On May 11, a bipartisan bill was introduced in Congress by Republican Rep. John Moolenaar of Michigan and Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell of Michigan that aims to expand restrictions on Chinese-connected vehicles in the United States.

The legislation, called the “Connected Vehicle Security Act,” comes as President Donald Trump continues emphasizing support for American manufacturing and the domestic auto industry.

The proposal would ban vehicles from Chinese automakers if they contain software, hardware or connectivity systems developed in China. The bill would also apply restrictions to Russia, North Korea and Iran.

Lawmakers supporting the legislation argue modern vehicle technology could create national security concerns because many connected vehicles collect location, driving and infrastructure data through internet-based systems. 

The proposal follows growing political debate surrounding Chinese electric vehicles and foreign influence in the American automotive industry. 

President Trump traveled to China this week for a summit meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting focused on trade, tariffs and economic relations between the two countries. 

Some lawmakers in Congress have expressed concerns that President Trump could consider lowering barriers for Chinese automakers during future trade negotiations. 

On April 28, more than 120 bipartisan House Lawmakers signed a letter urging President Trump not to allow Chinese vehicles into the American market.

In the letter, lawmakers warned Chinese automakers could threaten both national security and American manufacturing jobs.

“Any effort to lower barriers for Chinese automobiles or otherwise facilitate their entry into the U.S. market would pose a direct threat to American manufacturing, workers and national security,” the letter wrote.

Rep. Dingell expressed that lawmakers are trying to protect the future of the American automotive industry as global competition grows.

“[With] President Trump, you never quite know what he’s going to do until he does,” Rep. Dingell said. “So what we’re all trying to do is to send a message to him. The future of the American auto worker and the American auto industry — he needs and wants to protect it.” 

Rep. Moolenaar also stressed concerns surrounding cybersecurity and foreign-connected vehicle technology.

“Chinese smart vehicles present a clear national security threat,” Rep. Moolenaar said.

The issue carries particular importance in Michigan, where the automotive industry remains a major part of the state economy. Ford Motor Company, General Motors and Stellantis continue investing heavily in electric vehicle production as competition in the global EV market grows.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also voiced support for the legislation and said protecting the state’s automobile industry remains critical to Michigan workers, along with concerns about data collection. 

“Our auto industry employs half a million Michiganders in good-paying jobs and is vital to our national economy,” Gov. Whitmer said. “It’s a national security problem, too. The software in these vehicles can use data gathering to supply China with countless pieces of information about Americans.”

Existing federal restrictions already prohibit key Chinese software from being used in vehicles operating on American roads. Software restrictions took effect in March, while hardware restrictions are scheduled to begin in 2029.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamiseon Greer shared that there are currently no plans to roll back those rules. 

“We don’t see any change in that,” Rep. Greer said. “So it seems like it would probably be difficult for certain countries to establish new production here, given those sets of rules.”

The Chinese Embassy in Washington criticized the legislation and urged the U.S. to “stop overstretching the concept of national security.” 

The debate highlights how international politics can directly affect industries closely tied to the state economy and the future job market.