“The momentum for passage of the Right to Repair Act on Capitol Hill keeps growing and growing,” said Schmatz. “We want to thank the nine additional congressmen who now support this very important piece of legislation. These new sponsors clearly realize that competition in the vehicle aftermarket is key to preserving the right of consumers to choose where they have their vehicle repaired. AAIA and the coalition of over 40 national and state aftermarket groups are committed to continuing the effort of building support for the legislation in Congress.”

The new representatives in support of the bill are Reps. Howard Berman (D-CA), Loretta Sanchez (D-CA), John Lewis (D-GA), Martin Sabo (D-MN), Bob Etheridge (D-NC), Harold Ford (D-TN), Collin Peterson (D-MN), Corrine Brown (D-FL) and Jo Ann Davis (R-VA).

The Right to Repair Act, which was introduced by Reps. Joe Barton, (R-TX), Edolphus Towns, (D-NY) and Darrel Issa (R-CA), would require the car companies to make the same service information and tools capabilities available to independents that they provide their franchised dealer networks. New language was added this year to clarify that car company trade secrets are protected unless that information is provided to the franchised new car dealer. The new language also clarifies the responsibilities of the Federal Trade Commission in enforcing the bill’s requirements.