Protecting America from Chinese Cars Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]
In Committee
Summary
Ban on connected vehicles tied to covered countries. The bill would bar entry of networked cars made in or substantially controlled by entities from China, the Russian Federation, Iran, or North Korea.
Show full summary
- Manufacturers and importers: It would prohibit entry of connected vehicles whose country of origin or design is in a covered country or whose manufacturer is more than 15% owned or controlled by a covered-country entity.
- Testers and researchers: It creates a narrow exception for vehicles not intended for public roads that are brought in only for testing or evaluation by U.S.-organized entities that are less than 25% owned or controlled by covered-country interests.
- Federal oversight and authorizations: The Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, consulting the Commerce Secretary, could grant case-by-case authorizations after a written risk assessment showing no undue risk, and must publish an initial authorized-vehicle list and an application process by Jan 1, 2027.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Ban on connected cars from certain countries
If enacted, the bill would bar certain "connected vehicles" from entering the United States. The ban would apply when the vehicle is made in or designed in North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran, or when the maker is more than 15% owned or controlled by entities tied to those countries. A "connected vehicle" would mean a road vehicle with onboard networked hardware and software that talks over short-range, cellular, satellite, or other wireless links; vehicles that only run on rail lines would be excluded. The bill would require CBP to publish a list and issue implementing regulations within 90 days, and the ban would start 30 days after those regulations are published.
Permission process for blocked vehicles
If enacted, the bill would let the Commissioner of CBP, after consulting the Commerce Secretary, authorize a connected vehicle that would otherwise be barred. Authorization would require clear and convincing evidence and a written risk assessment showing no undue risk of data exfiltration, remote manipulation, threats to critical infrastructure or the industrial base, or other national-security risks. The Commissioner would have to notify Congress with the determination and risk assessment at least 60 days before an authorization takes effect, and Congress could block it during that window by passing a joint resolution. The Commissioner could later modify, suspend, or revoke an authorization, and the Secretary must publish and maintain a public list of authorized vehicles with an explanation; procedures for manufacturer petitions and the initial list would be required by January 1, 2027.
Test imports allowed for U.S. vehicle testers
If enacted, the bill would allow a connected vehicle that is not meant for public roads to be brought in only for testing and evaluation by a U.S.-organized entity. The testing entity must be organized under U.S. state law, not have its main place of business in a covered country, and must not be 25% or more owned or controlled by covered-country entities. This is a narrow exemption only for off-road testing by qualifying U.S. entities.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]
MI • D
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov