The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Michigan’s leading small business advocacy organization, released a statement highlighting the need to expand right to repair efforts following the recent antitrust lawsuit settlement between the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and John Deere.

“This settlement is a victory for Michigan family farms and independent repair shops that use John Deere products,” said NFIB Michigan Assistant State Director Tim Langholz. ”It is a positive step to level the playing field for Main Street businesses, and we are hopeful that state and federal lawmakers build off this momentum.”

Ensuring that small businesses have equal access and opportunity to repair vehicles and electronics is a top federal legislative priority for NFIB in 2026.

NFIB supports the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act, which would guarantee access to vehicle repair and maintenance data for independent auto repair shops. Eliminating these barriers will increase competition in the market, lower costs, and improve the quality and cost of product repair for consumers everywhere.

NFIB recently published an op-ed in the Washington Examiner on the need for right to repair legislation for small businesses in the auto industry. NFIB will continue to fight for passage of the REPAIR Act to give the “right to repair” to independent auto shops and prevent anticompetitive practices by big auto manufacturers.