Protecting America from Chinese Cars Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- S. 4710
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-09: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-26T20:54:44Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation aims to prohibit the entry into the United States of connected vehicles associated with foreign adversaries to address potential national security risks.
Key Provisions
- Prohibition: Connected vehicles may not enter the United States if their country of origin is a covered country (North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran) or if they are designed in such a country. The ban also applies if the manufacturer is a joint venture, subsidiary, or entity with more than 15 percent equity, voting interest, board representation, or control held by entities from covered countries.
- Exception: The prohibition does not apply to vehicles not intended for public roads that are imported solely for testing and evaluation by U.S.-organized entities without significant ties to covered countries.
- Authorizations: The Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, may issue general or specific authorizations if a risk assessment shows no undue risks to data security, critical infrastructure, or national security. These require congressional notification at least 60 days in advance and are subject to disapproval by joint resolution. Authorizations can be modified or revoked.
- Regulations and Implementation: The Commissioner must issue regulations within 90 days, including a list of prohibited vehicles and a public information plan. The ban takes effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
- Definitions: "Connected vehicle" refers to vehicles with onboard networked hardware and software for wireless communication, excluding rail-only vehicles. "Country of origin" includes manufacturing location or government control over the manufacturer or supplier.
Significant Changes to Existing Law This Act introduces a new prohibition on the importation of certain connected vehicles based on foreign adversary associations, along with an authorization process involving executive agencies and congressional oversight. It establishes specific criteria for exceptions and requires public lists of authorized vehicles.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases responsibilities for U.S. Customs and Border Protection in enforcement and the Department of Commerce in risk assessments and list maintenance.
- Citizens: Limits availability of certain imported connected vehicles, potentially affecting consumer choices in the automotive market.
- International Relations: May affect trade and supply chains involving covered countries, particularly in the automotive sector.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Commerce.
- Manufacturers and importers of connected vehicles from or linked to covered countries.
- U.S. consumers and automotive industry participants.
- Entities seeking authorizations for testing or limited entry.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The Act includes mechanisms for executive authorizations subject to congressional review, which may involve interbranch coordination on national security matters. It requires risk assessments based on clear and convincing evidence and provides for public comment on modifications to authorizations.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-09: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- 2026-06-09: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Protecting America from Chinese Cars Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-09 — PDF (8 pages)