Lankford-Peters Remanufacturing Bill Headed to President’s Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Gary Peters (D-MI) today applauded the passage in the U.S. House of Representatives of legislation they introduced, the Federal Vehicle Repair Cost Savings Act, which requires federal agencies to encourage the use of remanufactured parts in federal vehicle repairs when doing so lowers costs, maintains quality and performance and does not compromise safety. Lankford and Peters introduced the legislation in February, and the bill now heads to the President’s desk after passing the Senate unanimously in June.

“Our nation has billions in waste and deficit spending this year, and any way we can save federal tax dollars should be explored,” said Lankford. “Washington is in gridlock, but we refuse to sit by and do nothing when some small progress is possible. The Federal Vehicle Repair Cost Savings Act is a commonsense example of legislation that can help us fix our federal budget while fixing our federal vehicles.”

“The federal government spends nearly $1 billion per year on maintenance for federal vehicles, and promoting the use of less expensive remanufactured parts for repairs will cut costs and save taxpayer dollars,” said Peters. “I’m proud that the first bill I introduced in the Senate is now on its way to the President’s desk. This commonsense measure will help reduce spending while supporting Michigan’s growing remanufacturing industry.”

The federal government spends nearly $1 billion annually to maintain a fleet of approximately 588,000 vehicles. The legislation provides the necessary oversight to ensure that federal agencies are considering remanufactured parts to reduce their vehicle repair and maintenance costs. 

Remanufactured parts are often less expensive than new parts and have been returned to same-as-new condition through a standardized industrial process. Using remanufactured parts such as engines, transmissions, alternators and starters helps reduce taxpayer burden, conserves materials and supports the American auto supply industry.

The United States is the world’s largest producer, consumer and exporter of remanufactured goods. Remanufacturing of motor vehicle parts provides 30,653 full-time U.S. jobs, while remanufacturing of off-road equipment provides an additional 20,870 jobs.

This is Lankford’s second bill to make it to the President’s desk. The first was a bill by Lankford and Rep. Markwayne Mullin (OK-2) to revoke the charter of incorporation for the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. 

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