What Happened?
The American Bus Association argues that added costs from the tariffs could reduce service access in rural and underserved communities. The American Bus Association Inc. (ABA) filed a lobbying disclosure for the third quarter of 2026, showing it is pushing to block motorcoach tariffs and set a federal floor on engine-idling rules.
A presidential proclamation set a 10 percent tariff on imported buses, effective Nov. 1, 2025. The American Bus Association argues that the U.S. does not produce traditional motorcoaches domestically. The American Bus Association is also lobbying for a federal 15-minute floor on engine idling restrictions, a goal that matches the bipartisan BUSES Act.
Why Does it Matter to Me?
Roughly half of the affected truck parts are used in intercity and charter bus operations, the American Bus Association and the United Motorcoach Association told the Commerce Department in May 2025. The ABA also argues that added costs could hinder safety upgrades and reduce service in rural and underserved communities.
A House bill, H.R. 9317, would bar engine-idling restrictions on over-the-road and school buses when the engine idles for less than 15 minutes.
Both Sides, Now
Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Nick Langworthy (R-NY-23) co-introduced the bipartisan BUSES Act in June 2026, a bill that would set a 15-minute federal floor on idling restrictions for over-the-road buses.
In an April 2026 report, the American Bus Association Foundation said motorcoach operations differ from freight-truck operations and described anti-idling programs as posing safety risks.
On tariffs, the ABA and the United Motorcoach Association jointly told the Commerce Department in May 2025 that added tariffs on truck parts could disrupt the parts supply chain and jeopardize jobs. The tariff was set by presidential proclamation, meaning Congress did not vote to impose it; Congress could pass legislation to modify or repeal it, but has not done so.
What Happens Next?
The ABA's third-quarter 2026 lobbying disclosure shows its in-house spending jumped to $260,000, up from $80,000 the prior quarter, a 225 percent increase. A separate $20,000 filing by Brumidi Group brings the ABA's combined third-quarter total to $280,000. The BUSES Act has no scheduled floor vote, and if the House Energy and Commerce Committee does not advance it before the 119th Congress adjourns, the bill lapses and would need to be reintroduced in the next Congress.
Will the committee act in time, or will bus operators and riders face another session without a federal idling standard?
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