WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Edolphus Towns, D-N.Y., announced yesterday he will reintroduce the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act in the 109th Congress.
Responding to an article in CollisionWeek that stated that he is backing off of support for the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act, Rep. Towns said that “the article mischaracterized his position.” Rep. Towns further stated that “I strongly believe in the viability and the need for this legislation.”
“While my opening statement at the congressional hearing on this issue expressed my optimism for a negotiated deal, until a fair compromise is reached, I remain committed to this important legislation. I am in no way ‘backing off’ as the article indicated,” said Towns. “Nearly 14,000 automotive independent repair facilities are located throughout New York, and an approximate total of 495,000 aftermarket facilities exist throughout the United States. Unless these independent repair facilities have the ability to repair the entire vehicle, they will lose business and will be forced to lay off employees. I support jobs and small business and the right of consumers to choose what is good for them and their pocketbooks,” continued Towns.
A spokesman for Rep. Towns told CollisionWeek that no one contacted their office for clarification or tried to get a quote from him or the Congressman. The spokesman stated that their congressional office welcomes inquires.
The Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act will be reintroduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate with new bill numbers. The 108th congressional session concluded with a total of 118 bipartisan cosponsors.
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