Policy Briefing

Four Policy Priorities for Congressional Meetings
As dealers and association representatives prepare to meet with congressional offices during the National Policy Conference, four policy issues are expected to help guide those conversations.

The formal issue briefs remain in development. The following summaries provide a working overview of the topics and the objectives described in the meeting-preparation information shared with MidAtlantic.

CFPB Reform
The policy discussion supports reforms intended to strengthen the accountability of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau while preserving its role as the federal market conduct regulator for consumer financial services.

The priorities outlined include placing the Bureau’s funding under the congressional appropriations process, creating a clear and durable definition of “abusiveness” under its UDAAP authority, and establishing a dedicated Inspector General. These changes are intended to improve oversight, regulatory certainty and consistency in enforcement.

FCRA Reform
Pending House legislation would modernize the Fair Credit Reporting Act by bringing its liability framework more closely in line with other federal financial consumer-protection laws.

The proposed reforms would place limits on statutory damages in class-action lawsuits, punitive damages and attorney’s fees. The stated objective is to discourage litigation based primarily on technical violations while preserving the FCRA’s core consumer protections and access to an effective dispute-resolution process.

At the time the meeting information was provided, companion legislation had not been introduced in the Senate.

Catalytic Converter Theft
Catalytic converter theft continues to impose costs on consumers, businesses and insurers while disrupting commerce and creating public-safety concerns.

Legislation under consideration in the House and Senate would establish a national framework to help law enforcement address organized theft operations, particularly when stolen converters are transported across state lines. The proposals would also require traceable payment methods and transaction records that could assist investigators in identifying participants throughout the supply chain.

Right to Repair
A provision approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee for the Safety Title of the 2026 Surface Transportation Reauthorization addresses automotive right to repair, but the meeting materials indicate that it does not provide the comprehensive access sought by independent dealers and repair professionals.

The broader REPAIR Act addresses access to vehicle diagnostic data, repair tools, software and aftermarket parts. The policy objective is for the Senate to advance legislation containing the REPAIR Act’s core protections and for those provisions to remain intact throughout the legislative process.

Supporters emphasize that meaningful access is necessary to control repair costs, preserve consumer choice and help independent businesses repair and recondition used vehicles safely and efficiently.

Preparing for Congressional Meetings
Attendees—particularly those representing states with large congressional delegations—may request additional guidance when deciding which congressional offices to prioritize.

Source: Policy issue descriptions provided by Patrick O’Brien, NIADA, for National Policy Conference meeting preparation. Formal issue briefs are forthcoming. Legislative status should be reconfirmed before publication.