USHBC backs Senate advance of connected vehicle security bill

The United States Hispanic Business Council is cheering a Senate Commerce Committee vote advancing legislation that would restrict connected vehicles and related tech tied to China and other U.S. adversaries. The bill’s bipartisan progress signals growing concern in Washington over national security, data risks and foreign influence in the auto supply chain.

Why it matters: - The Connected Vehicle Security Act would block imported, sold or resold connected vehicles, software and hardware linked to China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. - The bill targets products and technologies that lawmakers see as a risk to U.S. economic security, national security and consumer data. - The measure could reshape the U.S. auto supply chain and limit market access for foreign-linked connected vehicle systems.

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 bill’s sponsors. - The USHBC said it is a proud endorser of the legislation and is prepared 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 tied to China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. - The Secretary of Commerce would be directed to identify and block high-risk vehicle technologies, components and transactions that threaten U.S. economic or national security. - The legislation includes enforcement mechanisms and a phased rollout. - The timeline would start in 2027 for connected vehicles and software. - The timeline would extend to 2030 for hardware. - The phase-in is intended to align with the Bureau of Industry and Security’s Connected Vehicle Rule. - Palomarez said Chinese connected vehicles could enable surveillance and espionage because of their data-collection capabilities and Chinese legal requirements to share data with the Communist Party. - Palomarez also said subsidized Chinese products have hurt U.S. businesses and auto-industry suppliers.

Between the lines: - The committee’s unanimous vote suggests connected vehicle security is emerging as a rare bipartisan tech-and-trade issue. - The bill reflects a broader Washington shift toward treating vehicle software and hardware as strategic infrastructure, not just consumer products. - USHBC’s backing adds small-business and supply-chain pressure to the national security argument.

What's next: - The legislation now moves deeper into the congressional process, where it will need broader support to become law. - USHBC said it will continue engaging lawmakers from both parties to push passage. - If enacted, the bill could force automakers and suppliers to adjust sourcing, compliance and product design well before the 2027 and 2030 deadlines.

The bottom line: - The Senate panel’s vote gives connected vehicle restrictions new momentum, with national security and supply-chain concerns driving the push.