[Mrfnews] 07LR10 - MRF Leaders Report

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MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation
236 Massachusetts Ave. NE
Suite 510
Washington, DC 20002-4980
202-546-0983 (voice)
202-546-0986 (fax)
http://www.mrf.org (website)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jeff Hennie, MRF Vice-President of Government Relations
jeff at mrf.org (e-mail)



Right to Repair Bill Introduced in US House

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) reports that the U.S. House of
Representatives has re-introduced legislation that would return the right
to repair to the vehicle owner instead of the original manufacturer. 
Thanks go to Rep Ed Towns, D-NY who introduced the Motor Vehicle Owners'
Right to Repair Act (HR 2694) into the 110th Congress. Joining Rep Towns
as original co-sponsors were Reps G.K. Butterfield, D-NC; Anna Eshoo,
D-CA; Steven LaTourette, R-OH; George Miller, D-CA and James Moran, D-VA.

The need for right to repair legislation has become apparent due to the
increasing use of computers and electronics that control nearly every
motor vehicle function from fuel delivery, braking, lighting, and
emissions to entertainment.  Although computers provide many benefits to
motorists through improved fuel efficiency, comfort and safety, they also
provide increasing opportunities for motor vehicle manufacturing companies
to lock out access by car owners and the independent repair shops where
owners choose to obtain service for their vehicles.  HR 2694 would require
that car companies provide full access to all tools and service
information needed to repair motor vehicles, thus leveling the competitive
playing field between dealers and independent repair shops.

HR 2694 is similar to last years measure (HR 2048); however some
differences exist between the two bills. This year's legislation had to
take into account several factors, including the new leadership in
Congress and Committees.  In addition, although sponsored by the sitting
Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX) last Congress, HR
2048 barely limped out of subcommittee and failed to be taken up by the
full committee or the House floor.

Dealing with the new Chairman John Dingell (D-OH), who has been extremely
outspoken against this bill, is certainly a challenge.  Dingell, who has
defended Detroit manufacturing against the environmental lobby for
decades, has had a change of heart.  Now that the Motor City isn't the
vast field of smoke stacks it once was, that change may be sincere.  As
the newest environmentalist, perhaps Dingell can understand that a
well-tuned and maintained vehicle gets higher mpgs, is therefore better
for the environment, and we should be removing barriers to convenient and
proper vehicle maintenance.

HR 2694 now has eleven co-sponsors and has been referred to the House
Energy and Commerce committee. No Senate legislation has been introduced
as of press time.  The MRF encourages you to contact your Federal
Representative and ask them to co sponsor HR 2694.  As always, the MRF
will keep you posted on any developments.

Jeff Hennie


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(c)All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction
permitted with attribution. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation, incorporated
in 1987, is a membership-based, national motorcyclists' rights
organization headquartered in Washington, DC. The first motorcyclists'
rights organization to establish a full-time presence in Washington, DC,
the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is the only Washington voice devoted
exclusively to the street rider. The MRF established MRFPAC in the early
1990s to advocate the election of candidates who would champion the cause
of rider safety and rider freedom.

The MRF proudly claims state motorcyclists' rights organizations and the
very founders of the American riders' rights movement among its leading
members. The MRF is involved in federal and state legislation and
regulations, motorcycling safety education, training, and public
awareness. The MRF provides members and state motorcyclists' rights
organizations with direction and information, and sponsors annual regional
and national educational seminars for motorcyclists rights activists, as
well as publishing a bi-monthly newsletter, THE MRF REPORTS.