Congress Kills Right To Repair
Lawmakers quietly side with defense contractors
In a move that flew under the radar, Congress has effectively killed proposed reforms that would grant the U.S. military broader rights to repair its own equipment. These measures aimed to curb the monopolistic grip of defense contractors, who often restrict access to parts and manuals, forcing costly and time-consuming repairs through official channels.
By removing key provisions from the National Defense Authorization Act, lawmakers have handed a victory to powerful defense industry lobbyists. The status quo means that the Pentagon—and ultimately taxpayers—will continue to foot inflated bills for basic maintenance, while military readiness suffers from unnecessary delays.
This setback also highlights the broader right-to-repair battle, which has gained momentum in consumer tech but faces fierce resistance in sectors where corporate profits are at stake. The decision is a reminder of how quietly but effectively industry influence can derail efforts for transparency, competition, and efficiency—even in matters of national security.