USHBC backs Senate move on connected vehicle security bill

The United States Hispanic Business Council is supporting a Senate committee’s unanimous advancement of the Connected Vehicle Security Act, a bill aimed at blocking connected vehicles and related technology tied to China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. The measure now moves forward with bipartisan backing as Congress weighs new restrictions on automotive hardware, software and supply chains.

Why it matters: - The Connected Vehicle Security Act would restrict foreign-linked connected vehicle technology that lawmakers see as a threat to U.S. economic and national security. - The bill could affect imports, manufacturing, sales and resale across the connected vehicle ecosystem, including software and hardware. - USHBC says the measure would help protect American small businesses and workers in the auto supply chain.

What happened: - The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation advanced the Connected Vehicle Security Act on July 22 with unanimous bipartisan support. - Senators 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 vote and the sponsors.

The details: - If passed, 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. - The bill includes enforcement mechanisms and a phased timeline: 2027 for connected vehicle and software restrictions, and 2030 for hardware. - The timeline is designed to align with the Bureau of Industry and Security’s Connected Vehicle Rule. - Palomarez called Chinese connected vehicles a “21st-century Trojan horse” and warned about data collection and surveillance risks. - Palomarez also argued that Chinese companies’ legal obligations to share data with the Communist Party could expose American families to espionage concerns.

Between the lines: - The bipartisan committee vote shows growing congressional momentum for tougher rules on vehicle technology tied to U.S. adversaries. - The issue now sits at the intersection of trade policy, cybersecurity and industrial policy. - USHBC’s endorsement adds a small-business and domestic supply-chain argument to a debate usually framed around national security.

What's next: - The bill still needs additional congressional action before becoming law. - USHBC said it is ready to work with lawmakers from both parties to move the measure forward. - The organization is directing supporters to follow @myushbc and @JPalomarez on X and to visit USHBC membership information for more information.