ASA Calls on repairers to support repeal of McCarran-Ferguson Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is urging automotive repairers to contact their U.S. senators and representatives to voice support for the repeal of the McCarran-Ferguson Act.

Originally, the McCarran-Ferguson Act, enacted in 1945, was to permit the states to continue regulating the insurance business. Under the Act, the business of insurance is exempt from some federal antitrust statutes to the extent that it is regulated by the states.ASA has stated that is supports repeal of the McCarran-Ferguson Act and the group believes repealing the Act will help protect consumers and small businesses.

Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee; and Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., have introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate supporting repeal of the McCarran-Ferguson Act. In the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., and Rep. Gene Taylor, D-Miss., have introduced companion legislation. Both pieces of legislation are titled the Insurance Industry Competition Act of 2007. Leahy's bill is Senate Bill 618 and DeFazio's bill is House Bill 1081.

To view the language of both S. 618 and H.R. 1081, and to send a letter of support, visit ASA's legislative Web site, www.TakingTheHill.com.