Aug. 21, 2019—A senator from Connecticut recently hosted a press conference inside a body shop to discuss the 1963 Consent Decree, reported WNPR.

Senator Richard Blumenthal-DFL is warning consumers about a proposal from the government that could force them to pay more for "potentially inadequate repairs."

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is considering repealing a 1963 Consent Decree that gives consumers the choice of where to have their cars repaired. 

“You want to come to Airport Road Auto Body, that’s your choice,” Blumenthal said at a press conference inside that Hartford repair shop.

“You ought to be able to do it no matter who the insurer is, no matter what kind of sweetheart deals that insurer has with other shops, no matter what kind of steering the insurer does-- your car, your choice – just like any other consumer transaction,” Blumenthal said.

Bob Amendola, the president of the Auto Body Association of Connecticut, said that the decree is already being abused, but instead of turning back the agreement, the Department of Justice should take steps to enforce it.