ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Congressional support for The Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act, H.R. 2048, has reached 77 co-sponsors, announced David Parde, president of the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE).

“This is a major mile-marker for motoring consumers, as well as small businesses, who will enjoy the many benefits of the bill including increased convenience, safety and cost-savings. On behalf of America’s vehicle-owning consumers and the five million employee-strong automotive aftermarket, we thank our 77 co-sponsors,” Parde said.

According to Parde, recent events including a second hearing for the bill before the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection in November, and the addition of seven co-sponsors since then, clearly demonstrate the growing momentum for passage of the bill. He said, “Unmistakably, the sponsors have their finger on the pulse of America’s motoring consumers and small businesses. They stand for what drives free market competition.”

The Right to Repair Act was introduced by Chairman Joe Barton, (R-TX), and Reps. Edolphus Towns, (D-NY) and Darrell Issa, (R-CA) last May. The bill would require the automakers to provide the same service information and tools to independent auto garages that their dealership service centers receive.

The group of co-sponsors is bipartisan, comprised of 61 percent democrat, 38 percent republican and 1 percent independent. The list also includes several top leaders in the House. They are Rep. Barton, who is chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-WI), who is chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Donald Manzullo (R-IL), who is chairman of the House Committee on Small Business and Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), who is chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture.

Said Parde, “CARE and the coalition of over 45 consumer and automotive aftermarket organizations look forward to the road ahead, including the upcoming mark-up in the new year and future passage of the Right to Repair Act.”

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