Trucking Security and CCP Disclosure Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7924
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-23T17:41:00Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill, titled the "Trucking Security and CCP Disclosure Act of 2026," aims to enhance the security of transporting cargo for the Department of Defense (DoD) by preventing motor carriers (trucking companies) with ties to Chinese military companies or other foreign adversaries from handling such freight. It focuses on certification requirements and a new vetting registry to mitigate national security risks in the supply chain.
Key Provisions
- Certification Requirement (Section 2): Adds a new section (2631b) to U.S. Code Title 10 (governing the armed forces). Motor carriers bidding on or performing DoD freight transport contracts must certify they are not owned, controlled by, or in significant business dealings with entities listed as Chinese military companies under existing law (section 1260H of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act).
- This applies to prime contractors, subcontractors, and independent truck owners at all levels.
- Certifications must be passed down to subcontractors, with records kept for at least 5 years.
- False certifications can lead to suspension or exclusion from DoD contracts and civil fines under federal false statements law (18 U.S.C. § 1001).
- The Secretary of Defense must issue implementing rules within 180 days, integrating them into existing DoD carrier approval systems.
- National Security Registry (Section 3): Adds a new Chapter 140 to U.S. Code Title 49 (governing transportation). Establishes the "Secure Defense Freight Carrier Registry" under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), coordinated with the DoD.
- Eligibility: Carriers must have valid federal operating authority, meet DoD safety standards, undergo enhanced security checks (e.g., screening for ties to Chinese military companies or other foreign adversaries designated by the DoD, and verifying driver backgrounds similar to federal security credential programs), and face re-checks every 2 years.
- Process: Includes a streamlined application linked to DoD systems.
- Mandatory Use: Starting 1 year after enactment, only registered carriers can bid on or handle DoD freight contracts, with limited waivers for emergencies allowed by the Secretary of Defense.
- The registry must be operational within 1 year.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces mandatory certifications specifically targeting affiliations with Chinese military companies, building on the existing DoD list but extending it to trucking contracts for the first time.
- Creates an entirely new federal registry for DoD freight carriers, shifting from voluntary or general vetting to required, enhanced national security screening under FMCSA oversight.
- Expands penalties and recordkeeping to cover the full supply chain (all tiers of contractors), which was not previously mandated for surface transport in this way.
- Integrates DoD and Department of Transportation processes, potentially streamlining but also standardizing security requirements across agencies.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The DoD, U.S. Transportation Command, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, and FMCSA will face new administrative duties, such as developing regulations, managing the registry, and conducting vetting. This could increase costs and workload but improve oversight of sensitive freight movement.
- On Citizens: Trucking workers and businesses may experience delays in contract approvals or exclusion from DoD work if they fail vetting, potentially affecting jobs and freight costs. Broader public benefits include reduced risks to national security from compromised supply chains.
- On International Relations: By explicitly screening for ties to Chinese entities (and other adversaries), the law could limit U.S. business with foreign-linked carriers, heightening tensions with China over perceived restrictions on its companies' global operations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of Defense and Related Commands: Primary users of the registry and certifiers, responsible for enforcement and waivers.
- Motor Carriers and Trucking Industry: Must comply with certifications and registry requirements to access DoD contracts, including small owner-operators and subcontractors.
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): Leads registry establishment and maintenance, coordinating with DoD.
- Chinese Military Companies and Affiliated Entities: Indirectly impacted through exclusion from U.S. DoD supply chains, as listed under existing law.
- U.S. Taxpayers and National Security Interests: Benefit from heightened protections but bear implementation costs.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens contract enforcement with clear penalties (e.g., debarment and fines), ensuring accountability while allowing for reasonable inquiries in certifications. The law relies on existing DoD lists, avoiding new designations.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's powers over national defense and interstate commerce, as it regulates federal contracts and transportation safety without infringing on private rights beyond security vetting.
- Political: Reflects growing U.S. concerns about foreign influence in critical infrastructure, particularly from China, by mandating disclosures and registries. It could set precedents for similar scrutiny in other sectors but may face industry pushback over added bureaucracy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- 2026-03-12: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-03-12: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-03-12: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-12: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Trucking Security and CCP Disclosure Act of 2026 — issued 2026-03-12 — PDF (7 pages)