In combat situations, the necessity of quickly accessing a civilian contractor for basic repairs can be critical. I’ve experienced this myself. When essential systems fail, there’s no time to deal with bureaucratic hurdles; repairs must be made swiftly.
This is why I’m advocating for Congress to support the REPAIR Act introduced by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL). This legislation aims to establish the Right to Repair principles that the Trump administration aimed to solidify for both military services and average consumers.
The Right to Repair ensures that users—be it a service member deployed or a local mechanic—can legally fix their own equipment. Yet, many manufacturers are tightening their grip on repairs by using software locks and intellectual property laws to limit access to repair manuals, diagnostic tools, and necessary parts. These restrictions create significant barriers, diminish readiness, and reduce the military’s autonomy.
Having served 32 years, including leading global combat operations, I deeply understand military readiness. Currently, our troops often find themselves constrained by proprietary restrictions that prevent them from obtaining the tools, software, and data needed to maintain their equipment. This struggle also extends to repair shops that the general public rely on. It’s simply unacceptable.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recognizes the urgency of this issue. He emphasizes that our military must evolve into a “leaner, more lethal force,” which includes urging the Army to integrate Right to Repair principles into their procurement practices, particularly in areas where intellectual property constraints hinder maintenance and access to vital tools and data.
There’s growing recognition in Congress as well. In July, the House proposed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to extend Right to Repair principles across all military branches. Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT), a Navy SEAL and veteran, is also promoting these necessary reforms.
However, the same barriers that impact our troops overseas are also affecting everyday Americans. This isn’t solely a military issue; here in the U.S., automakers are increasingly restricting access to the information needed to repair vehicles. This trend places the economic stability of around 350,000 individuals working in the auto repair field at risk, many of whom are veterans running family-owned businesses.
Independent repair shops generally charge about 36% less than dealerships. If these establishments vanish, consumers will lose significant savings.
The REPAIR Act underscores that our national strength hinges on military and civilian readiness alike, suggesting that healthy competition leads to better outcomes for all drivers.
The connection between civilian infrastructure and national defense is evident; we cannot claim true security if we cannot maintain what we already possess.
Whether in military hangars or local garages, Right to Repair advocates for restoring control over American assets. The ability to manage repairs on our terms transcends consumer interests; it is essential for military readiness and economic health.
Now is the time for House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY) to schedule a vote on this bill. Our servicemen and women, along with the American workforce, deserve nothing less.
