort to advance members’ business interests regarding the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Federal Automated Vehicles Policy.

We encourage you to be involved in this process as we prepare for the Trump administration. MEMA has asked all members to participate in a policy survey that will help determine our priorities for the coming year.  If you did not receive a copy of that survey, please contact Briana Huxley.

--MEMA CEO and President Steve Handschuh 

About MEMA
The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and its four specialized divisions comprise the leading international trade association in the fast-changing mobility industry. Representing vehicle suppliers that manufacture and remanufacture components, technologies, and systems for use in passenger cars and heavy trucks, MEMA serves as a critical bridge between high-tech capabilities in new vehicles—such as autonomous vehicles and vehicle connectivity—and the “nuts and bolts” of vehicle manufacturing. MEMA works at state, Federal, and international levels to ensure that the marketplace and public policy support the development of advanced, transformative technologies that enable safer, smarter, and more efficient vehicles. By directly employing more than 734,000 Americans and generating a total employment impact of 3.6 million jobs, MEMA’s member companies are the largest sector of manufacturing jobs in the U.S. MEMA’s members are represented through four divisions: Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA) and Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA). For more information on how MEMA is leading transformation in the mobility industry, visit www.mema.org.