"New York Congressman Edolphus Towns (D) has again answered the call for help from the nation's motoring consumers and small business by re-introducing the badly needed 'Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act, HR 2694' on June 12, 2007," stated David Parde, president, The Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE).

Known as The Right to Repair Act, it had its first-ever vote in May 2006, in the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection, where it passed in a 14 to 13 vote. "Motoring consumers and small business can and should expect Congress to pass this pro-consumer, pro-safety, pro-environment, pro-competition bill," continued Parde.

Vehicles that are 1994 and newer (and some earlier models) are equipped with computers that control the repair information on systems such as: air bags, brakes, tire pressure, oil changes, steering mechanisms, climate control, check engine and dome lights, batteries, fuel injection, transmissions, and most electronics. The only "sure" way for motorists to have these systems and their "entire" vehicle repaired is to return to the car dealerships.

This "return to the car dealership" virtual monopoly has created a safety hazard for motorists who need immediate repairs but may not be near a car dealership, hurts all motoring consumers, especially low and fixed income, hurts the environment and shuts down competition which is necessary for a fully functioning free-market system.

Rep. Towns stated, "American consumers have every right to choose their mechanics and determine who will repair their vehicles and where those repairs will be done. It is my goal to ensure there is a mechanism in place that will allow everyone this opportunity."

Several states have stepped up to the plate and introduced their own versions of The Right to Repair Act. Although some states with the bills have already adjourned for the year, the active, still-in-session states remain committed to passing The Right to Repair Acts. They are: New York, where Rep. Edolphus Towns's son, Darrell, has reintroduced The Right to Repair Act into the state Assembly for the second time; New Jersey has two bills, sponsored by Assemblyman Reed Gusciora and Sens. Bernard Kenny and Joseph Kyrillos; Maine, sponsored by Sen. Dennis Damon; and Massachusetts, sponsored by Rep. Vincent Pedone, Martin Walsh and Sen. Mark Montigny.

"Motoring consumers are clamoring for affordable choices for their car repairs. After all, who owns their cars -- they or the car companies? We say, they do, and as such, they have the right to choose which repairs suit their needs and wallets. Consumers and small business applaud Rep. Edolphus Towns and the state legislators for stepping up to the plate," concluded Parde.

Source: Coalition for Auto Repair Equality
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