MEMA, MERA Applaud House Passage of Federal Vehicle Repair Cost Savings Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 565, the Federal Vehicle Repair Cost Savings Act, which requires all federal agencies to consider using remanufactured parts in maintaining the federal vehicle fleet. The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and its remanufacturing division, Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA), applauded the vote.

Steve Handschuh, MEMA president and CEO, said “We thank the House of Representatives for passing this important legislation. This has been a great example of bipartisan legislation that benefits both the motor vehicle supplier industry and the federal government. We appreciate the efforts of Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.), and the work by Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.).” 

John Chalifoux, MERA president and COO, added, “Passage of this cost-savings bill by the House and Senate is great news.  It is clear Congress recognizes the quality, value, and sustainability benefits of remanufactured motor vehicle parts.  This legislation is a big win for workers in the remanufacturing industry and our nation.”

The legislation requires all federal agencies to consider using remanufactured parts in maintaining the federal vehicle fleet, which numbers more than 588,000 vehicles. A 2013 Government Accountability Office study found that the federal government spends nearly $1 billion dollars per year on fleet maintenance, but there is no uniform policy among agencies about using remanufactured parts.

The Senate unanimously passed the measure in June of this year; in recent weeks identical legislation was approved by the House Oversight & Government Reform Committee. The bill will now go directly to the President for signature and enactment.

About MEMA 

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) represents more than 1,000 companies that manufacture or remanufacture components and systems for use in motor vehicles and equipment in the light vehicle and heavy-duty, on- and off-highway commercial vehicle markets for the original equipment and aftermarket industries. Motor vehicle component manufacturers are the nation’s largest manufacturing sector with a total employment impact of 3.62 million employees – for every direct job in the motor vehicle supplier industry, another five jobs are created. MEMA represents its members through four divisions: Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA) and Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA). For more information on the motor vehicle component supplier industry, visit www.mema.org.