DES MOINES, IOWA (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 outstanding news for Iowa's small businesses and farmers," said NFIB Iowa State Director Cody Carlson.

"Small businesses have been forced into costly repairs and delayed services from a single authorized provider. They should have the freedom to repair their own equipment or use a local repair shop. Opening up the market will ultimately save Iowa's small businesses time and money."

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.

For over eighty years, NFIB has been advocating on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, both in Washington DC and in all fifty state capitals. NFIB is non-profit, non-partisan, and member-driven. Since our founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses, and remains so today. For more information, please visit nfib.com .

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