A new Congress will be sworn in Jan. 3, meaning Right to Repair has another chance, the Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network (CVSN) says.
A new version of the Repair Act (HR 906 in the last Congress) will be introduced and receive a new bill number. It will then go to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce (E&C), which is responsible for shaping policy in energy, health care, telecommunications and consumer protection.
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CVSN says many of the new members of the committee have ties to industries affected by the Repair Act. It plans to meet with many of the new members in January. Some key members it says are likely to support the Repair Act are:
- Rep. Cliff Bentz, Oregon. Bentz has experience with ranching, and CVSN says thay may make him a supporter of the Repair Act.
- Rep. Erin Houchin, Indiana. Houchin's support could stem from the legislation's ability to empower independent repair shops and small businesses in her district.
- Rep. Russell Fry, South Carolina. Fry is known for advocating for business friendly policies, CVSN says. The Repair Act would allow small businesses to compete with large manufacturers by granting independent shops greater access to vehicle parts and information, the organization says.
- Rep. Nick Langworthy, New York. CVSN says independent repair shops are crucial to Langworthy's New York district.
- Rep. Julie Fedorchak, Alabama. Her rural district and background in public service and regulatory affairs means she may support reducing monopolistic control over repairs, CVSN says.
- Rep. Laurel Lee, Florida. Lee has a background in law and public service with a focus on consumer rights.
Supporters of the Repair Act see the bill as a win for small businesses and consumers that will allow independent repair shops to compete more fairly. However, some opponents are concerned about intellectual property protections and the potential regulatory impact on manufacturers.
CVSN says new members may be ripe for engagement, including:
- Rep. Tom Kean Jr., New Jersey. He is a former state legislator who may have a focus more on economic development and infrastructure. He may approach the bill cautiously, CVSN says, depending on how it affects manufacturers in his state.
- Rep. Mike Rulli, Ohio. Rulli has a background in industrial development that may make him worry about legislation that impacts manufacturers' ability to control intellectual property. He may be cautious to support the legislation.
- Rep. Craig Goldman, Texas. Goldman could be concerned about the Repair Act because Texas has a significant presence in the automotive and technology industries.
- Rep. Gabe Evans, Colorado. Evans is a veteran, former police officer and now owns and operates a family farm. This may make him more sympathetic to the Repair Act because it would allow easier access to parts and manuals for independent repair shops and service providers.
