U.S. Defense Secretary calls for military to demand right to repair in contracts
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called for right to repair provisions in existing and new contracts with defense contractors. Also: Right to Repair Gains in conservative states.
In a significant policy shift, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last week called for the Secretary of the Army to embed "right to repair" provisions into all new and existing contracts, as the military looks to reduce reliance on defense contractors for equipment maintenance.
Contents:
Medical device repair group advocates for hospitals' right to repair
YouTuber Louis Rossmann calls out decline in ownership
Ohio sees bipartisan push for right to repair
Right to repair gaining traction in conservative states
Washington State advances right to repair law to governor's desk
Tire industry pushes for federal right to repair
India readies repairability index for electronics
Viral video on Reddit highlights disposable tech repurposing
House GOP pushes to change antitrust protections
Article calls out Macbook's high out-of-warranty repair costs
Embracing a post-growth economic model
The future of repairable smartphones
>> Got a repair complaint? Tell us about it!<<The initiative was outlined in a memo published on Wednesday by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth with the subject “Army Transformation and Acquisition Reform.” As first reported by 404 Media, Hegseth said that the purpose of the initiative was to grant the Army access to necessary tools, software, and technical data, enabling in-house repairs without infringing on contractors' intellectual property rights.
“This is a victory in our work to let people fix their stuff, and a milestone on the campaign to expand the Right to Repair,” said Isaac Bowers, the Legislative Director at right to repair advocate the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) in a published statement.
Repair: A long military tradition
Repair and the use of interchangeable parts has been a priority for the military going back to the 19th century. By World War I in the early 20th century, the U.S. military pioneered the use of so-called “motor pools,” or dedicated maintenance, storage and training facilities for a wide range of military vehicles that were staffed by soldiers. Motor pools were critical to the massive logistics operations that supported the Allied war effort in World War II.
In recent decades, however, changes in defense contracts have meant that the military has been constrained by contracts that limit its ability to perform repairs independently. That has led to exorbitant costs and delays.
Military repair restrictions get noticed
For example, Elle Ekman, a logistics officer in the US Marine Corps wrote a telling op-ed in the New York Times in 2019 that described hearing a marine tell her that a warranty kept him from fixing a balky generator essential to U.S. military readiness in South Korea, or watching as soldiers packed up engines in Okinawa, Japan, to ship them thousands of miles away to contractors in the United States for basic repairs because “that’s what the contract says.”
The cost and inefficiency of the military’s repair restrictions generated other headlines, as well. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the U.S.’s supplies of billions of dollars in military equipment to the besieged country, stories emerged about how Ukraine’s military had to either move U.S.-provided weaponry out of the country for heavy repair or rely on video-conferencing and other creative solutions to fix those systems inside the country, as military contractors were not allowed into Ukraine.
It also prompted movement on Capitol Hill. At the end of last year, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) introduced the Servicemember Right-to-Repair Act, which would require contractors to provide DoD with “fair and reasonable” access to repair materials.
Military repair: part of a bigger transformation
The new policy is part of a broader initiative focused on enhancing operational efficiency and reducing waste. By incorporating right-to-repair clauses, the Army aims to expedite maintenance processes, cut costs, and improve readiness.
The move has garnered bipartisan support, with advocates highlighting its potential to save taxpayer dollars and empower military personnel.
While the memo does not carry the force of law, it signals a strong directive for future procurement practices. As the Army transitions towards greater self-sufficiency in equipment maintenance, this policy could set a precedent for other branches of the military and government agencies.
Repair advocates were quick to call on Congress and other military branches to get behind the initiative. “We call on the other branches of the Armed Services and Congress to follow suit, and make this a broad and permanent policy,” wrote Bowers of PIRG. “Both service members and everyday Americans deserve the right, and the ability, to fix the products we rely on.”
😠 Got a repair complaint? Tell us about it!
Do you have a complaint about a manufacturer who is blocking your effort to repair your product? The Repair Coalition wants to hear about it! Use the link below to talk about the repair obstacles you’ve encountered.
Other News
IAMERS Advocates for Hospitals' Right to Repair Medical Devices
The International Association of Medical Equipment Remarketers and Servicers (IAMERS) is urging for legal protections to ensure hospitals can repair their own medical devices or choose third-party services. IAMERS argues that manufacturer-imposed restrictions increase costs and limit choices without substantial safety or cybersecurity justifications. They highlight that adverse events from third-party repairs are under 1%, and existing hospital infrastructures already oversee repair quality. IAMERS calls for manufacturers to provide servicing instructions and necessary tools, emphasizing that hospitals should have the legal right to maintain the devices they own.
Read more at: 24x7 Magazine
Louis Rossmann Calls Out The Decline of Ownership
Ohio's Bipartisan Push for Right to Repair Legislation
Ohio is on the verge of passing a "Right to Repair" law, showcasing rare bipartisan support. Republican State Senator Louis Blessing introduced the bill after personal experiences with restrictive repair practices. The proposed legislation aims to grant consumers access to necessary parts and tools to fix various devices, challenging manufacturers' monopolies on repairs. If successful, Ohio would join states like Colorado and California in enshrining repair rights into law, reflecting a growing national movement advocating for consumer empowerment and reduced electronic waste.
Read more at: Techdirt
Right to Repair Gains Traction in Conservative States
To date, the states that have passed right to repair bills have been at the blue end of the color spectrum. But that may be changing, as traditionally conservative states like Ohio, Missouri, and Texas are embracing the Right to Repair movement, viewing it as an issue of personal freedom and economic efficiency. Republican lawmakers, including Ohio's Louis Blessing, are advocating for legislation that allows consumers to repair their own devices, challenging corporate practices that restrict access to repair tools and information. This shift indicates a broader, bipartisan consensus on the importance of repair rights, transcending traditional political divides and emphasizing consumer autonomy.
Read more at: Grist
Washington State Advances Right to Repair Legislation
Washingtonians may soon have the legal right to repair their own technology. The state legislature has passed a bill that, if signed into law, would require manufacturers to provide consumers and independent repair shops with access to necessary parts and information. Advocates argue this will reduce electronic waste and empower consumers, while opponents express concerns over intellectual property and safety. The bill's progress reflects a growing national trend toward supporting repair rights.
Read more at: KUOW
Tire Industry Leaders Lobby for Federal Right to Repair
Representatives from the California Tire Dealers Association (CTDA) and the Tire Industry Association (TIA) recently visited Capitol Hill to advocate for the Right to Repair. They urged lawmakers to support HR 1566, the REPAIR Act, emphasizing the importance of allowing consumers to choose their repair shops and ensuring independent dealers have access to necessary tools and information. The associations highlighted the challenges posed by automobile manufacturers' opposition and stressed the need for legislative support to protect small businesses and consumer rights.
Read more at: Modern Tire Dealer
India Plans Repairability Index for Electronics
India is set to introduce a repairability index for smartphones and tablets, aiming to promote sustainability and inform consumer choices. The proposed five-point rating system will assess devices based on factors like ease of disassembly, availability of spare parts, and software update policies. Manufacturers will be required to display these ratings at the point of sale and on their websites. The initiative seeks to combat planned obsolescence and encourage responsible manufacturing practices.
Read more at: TelecomTalk
Viral Video Highlights E-Waste Repurposing
A Reddit user has gone viral for creatively repurposing an old video card (that is: a Hallmark-style card that contains a video screen), shedding light on the potential of upcycling electronic waste, The Cool Down reports.
The video showcases the transformation of single-use, obsolete tech into functional art, inspiring discussions on sustainability and the importance of reducing electronic waste through innovative reuse. Such grassroots initiatives highlight the growing public interest in environmental responsibility and the creative possibilities of repurposing discarded electronics.
Read more at: The Cool Down
House GOP Proposes Eliminating Key Antitrust Protections
House Republicans have introduced a proposal to eliminate certain federal protections that support the Right to Repair, raising concerns among consumer advocates. The move could hinder efforts to ensure consumers have access to necessary tools and information to repair their devices. Critics argue that such actions favor large corporations and limit consumer autonomy, potentially reversing progress made in the repair rights movement.
Read more at: The Big Newsletter
High Out-of-Warranty Repair Costs for MacBooks
MacBook owners often face exorbitant repair costs once their devices are out of warranty, with some repairs costing nearly as much as a new device. Factors contributing to these high costs include proprietary components, limited access to repair information, and Apple's repair policies, according to an article at How-To Geek. This has fueled the Right to Repair movement, advocating for more affordable and accessible repair options for consumers.
Read more at: How-To Geek
Embracing a Post-Growth Economic Model
In the face of environmental and economic challenges, some experts advocate for a post-growth economic model that prioritizes sustainability and well-being over continuous expansion. This approach emphasizes reduced consumption, local production, and community resilience. Proponents argue that such a model can address issues like climate change and resource depletion, fostering a more equitable and sustainable future.
Read more at: Resilience
The Future of Repairable Smartphones
As electronic waste becomes a growing concern, the demand for repairable smartphones is on the rise, Android Police reports. Manufacturers are beginning to design devices with modular components, making repairs more accessible and extending product lifespans. While still a niche market, the trend toward repairable phones reflects a shift in consumer preferences toward sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
Read more at: Android Police