Two US senators take tougher action against Chinese cars. They introduced new legislation designed to block automakers with ties to China from gaining a foothold in the American market.
According to Detroit NewsDemocratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno unveiled the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 this week. The bill would ban the import, manufacture and sale of internet-connected vehicles. In addition, this agreement will also prohibit software and hardware related to China or other foreign countries.
Elissa Slotkin
The proposal comes just weeks before President Donald Trump is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Trump previously signaled he might be open to Chinese automakers making vehicles in the US, telling the Detroit Economic Club in January: “If they want to come in, and build factories, and hire you and hire your friends and neighbors, that’s great. I’d love that.”
Moreno strongly disagrees. “As Europe, Mexico and other countries allow their markets to be overrun by predatory China, the US must act before it is too late,” Moreno said. “The answer is simple: Chinese vehicles will never be allowed into the American market – the fate of the American auto industry and many auto workers depends on this.” Slotkin described the issue as an economic and national security issue. “Chinese cars are a serious threat to America’s national security and Michigan’s economic security,” he said. “Chinese cars are surveillance packages on wheels.”
The bill builds on regulations finalized by the United States Department of Commerce under former President Joe Biden that restricted Chinese-connected vehicle software and hardware. The proposal also has support from the United Auto Workers, General Motors, and Ford Motor Company. UAW President Shawn Fain said the legislation will help protect domestic manufacturing. “If we want to rebuild U.S. manufacturing and raise standards for the working class, we cannot continue offshoring and outsourcing our auto industry,” Fain said.
With Chinese brands like BYD expanding globally, lawmakers appear determined to ensure the US market remains off-limits.
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