WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 24, 2026) – In a new op-ed published in the Washington Examiner, Louis Bertolotti, NFIB Principal of Federal Government Relations, uses industry research and a unique perspective gained from interacting with NFIB’s small business members to highlight how the REPAIR Act would ensure lower prices and safer, more reliable service for American consumers and small businesses alike.

Bertolotti writes:

“Once upon a time, your local, family-owned auto shop on the corner could fix most issues your car might have. In fact, any do-it-yourselfer could work through a myriad of basic fixes with some universal car knowledge and a bit of elbow grease. Today, independently owned and operated auto repair shops are dependent upon data from the vehicle and manufacturer to not only find what’s wrong, but also access needed parts and make basic repairs.”

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“Although auto manufacturers claim that they already share ‘necessary’ diagnostic information with independent repair shops, 63% of independent repair shops report struggling to access needed data to make routine repairs. A recent study from the Government Accountability Office notes that these claims are exceedingly common. In many cases, independent shops experience difficulty programming parts or limitations on what data is available to them. Other times, they need expensive, automaker-specific equipment to see vehicle data they already pay to access. Half of independent repair shops report turning away customers weekly because of these failures, costing them upwards of $3 billion each year. Almost 90% of NFIB members support right to repair legislation, and an overwhelming 98% of Americans think it’s important to choose where they get their car serviced.”

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“Thankfully, bipartisan lawmakers in Congress advanced legislation during a House Subcommittee hearing last month that would ensure independent repair facilities have timely access to the diagnostic tools, data, and software necessary for safe maintenance and repairs. H.R. 1566, the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act, ensures consumer choice and competition in automotive services, which means lower prices and safer, more reliable service for all American drivers. Small businesses, and especially independent repair shops, need the REPAIR Act.”

Read the full op-ed here.