Leaders from the Tire Industry Association (TIA) and the Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau (TRIB) led a delegation of retread industry representatives to Capitol Hill on 7 October 2025 to advocate for the passage of the Retreaded Tire Jobs, Supply Chain Security, and Sustainability Act (S.2790 / H.R.3401).
TIA and TRIB Leading the Charge
The delegation was headed by TIA Chief Executive Richard “Dick” Gust, TIA Vice President of Government Affairs Roy Littlefield IV, and TRIB Managing Director David Stevens. Discussions with congressional offices focused on advancing federal policies designed to strengthen domestic manufacturing, promote sustainability, and ensure fair competition for US-made retreaded tyres.
S.2790 and H.R.3401 are bipartisan companion bills introduced in Congress that would prioritise the use of retreaded tyres in both public and private fleet procurement. The proposed legislation also includes a tax credit of up to US$30 per retreaded tyre, or 30 per cent of the purchase price, for eligible purchasers, providing cost savings for fleets and taxpayers while supporting American jobs and reducing scrap tyre generation and environmental waste.
“This is bipartisan, practical legislation that strengthens supply chains, cuts costs, and supports American workers,” said Gust. “That’s why we’re here—to make sure lawmakers understand what’s at stake.”
Industry representatives joining the delegation included Mike Jacobsen (Purcell Tire), Brian Chase (Rice Tire), Doug Conley (Shamrock Marketing), Jason Cleveland and Rob Majewski (Wonderland Tire), and Ron Elliott (Pre-Q Galgo). Throughout the day, the group met with congressional staff from various Senators’ offices.
The meetings highlighted the US retread industry’s contribution to domestic employment, fleet efficiency, and environmental sustainability, underlining how retreading reduces waste and strengthens national supply chains.
TIA Invites Industry to Right to Repair Summit in Las Vegas
As part of preparations for this year’s Global Tire Expo (GTE) in Las Vegas, TIA has announced details of the upcoming Right to Repair Summit, which will take place on Monday, 3 November, at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort & Casino. The event will begin with a luncheon from 12:30 to 2:00 pm., followed by the summit and an evening networking reception in the Gallery of Planet Hollywood.
The Right to Repair movement has become a defining policy issue for the tyre and automotive service sectors, focusing on consumer choice, fair competition, and the survival of independent service providers. The summit will bring together tyre dealers, manufacturers, suppliers, and policy advocates to coordinate an industry-wide legislative strategy in support of the federal codification of the REPAIR Act.
“This summit isn’t just about discussion—it’s about action,” said Littlefield. “We’re uniting the industry behind a common goal to ensure that independent businesses can continue to compete and serve consumers effectively.”
Industry leaders are encouraged to RSVP directly to Roy Littlefield and to register for the evening reception.
Treasury and IRS Announce Penalty Relief for Remittance Transfer Providers
The US Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service have issued guidance offering temporary deposit penalty relief for remittance transfer providers affected by the new excise tax introduced under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB).
Notice 2025-55 provides relief for the first three quarters of 2026, recognising the administrative challenges associated with implementing the new tax. Providers who make timely deposits, regardless of minor calculation errors, and settle any underpayments by the due date of Form 720, Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return, will not incur deposit penalties.
Beginning 1 January 2026, remittance transfer providers must collect and remit a 1 per cent excise tax on certain cash, money order, or cashier’s cheque transfers, with the first semimonthly deposit due on 29 January 2026.
The guidance also allows providers to use safe-harbour provisions under existing excise tax regulations, provided they can demonstrate reasonable cause for the underpayment. Full details are available via the IRS website under One, Big, Beautiful Bill provisions.
TIA Launches QR Code for Right to Repair Reporting Tool
To enhance accessibility and engagement with its ongoing Right to Repair campaign, TIA has introduced a new QR code for its “Right to Repair – Report Your Issue” webpage. The tool enables shop owners and technicians to report instances where access to diagnostic or repair information is restricted.
With reports of automakers limiting access to both wired (OBD-II) and wireless (telematics) data, the QR-enabled reporting form allows companies to provide key details, including vehicle make and model, diagnostic accessibility, barriers encountered, and repair outcomes.
“This initiative will help us gather the real-world evidence needed to protect the right to repair for all,” said Gust. “By collecting this data, we can demonstrate to policymakers how these restrictions are affecting businesses, consumers, and the wider economy.”
The QR code is available through TIA communications and can be displayed in workshops to facilitate quick reporting directly from technicians’ mobile devices.
Source: TIA Legislative Update
