Chinese automakers have become major players across much of the world, but cracking the U.S. market has remained another story entirely. Now, a bipartisan group of lawmakers wants to make sure that door stays closed.
Republican Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio and Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan are pushing legislation designed to permanently keep Chinese vehicles and key connected technologies out of the United States. Their Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 has already gathered substantial support in Congress.
The effort comes as President Donald Trump has expressed a willingness to let Chinese automakers manufacture vehicles in the United States. Speaking earlier this month, Trump said he would be open to Chinese companies establishing American factories.
That position differs sharply from the one being pushed by Moreno, Slotkin, and supporters of their bill. Reuters reports the legislation has 51 Senate supporters, while its House counterpart has accumulated more than 100 cosponsors.
Lawmakers Want To Make The Restrictions Permanent
Chinese automakers already face substantial barriers to entering the American market. Regulations finalized under the Biden administration restrict connected vehicles incorporating certain Chinese hardware and software over national security concerns, while Chinese EV imports also face tariffs exceeding 100%.
The proposed legislation would go further by putting restrictions into law and limiting the executive branch’s ability to grant waivers. It targets vehicles manufactured in China or other designated countries of concern, along with connected-vehicle software and critical hardware linked to those countries.
Supporters cite two major concerns: protecting America’s automotive manufacturing base and preventing sensitive information collected by connected vehicles from reaching foreign adversaries. Modern cars can gather significant amounts of location, behavioral, and vehicle data through cellular, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other connected systems.
The bill unanimously cleared the Senate Commerce Committee in July. Moreno and Slotkin hoped to secure unanimous Senate approval this week, but that effort has now been pushed into next week as they work to address concerns from a holdout senator.
Automakers Want Chinese Brands Kept Out Too
The push has substantial backing from the automotive industry. Six trade groups representing manufacturers, including General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Stellantis, and Tesla, recently urged the administration to maintain restrictions on Chinese automakers.
Industry groups argue that allowing Chinese manufacturers into the country could take jobs away from companies that have already invested heavily in U.S. production. Labor organizations, including the UAW, have also backed the Connected Vehicle Security Act.
China, meanwhile, has opposed U.S. restrictions on its automotive industry. The dispute comes as Chinese brands have rapidly expanded internationally with increasingly competitive EVs and hybrids.
Trump Has A Different Idea
The proposed law could also constrain future presidents, which is particularly relevant given Trump’s recent comments. He has said he would accept Chinese automakers entering the market if they built their vehicles in American factories.
Supporters of the legislation don’t consider local production enough to resolve their economic and national-security concerns. Slotkin has argued that allowing Chinese automakers to establish U.S. manufacturing operations would threaten the country’s domestic auto industry.
None of this means Chinese cars have been permanently banned by Congress. The legislation still needs to complete the legislative process, but the bipartisan support behind it suggests there’s a certain amount of agreement in keeping Chinese automakers out of the U.S. market.