Trump backs the freedom to fix. Now Congress must act
Last Wednesday, President Donald Trump signed a short-term funding bill that extends federal highway and transit program authority — funding that was originally set to expire at the end of the month — through Dec. 11. That buys Congress a few more months to finally codify the right to vehicle repair into law, something lawmakers have been dragging their feet on this legislative session.
TL;DR
- Federal highway and transit program authority extended through December 11th.
- Automakers are restricting access to vehicle repair data and tools, harming independent mechanics and farmers.
- Nearly 30% of independent mechanics report declining business due to lack of access.
- Manufacturer restrictions cost independent repair shops an estimated $3.1 billion annually.
- John Deere reached an agreement to provide farmers and independent repair shops with necessary tools.
- President Trump signed a presidential memorandum promoting the 'freedom to fix'.
- Lawmakers are urged to pass the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act before the December 11th deadline.