USHBC backs Senate move on connected vehicle security bill

The United States Hispanic Business Council praised the Senate Commerce Committee’s unanimous advancement of the Connected Vehicle Security Act on July 22. The measure would restrict connected vehicles and related technology tied to China, Russia, Iran and North Korea, aiming to curb national security risks and protect U.S. industry.

Why it matters: - The Connected Vehicle Security Act would block foreign-linked connected vehicle technology from U.S. markets if it becomes law. - The bill is designed to address both national security concerns and competitive pressure on U.S. automakers and suppliers. - The United States Hispanic Business Council says the measure would help protect American workers, small businesses, and family data.

What happened: - The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation advanced the bill on July 22 with unanimous bipartisan support. - Senators Bernie Moreno, a Republican from Ohio, and Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat from Michigan, led the legislation. - Javier Palomarez, president and CEO of the United States Hispanic Business Council, praised the committee’s vote and the senators’ leadership. - USHBC said it endorses the bill and is ready to work with lawmakers from both parties to move it forward.

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 measure directs 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 includes enforcement mechanisms and a phased timeline for implementation. - Connected vehicle and software restrictions would phase in by 2027. - Hardware restrictions would phase in by 2030. - The timeline aligns with the Bureau of Industry and Security’s Connected Vehicle Rule. - Palomarez argued that Chinese connected vehicles could collect large amounts of data and that Chinese companies are legally required to share data with the Communist Party. - Palomarez described Chinese connected vehicles as a threat to American businesses and as a surveillance risk for U.S. families.

Between the lines: - The bipartisan committee vote suggests the issue has cross-party momentum in Congress. - The bill reflects a broader push to treat connected cars as both consumer products and sensitive digital infrastructure. - USHBC’s support signals that some small-business groups view supply-chain security and domestic industry protection as linked priorities.

What's next: - The bill now moves toward the next stage in the legislative process. - USHBC said it will continue engaging members of Congress to support passage. - If enacted, the measure would set new federal limits on connected vehicle supply chains tied to adversary nations. - More information is available through the USHBC website.