In a letter to MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers members, President Paul McCarthy reported that nationally, the topic of Right to Repair is gaining momentum, urging members to take action and speak with their Congressional representative about the issue.
McCarthy said that the Sept. 27 hearing for The REPAIR Act (H.R. 906) with the Innovation, Data and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee was at the forefront of 14 bills focused on consumer protection.
“Protection of consumer choice in where and with what parts to repair vehicles is a top priority of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and passage of the REPAIR Act is an essential step in reaching that goal,” he declared in the letter.
He said that nationally, the topic of right to repair is gaining momentum – last week’s hearing was the fourth congressional hearing on the topic since September 2022. At the same time, four states have joined Massachusetts in passing laws requiring the Right to Repair. Unlike Massachusetts which focuses on vehicles, the new laws are on electronics or tractors, McCarthy said.
Taking advantage of this momentum, McCarthy submitted a written letter for the record for Wednesday’s hearing that outlines the reasons why Congress must The REPAIR Act. The hearing highlighted the bipartisan nature of the REPAIR Act with legislators on both sides of the aisle expressing support for either the bill itself or the goals of the legislation and the importance of the ongoing policy discussion. McCarthy said some concerns were voiced about intellectual property rights, privacy and cybersecurity, but “the prevailing sentiment was clear: a bipartisan solution is essential. The REPAIR Act can be this solution. Suppliers are committed to the tenets of safe and secure vehicle repair and consumer choice, and this can be done without limiting repairs to the OEM dealer network.”
McCarthy continued: “We persist in our call for a mark-up, the process wherein a committee deliberates on, amends, and refines a bill before it advances to the full House of Representatives. This essential step will allow all stakeholders to participate in crafting legislation that will accomplish our mutually agreed goals: to provide consumers with the choice of where and with what parts they repair and maintain their vehicles.”
To show your support for The REPAIR Act and engage with your elected officials, send a letter to your representatives voicing your support.
