MADISON, WI (July 10, 2026) – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization, released a statement highlighting the need to expand right to repair efforts following the recent antitrust lawsuit settlement between the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and John Deere.
“This settlement is a huge win for farmers, independent repair shops, and all small businesses who rely on John Deere products in some aspect of their business,” said Mary Alex Hamby, NFIB Principal of Federal Government Relations. “Now, we have the chance to build on this incredible momentum and bring the same access to independent auto and electronic repair shops. Lawmakers have the clear opportunity to compel manufacturers to share the critical data and tools that small business repair shops need to level the playing field, lower costs, compete, and serve their customers.”
“This is a clear win for Wisconsin’s small businesses — especially family farms and independent repair shops that form the backbone of our rural economy,” said Luke Bacher, State Director of NFIB Wisconsin. “For years, NFIB has been on the front lines fighting for small business owners to have the freedom to maintain and repair their own equipment affordably and on their own schedule, without being forced into costly or delayed services from a single provider. By increasing competition and lowering barriers, this settlement helps control expenses and reduce costly downtime during planting and harvest seasons. It’s a win for the hardworking small business owners who keep Wisconsin’s rural economy running.”
Ensuring that small businesses have equal access and opportunity to repair vehicles and electronics is a top legislative priority for NFIB in 2026. NFIB supports the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act, which would guarantee access to vehicle repair and maintenance data for independent auto repair shops. Eliminating these barriers will increase competition in the market, lower costs, and improve the quality and cost of product repair for consumers everywhere.
NFIB recently published an op-ed in the Washington Examiner on the need for right to repair legislation for small businesses in the auto industry. NFIB will continue to fight for passage of the REPAIR Act to give the “right to repair” to independent auto shops and prevent anticompetitive practices by big auto manufacturers.
