USHBC backs Senate move on connected vehicle security bill

The United States Hispanic Business Council is praising Senate Commerce Committee approval of the Connected Vehicle Security Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at limiting foreign-linked connected vehicle technology from the U.S. market. The measure could reshape auto supply chains, national security screening, and the rollout of connected vehicle hardware and software.

Why it matters: - The Connected Vehicle Security Act would bar connected vehicles, software, and hardware tied to China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from import, sale, resale, manufacture, or integration in the U.S. - The bill targets both economic and national security risks in the auto supply chain, including data collection and foreign state access to vehicle technology. - The phased timetable could affect connected vehicle software by 2027 and hardware by 2030.

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., led the bill. - Javier Palomarez, president and CEO of the United States Hispanic Business Council, praised the committee’s vote and the senators’ leadership. - The USHBC said it endorses the bill and is prepared to work with lawmakers from both parties to help pass it.

The details: - The bill directs the Commerce secretary to identify and block high-risk vehicle technologies, components and transactions that could threaten U.S. economic or national security. - The measure includes enforcement tools and a phased implementation schedule aligned with the Bureau of Industry and Security’s Connected Vehicle Rule. - USHBC argued that subsidized Chinese products have hurt American businesses, including small businesses in the auto supply chain. - Palomarez warned that Chinese companies’ data practices could expose American families to surveillance and espionage. - USHBC also pointed readers to its social media accounts and membership page at the organization’s website.

Between the lines: - The unanimous vote shows rare bipartisan agreement on restricting foreign-linked vehicle technology. - The bill also reflects growing concern in Washington that connected cars can function as data platforms, not just transportation products. - USHBC is positioning the issue as both a national security fight and a small-business issue tied to domestic supply chains.

What's next: - The bill now moves forward in the Senate process after committee approval. - If Congress passes the measure, the Commerce Department would play a central role in identifying restricted technologies and enforcing the new rules. - The phased deadlines suggest industry would have time to adjust before the restrictions take full effect.