Warrior Right to Repair Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5155
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-04: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-03T08:05:54Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The "Warrior Right to Repair Act of 2025" aims to ensure that the Department of Defense (DoD) can more easily access materials needed to repair equipment it purchases, reducing reliance on original manufacturers and improving maintenance efficiency for military goods, especially digital electronic equipment.
Key Provisions
- Contract Requirement for Repair Access (Section 2): Adds a new section (4663) to Chapter 363 of Title 10, U.S. Code, mandating that DoD procurement contracts include a written agreement from contractors to provide "fair and reasonable access" to repair materials. These materials include:
- Parts: Replacement components (new or used) for maintaining or repairing digital electronic equipment made by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
- Tools: Software, hardware, or other devices used for diagnosis, maintenance, or repair, such as programs that calibrate or restore full functionality.
- Information: Details needed to diagnose, maintain, or repair the goods.
- Definition of Fair and Reasonable Access: Access must be provided on terms equivalent to those offered by the manufacturer to its authorized repair providers, including pricing, delivery, and incentives. If no such offers exist, the government determines what is fair based on federal procurement rules.
- Waiver for Existing Programs: DoD agency heads can waive the requirement for contracts tied to programs started before the law's enactment, but only after submitting a justification to congressional defense committees. This includes an independent assessment of risks to costs, timelines, and performance.
- Implementation Report: Within one year of enactment, the Comptroller General (an independent auditor for the government) must report to congressional defense committees on DoD's compliance and implementation.
- Contract Modification Review (Section 3): The Secretary of Defense must review existing contracts to identify needed changes that remove intellectual property (IP) restrictions—legal protections on ideas or inventions—that limit DoD's ability to perform maintenance or access repair materials.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces a new statutory requirement in U.S. Code (Title 10) for repair access in DoD contracts, which previously lacked such mandates and often allowed manufacturers to restrict parts, tools, and information through IP rights or exclusive agreements.
- Builds on general federal procurement rules by specifically targeting repair capabilities for digital equipment, without altering broader IP laws but requiring contract adjustments to prioritize DoD needs.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Enhances DoD's ability to repair equipment in-house or through authorized providers, potentially lowering long-term costs, speeding up maintenance, and reducing supply chain vulnerabilities. It may increase administrative work for contract reviews and waivers.
- On Citizens: Indirect benefits through more efficient military operations and potential taxpayer savings on repairs; no direct impact on civilian consumers, as the law focuses on defense procurement.
- On International Relations: Could affect contracts with foreign manufacturers by imposing U.S.-specific access requirements, possibly influencing trade negotiations or alliances involving defense equipment sales.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of Defense (DoD): Primary beneficiary, gaining better repair options but facing new contract obligations and review processes.
- Contractors and Manufacturers: OEMs and suppliers must provide access to repair materials, which may require changes to business practices, pricing, or IP strategies.
- Congressional Defense Committees: Receive waivers, justifications, and reports, giving them oversight on implementation.
- Comptroller General: Responsible for auditing and reporting on compliance.
- Authorized Repair Providers: Gain opportunities to service DoD equipment under fair terms.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens "right-to-repair" principles in federal procurement by limiting how IP rights can block government maintenance, potentially setting precedents for disputes over contract terms or fair pricing under federal acquisition regulations. It does not override existing IP laws but encourages modifications to align with DoD needs.
- Constitutional: No direct challenges; aligns with Congress's authority over military procurement under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution.
- Political: Promotes efficiency in defense spending amid broader debates on repair rights and supply chain security; introduced with bipartisan support (Democrats and Republicans), reflecting interest in reducing manufacturer monopolies without broader economic overhauls.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Perez, Marie Gluesenkamp [D-WA-3]
Cosponsors (5)
Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2], Rep. Bynum, Janelle S. [D-OR-5], Rep. Ryan, Patrick [D-NY-18], Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-04: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 2025-09-04: Introduced in House
- 2025-09-04: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Warrior Right to Repair Act of 2025 — issued 2025-09-04 — PDF (6 pages)