Press Releases

Following a markup of legislation in the House Committee on Energy & Commerce, Congressman Neal Dunn (FL-02) urges his colleagues and House leadership to advance critical provisions of his bipartisan legislation, the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act, to the House floor following the exclusion of these provisions in H.R. 7389, the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026.

While the version included in yesterday’s markup represents some progress, the legislation considered by the committee does not fully reflect the original REPAIR Act and fails to protect consumers, independent repair shops, and aftermarket manufacturers.  

The REPAIR Act restores access to vehicle data to the rightful owner, the vehicle owner. Currently, auto manufacturers have placed barriers around the data generated by vehicles, creating a repair monopoly that limits competition and prevents independent repair shops from fully serving their customers. As a result, many vehicle owners are unable to use trusted local mechanics for routine maintenance and repairs.  

“The REPAIR Act has been among my top priorities in Congress,” said Congressman Dunn. “It’s about common sense. If you own your car, you should own its data. Congress must pass the REPAIR provisions on the House floor to protect consumer choice and data ownership. I look forward to continuing the work to prepare this bill through discussion with my colleagues and stakeholders on this issue.”

Emily Poladian, President of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, said, “The purpose and intent of the REPAIR Act, as originally introduced by Congressman Neal Dunn, is simple: to ensure that the independent aftermarket – including aftermarket parts manufacturers, retailers, and independent repair shops – can continue to serve consumers and promote competition, as it has for more than 100 years, in the era of advanced vehicle technology. If Congress does not act, 155 million Americans will have significantly fewer choices to repair and maintain their vehicles. This will lead to increased costs of over $200 a year per vehicle and result in delayed repairs and diminished consumer power over their vehicle and its data. We are committed to continuing to work with congressional leadership on both sides of the aisle and Congressman Dunn to get this done for the American consumer.”

Justin Rzepka, CAR Coalition Executive Director, said, “We appreciate Chairman Guthrie and Ranking Member Pallone's acknowledgement that the language does not go far enough to protect American families and small businesses. Let’s be clear: codifying a 2014 MOU does nothing to expand consumer choice and instead hands automakers a costly repair monopoly. Dr. Neal Dunn’s REPAIR Act stands as the bipartisan, vetted solution to provide meaningful relief to American vehicle owners – who are paying 48 percent more for repairs since 2020. We look forward to working with the committee and leaders to ensure that repair affordability and competition are addressed as the highway bill moves to the floor.”

BACKGROUND:

• Op-ed in the Washington Reporter
• Op-ed in Townhall
• Committee Remarks
   

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