Joe Morelle: “Today, I rise in support of a simple concept: A consumer's right to repair the goods they own. For too long, large…”

“Today, I rise in support of a simple concept: A consumer's right to repair the goods they own. For too long, large corporations have used embedded technology to prevent small business owners and everyday Americans from repairing their own equipment. This needs to change, which is why I am proud to introduce the Fair Repair Act to put power back in the hands of consumers where it belongs. The concept behind this is as old as it is simple: if you own something, you own all of it, including the right to repair it. This pandemic has magnified our need to be self-reliant and have the ability to repair our own devices, especially when large retailers are forced to shutter. My bill will guarantee consumers and small businesses that right by requiring manufacturers to make diagnostic repair information, parts, and tools readily available rather than forcing individuals to go to an original equipment manufacturer. This commonsense legislation will help make technology repairs more accessible and affordable for items from cell phones to laptops to farm equipment. Madam Speaker, I look forward to working with my colleagues to bring this legislation to the floor and finally give individuals the autonomy they deserve. ____________________”