USHBC backs Senate move on connected vehicle security bill

The United States Hispanic Business Council is cheering a Senate Commerce Committee vote to advance the Connected Vehicle Security Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at limiting risky foreign connected vehicle technology. The proposal would bar certain China-, Russia-, Iran- and North Korea-linked vehicles, software and hardware from U.S. markets and set enforcement timelines through 2030.

Why it matters: - The Connected Vehicle Security Act would target connected vehicle technology tied to China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. - The bill is designed to reduce economic and national security risks from foreign-controlled vehicle systems that can collect data and connect to U.S. roads. - 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. - Senators Bernie Moreno of Ohio and Elissa Slotkin of Michigan lead the bill. - Javier Palomarez, president and CEO of the United States Hispanic Business Council, praised the committee vote and the senators' leadership. - USHBC said it is a proud endorser of the bill and ready to work with lawmakers from both parties to pass it.

The details: - If enacted, 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 Secretary of Commerce to identify and block high-risk vehicle technologies, components and transactions that threaten U.S. economic or national security. - The bill would create enforcement mechanisms. - The bill would phase in requirements by 2027 for connected vehicle and software restrictions and by 2030 for hardware, in line with the Bureau of Industry and Security’s Connected Vehicle Rule. - Palomarez called Chinese connected vehicles a “21st-century Trojan horse” and warned that data collection and Chinese legal obligations to share data with the Communist Party could expose U.S. families to surveillance and espionage.

Between the lines: - The committee vote signals rare bipartisan agreement on a politically sensitive national security issue tied to Chinese technology. - USHBC’s support shows that business groups outside the auto sector are willing to back tougher controls when they are framed as a supply-chain and national security issue. - The bill’s phased timeline suggests lawmakers are trying to balance security goals with industry transition time.

What's next: - The legislation still needs further congressional action before it can become law. - USHBC said it will continue engaging lawmakers in both parties to push the bill forward. - The group directed supporters to follow @myushbc and @JPalomarez on X and visit USHBC membership for more information.

The bottom line: - Senate momentum is building behind a bill that would sharply limit foreign-linked connected vehicle technology in the U.S. and set up a broader test of bipartisan tech security policy.