Important Work Continues Under a new Congress and new Administration
As America ushered in a new year, it also welcomed a new Congress and a new fight. The automotive aftermarket has dedicated years to advocating for the REPAIR Act with the Auto Care Association and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers leading the way. In the previous Congress, HR 906 was the bill to watch. It had 56 co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle and was gaining momentum until the sun set on the 118th Congress. Right now, the organizations are already mobilizing to get another, similar, piece of legislation introduced.
“The start of a new Congress brings with it new members to the House and Senate, including on key committees of jurisdiction, presenting an opportunity to build on the support the REPAIR Act gained last session,” Ana Meuwissen, senior vice president of government relations for MEMA, said.
“I think the most important thing is for people to know that because of all the work that they did over the last two years, we have the momentum to move the ball,” Lisa Foshee, senior vice president of government affairs and general counsel for the Auto Care Association, said.
The REPAIR Act is important for several reasons according to MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and the Auto Care Association. It would prevent carmakers and OEMs from creating barriers to repair and maintenance conducted by independent repair shops. It allows vehicle owners and designees to gain access to their own vehicle-generated data. It would prohibit brand, tool and equipment mandates. Finally, the legislation would also create an advisory committee to look at future barriers to repair and maintenance as vehicle technology continues to rapidly advance.
According to both MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and the Auto Care Association, the REPAIR Act is not only necessary for the future of a robust ecosystem of vehicle repairs, but also for ensuring the future consumer choice as it relates to vehicle repairs. This legislation would establish the right for vehicle owners to securely share their vehicle’s repair and maintenance data with their repairer of choice. Additionally, it would prohibit manufacturers from deploying specific barriers that block aftermarket replacement part manufacturers from accessing critical repair information and tools necessary to develop interoperable products with emerging vehicle technology. Finally, the legislation also would ensure that necessary repair information is transmitted in a cybersecure way.
Meuwissen and Foshee both said the REPAIR Act was headed in the right direction at the end of last term and are confident that it will be up and running in the 119th Congress soon. With new Members of Congress adjusting to their roles, both women said it’s a great time to educate lawmakers on what the REPAIR Act is, and why it’s so important not only to the automotive aftermarket, but to everyday consumers as well.
“We feel like we’re going into this new Congress with a lot of momentum and energy around the bill, so we’ll obviously be supporting it along with lots of other industry groups, all of whom believe that access to the repair and maintenance data on these cars is good for the economy,” Foshee said.
“There’s a big focus on day-to-day cost of living. Affording to be able to keep your car repaired and maintained is a big part of that,” Meuwissen said. “It’s a top priority for the future of the industry to have a level playing field.”
Meuwissen explained the main area of focus for those advocating for the REPAIR Act on Capitol Hill right now is education and outreach. While they anticipate the existing co-sponsors to support the legislation again, it is an optimal time to meet with new members of Congress and staff, to ensure that they understand the need for the legislation and to urge their support for the bill.
Right now, the priority is getting the bill reintroduced, but both Foshee and Meuwissen said the input and activism from aftermarket employees and companies will be crucial to moving the legislation forward.
“We need their voices to win this fight. What we are doing right now is leveraging the power of those voices that we had in the 118th Congress to carry us through our first milestones of subcommittee and committee votes,” Foshee said.
Foshee also said businesses can expect MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and Auto Care to reach out at strategic times to have people in the aftermarket actively participate in pushing for the legislation through calls and letters to congresspeople.
Meuwissen encouraged member companies to consider inviting their local congressperson to their business. It is an opportunity to show them first-hand all the important work that aftermarket companies do every day and how they play an instrumental role at the local, regional and national levels. It helps to demonstrate why this policy concern deserves attention and consideration.
Both organizations agree that under a new Congress and new Administration, it’s crucial for the REPAIR Act to be re-introduced and the aftermarket’s support of the legislation to be voiced loud and clear. As the legislation works its way through Congress, the best thing you can do to help is keep up with information being disseminated by both organizations, because they’ll let you know when it’s time to mobilize and speak out as one unified voice. AMN