The Military Almost Got the Right to Repair. Lawmakers Just Took It Away
2 days ago
- #NDAA
- #right-to-repair
- #military
- US lawmakers removed right-to-repair provisions from the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
- The removed sections (Senate's Section 836 and House's Section 863) had bipartisan support and were championed by the Trump administration.
- Defense contractor lobbying influenced the decision to exclude these provisions, despite support from military leaders and service members.
- The exclusion is a setback for the right-to-repair movement, which advocates for easier repair access without manufacturer restrictions.
- The NDAA's final version also omitted a controversial 'data-as-a-service' provision that could have required subscription-based repair services.
- Senators Elizabeth Warren and Tim Sheehy criticized the removal, highlighting broad support for military right-to-repair reforms.
- The NDAA impacts military budgets and policies, with the 2026 version emphasizing conservative priorities like ending 'wokeism' in the military.
- Repair advocates warn that limiting service members' repair capabilities could stifle innovation, as military tech often transitions to civilian use.
- The NDAA will proceed to a final vote before being sent to President Trump for signing.
- Repair advocates plan to push for right-to-repair provisions in future NDAAs, citing growing momentum for the cause.