Moolenaar, Dingell Joint Statement on Senate Commerce Committee Passage of the Connected Vehicle Security Act

July 22, 2026
Press Release

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation has passed the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026. The bipartisan legislation would prohibit the importation, manufacture, and sale of connected vehicles, software, and hardware linked to China. Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) of the Select Committee on China and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) led the bill’s introduction in the House, and the Senate version is led by Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH).

 “The Connected Vehicle Security Act is crucial to protect American jobs, national security, and the future of American manufacturing. Chinese automakers use slave labor, massive government subsidies, and unfair trade practices, and their vehicles are a national security risk with equipment that transmits data to China. These companies have already decimated European competitors in their home markets, causing layoffs and production cuts, and we will not let them do the same thing in the United States. Thank you to our colleagues on the Senate Commerce Committee for rejecting weak amendments and passing a strong bill that keeps China out of our market. This will protect American workers, manufacturers, supply chains, and our national security,” said Moolenaar and Dingell.

 

What the Bill Does

  • Prohibits the importation, manufacture, sale, or introduction into U.S. commerce of connected vehicles originating from or controlled by a covered foreign adversary country.
  • Prohibits connected vehicle software and hardware linked to covered foreign adversaries.
  • Covers China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
  • Allows for phased-in adoption of prohibitions so auto companies can adjust their manufacturing and supply chains with minimal disruption.
  • Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a declaration of conformity process, authorization and waiver procedures, and a binding ruling and advisory opinion mechanism for industry compliance.

 

Background

Moolenaar and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell introduced the Connected Vehicle Security Act in the House on May 11.

The Connected Vehicle Security Act builds on the work of two administrations. In 2019, President Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency with respect to foreign threats to America's information and communications technology supply chain, establishing the legal authority for the federal government to act. The Biden Administration used that authority to finalize regulations in January 2025 prohibiting connected vehicle software and hardware linked to China and Russia. The Connected Vehicle Security Act expands those protections in statute.

Moolenaar and Moreno recently discussed the Connected Vehicle Security Act at a public event hosted by the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C. Read the press release for the public discussion here.

To read the original press release and bill text, click here.