Congressmen Brett Guthrie and Gus Bilirakis have announced a legislative hearing to discuss options for strengthening motor vehicle safety, ensuring consumer choice and affordability, and maintaining U.S. automotive leadership. The hearing is scheduled for January 13, 2026, at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C. It will focus on several bills aimed at improving various aspects of the automotive industry.
Chairmen Guthrie and Bilirakis said that the American automotive industry has been crucial in job creation and enhancing vehicle quality since the production of the Model T in 1908. They emphasized their commitment to innovation, safety, and consumer choice.
The hearing will review multiple bills including the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act by Chairman Guthrie, Safety Is Not for Sale Act of 2026 by Ranking Member Pallone, and several others addressing issues from drunk driving prevention to pedestrian safety.
Bill Hanvey, President and CEO of the Auto Care Association, testified before the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade. He advocated for including the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act in upcoming legislation. Hanvey highlighted that this act is vital for enhancing vehicle safety and repair access while warning against manufacturers’ restrictions on repair data access which could threaten independent repair shops.
Hanvey pointed out that modern vehicles operate like “computers on wheels,” with manufacturers controlling repair data through secure systems. This practice forces consumers towards franchised dealerships where repairs are more expensive. He noted that independent shops handle over 70% of out-of-warranty repairs due to their accessibility and affordability.
The REPAIR Act aims to preserve intellectual property rights while ensuring cybersecurity standards are met equally across independent shops. It also mandates that manufacturers provide repair data under similar conditions as they do to dealers.
The hearing will be open to the public and livestreamed online at energycommerce.house.gov.
