By Ginika Igboke
Two lawmakers from Michigan have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting the American auto industry and national security by blocking Chinese-made internet-connected vehicles from operating in the United States.
Reps. John Moolenaar and Debbie Dingell introduced the Connected Vehicle Security Act on May 11. A companion bill was previously introduced in the Senate by Sens. Bernie Moreno and Elissa Slotkin.
Moolenaar chairs the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, while Dingell serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Lawmakers Cite National Security Concerns
“The American auto industry is vital for jobs, national security, and the future of America’s manufacturing base,” Moolenaar said in a statement.
He accused China of using unfair trade practices to dominate the auto sector through overproduction and below-market pricing designed to weaken American manufacturers.
Moolenaar also alleged that some Chinese automakers, including CATL and BYD, have relied on forced labor practices to reduce costs.
“These companies should not be allowed to do business in America, and their products shouldn’t be in our cars or threatening our infrastructure,” he said.
Dingell echoed concerns about China’s trade practices and the impact on American manufacturing communities.
“I am not interested in repeating the mistakes that hollowed out manufacturing communities across this country while politicians told workers globalization would somehow magically work itself out,” Dingell said.
“Auto workers are facing uncertainty, but I am certain about one thing: the future of the American auto industry must be built by American workers.”
What the Legislation Would Do
The Connected Vehicle Security Act would prohibit the import, sale, and operation of vehicles manufactured in China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia if they contain internet-connected technologies.
The legislation would also ban software, hardware, communications systems, and data technologies tied to those countries.
Under the proposal:
- The software and vehicle restrictions would take effect on Jan. 1, 2027
- Hardware restrictions would begin on Jan. 1, 2030
The bill would also authorize the Secretary of Commerce to establish compliance procedures, waiver systems, and advisory mechanisms for companies affected by the law.
Violators could face civil penalties starting at $1.5 million per offense.
Support From US Automakers
The legislation has received backing from the “Detroit Three” automakers:
- Ford Motor Company
- General Motors
- Stellantis
Supporters say the measure builds on actions taken by both the Trump and Biden administrations to address security risks tied to foreign technology supply chains.
A 2019 executive order issued by Donald Trump declared a national emergency related to threats against U.S. information and communications technology systems.
The Biden administration later used that authority to finalize regulations in January 2025 restricting connected vehicle software and hardware linked to China and Russia.
The new legislation would formally codify and expand those protections into federal law.
Concerns Over China’s Expanding Auto Industry
The Washington-based Information Technology and Innovation Foundation praised the legislation, warning that Chinese automakers could pose both economic and security risks if allowed to establish a stronger foothold in the U.S. market.
Stephen Ezell, the foundation’s vice president of global innovation policy, said the consequences would extend far beyond Detroit if Chinese firms became deeply embedded in America’s industrial base.
Meanwhile, China’s auto market continues to face shifting dynamics. The China Passenger Car Association announced that domestic car sales in China fell 21.6 percent in April compared to a year earlier, totaling 1.4 million vehicles.
At the same time, exports of Chinese electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids surged more than 111 percent year over year.
Responding to the figures, Moreno warned that China’s broader strategy goes beyond economic competition.
“The Chinese Communist Party did NOT create an auto industry for domestic consumption,” Moreno wrote on X.
“They created a mobile spying apparatus intent on simultaneously destroying the US auto industry and providing the CCP with unparalleled surveillance.”
Original article
Comments