USHBC backs Senate panel advance of connected vehicle security bill

The United States Hispanic Business Council is backing a bipartisan Senate bill that would restrict China-linked connected vehicles and related technology. The measure cleared the Senate Commerce Committee unanimously on July 22 and now moves closer to a full Senate vote.

Why it matters: - The Connected Vehicle Security Act would block China-, Russia-, Iran- and North Korea-linked connected vehicles, software and hardware from U.S. markets if enacted. - The bill is designed to protect U.S. economic security and national security by limiting foreign access to vehicle systems that can collect sensitive data. - The measure could affect automakers, suppliers and small businesses in the auto industry supply chain.

What happened: - The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation advanced the Connected Vehicle Security Act on July 22 with unanimous bipartisan support. - Sens. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, and Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., lead the bill. - The United States Hispanic Business Council praised the committee vote and endorsed the legislation. - Javier Palomarez, USHBC president and CEO, said the vote moves the bill one step closer to becoming law.

The details: - The bill would prohibit the importation, integration, manufacture, sale or resale of connected vehicles, software and hardware linked to China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. - The legislation would direct the Commerce secretary to identify and block high-risk vehicle technologies, components and transactions that threaten U.S. economic or national security. - The bill includes enforcement mechanisms and a phased timeline for implementation. - The timeline calls for 2027 compliance for connected vehicle and software restrictions and 2030 for hardware restrictions. - The phased schedule is consistent with the Bureau of Industry and Security’s Connected Vehicle Rule. - Palomarez argued that Chinese connected vehicles could enable surveillance and espionage because of data-collection capabilities and Chinese legal obligations to share data with the Communist Party.

Between the lines: - The unanimous committee vote shows an unusual level of bipartisan alignment on a national security issue tied to China and advanced automotive technology. - The bill also reflects growing concern in Washington about connected cars as data platforms, not just transportation products. - USHBC’s backing adds a small-business and supply-chain voice to a debate often framed around trade, technology and security.

What's next: - The bill now heads toward the next stage of congressional consideration. - USHBC said it is ready to work with lawmakers from both parties to help pass the measure. - Supporters are pushing for final passage before the 2027 and 2030 implementation deadlines take effect.