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Senators press Navy to secure repair rights, reduce contractor dependence
Summary
Senators pressed the Navy on so‑called 'right to repair' and technical data rights after examples where sailors and Marines could not fix equipment without contractor support; Secretary Phelan expressed support for securing repair rights.
Senators told Navy leaders that contractual limits on organic repair capacity increase costs and reduce readiness, and they asked whether the department will secure technical data and repair rights so sailors, Marines and Navy shipyard personnel can fix equipment without contractor travel delays.
Senator Elizabeth Warren described cases in which Marines or sailors waited months for contractor repairs, and cited a GAO estimate that contractor travel to repair an issue aboard the USS Montgomery in Singapore would cost roughly $1,200,000. She asked whether the Navy could train personnel and negotiate for repair rights instead of routinely sending contractors.
Secretary John Phelan answered, “I am a huge supporter of Right to Repair,” and told the committee the current pattern “makes no sense to me.” He said he is reviewing contracting approaches and intellectual property arrangements and that he supports congressional action to help secure repair rights at fair and reasonable prices if needed.
Why it matters: Senators argued that contractor‑only repair clauses increase downtime for vessels and installations, raise costs for the government, and erode organic maintenance skills essential in high‑tempo operations.
Next steps requested: Senators asked the Secretary to examine specific legislative language from the Warrior Right to Repair Act and to provide a formal response; Senator Warren said she and colleagues will press for statutory language to require technical data and negotiated repair rights when appropriate.
Ending: Witnesses acknowledged the problem and committed to follow‑up, and senators signaled bipartisan interest in adjusting acquisition rules to preserve repair rights and strengthen organic maintenance capacity.
