Press Releases

Today, the House of Representatives unanimously passed Congressman Bill Huizenga and Senator Gary Peters’ bipartisan legislation to save taxpayer dollars by encouraging federal agencies to use remanufactured vehicle components such as engines, transmissions, alternators, and starters. Prior to passage of the Federal Vehicle Repair Cost Savings Act of 2015, Congressman Huizenga spoke on the House floor and detailed how this legislation would have a direct impact on remanufacturing in West Michigan, throughout the state, and across the nation. To watch Rep. Huizenga’s remarks, click on the photo below:

“This legislation demonstrates that even in a divided Washington, commonsense solutions that save taxpayer dollars and create jobs can pass Congress with strong bipartisan support,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “Remanufacturing has the potential to be a significant source of job creation and economic growth, not only in West Michigan, but across the entire state. I look forward to working with Senator Peters in the future and providing more made-in-Michigan solutions to the challenges facing our nation.”

A 2013 GAO report found that the federal government owns a fleet of approximately 588,000 vehicles. The cost of maintaining this fleet has soared to nearly $1 billion. The Federal Vehicle Repair Cost Savings Act of 2015 directs federal agencies to use remanufactured parts when using those parts would lower costs, achieve high safety standards, and maintain quality and performance of the vehicle. This legislation has already passed the Senate, and will now head to President Obama’s desk for his signature.

“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 Senator Gary 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.”

“We thank the House of Representatives for passing this important legislation, following passage by the Senate earlier this year,” said Steve Handschuh, President of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association. “This has been a great example of a bipartisan legislation that benefits both the motor vehicle supplier industry and the federal government. We appreciate the efforts of Senators Gary Peters and James Lankford, and the work by Congressman Bill Huizenga.”

The 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.