BETHESDA, Md. -- Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), announced that congressional support for the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (H.R. 2048) has reached 87 sponsors. The "Right to Repair Act," which was introduced by Reps. Joe Barton (R- TX), Edolphus Towns (D-NY) and Darrel Issa (R-CA), would require the car companies to make the same service information and tools capabilities available to independents that they provide their franchised dealer networks. Architects of the "Right to Repair Act" added new language this year to clarify that car company trade secrets are protected unless that information is provided to the franchised new car dealer. The new language also clarifies the responsibilities of the Federal Trade Commission in enforcing the bill's requirements. A wide range of associations, business and consumer groups, such as the AAIA, the National Federation of Independent Businesses and AAA also supports the legislation.