USHBC backs Senate move on connected vehicle security bill

The United States Hispanic Business Council is praising a Senate Commerce Committee vote to advance legislation that would block certain connected vehicle technology tied to China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. The bill now moves closer to becoming law as supporters argue it could protect U.S. national security and domestic auto supply chains.

Why it matters: - The Connected Vehicle Security Act would bar foreign-linked connected vehicles, software and hardware from U.S. markets if enacted. - Supporters say the bill is aimed at limiting national security risks from vehicle technologies that can collect data and connect to networks. - The measure could affect automakers, suppliers and small businesses in the auto industry supply chain.

What happened: - The Senate Commerce Committee 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 senators’ leadership. - The USHBC said it endorses the bill and is ready to work with members of both parties to pass it.

The details: - The bill would prohibit the importation, integration, manufacture, sale or resale of connected vehicles, software and hardware linked to China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. - The legislation directs the Secretary of Commerce to identify and block high-risk vehicle technologies, components and transactions that threaten U.S. economic or national security. - The bill includes enforcement mechanisms and a phased rollout. - The timeline would run to 2027 for connected vehicle and software restrictions and to 2030 for hardware. - The phase-in would align with the Bureau of Industry and Security’s Connected Vehicle Rule. - Palomarez warned that Chinese connected vehicles could be used to collect large amounts of data and said Chinese companies are legally required to share data with the Communist Party. - Palomarez also argued that cheap, subsidized imports have hurt American businesses and workers in the auto supply chain.

Between the lines: - The committee’s unanimous vote shows connected vehicle security is emerging as a rare bipartisan issue. - The bill reflects a broader shift toward treating connected cars as both transportation products and potential data-security assets. - Palomarez framed the issue as both an economic fight and a national security fight, which may help build support beyond traditional tech-policy circles.

What's next: - The bill still needs further congressional action before it can become law. - USHBC said it will continue lobbying lawmakers to move the legislation forward. - Supporters are likely to keep pressing the case that the measure is needed to protect American roads, consumers and supply chains.

The bottom line: - The Senate committee vote gives the Connected Vehicle Security Act momentum, but the bill still has more ground to cover before any restrictions take effect.**