USHBC backs Senate advance of connected vehicle security bill

The United States Hispanic Business Council praised the Senate Commerce Committee’s unanimous advancement of a bill to restrict connected vehicles and related technology tied to China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. The measure would set phased restrictions through 2030 and give Commerce more power to block high-risk vehicle tech seen as a national security threat.

Why it matters: - The Connected Vehicle Security Act could bar foreign-linked connected vehicles, software and hardware from U.S. markets if it becomes law. - The bill targets technology tied to China, Russia, Iran and North Korea, raising the stakes for auto supply chains and vehicle data security. - USHBC says the measure would help protect American economic and national security, including small businesses in the auto industry 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 of Ohio and Elissa Slotkin of Michigan led the bill. - Javier Palomarez, president and CEO of the United States Hispanic Business Council, praised the committee vote and the two senators’ leadership. - USHBC endorsed the bill and said it is ready to work with lawmakers from both parties to push it forward.

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 would direct 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 would create enforcement mechanisms and a phased rollout consistent with the Bureau of Industry and Security’s Connected Vehicle Rule. - The timeline would take effect in 2027 for connected vehicle and software restrictions and in 2030 for hardware restrictions. - Palomarez warned in a statement that Chinese connected vehicles could be used for surveillance and espionage because of data collection and disclosure requirements under Chinese law. - Palomarez also argued that subsidized Chinese products have hurt American businesses and workers in the auto supply chain. - The release describes USHBC as a leading voice for the small business community and a nonpartisan 501(c)6 organization focused on American small business success.

Between the lines: - The committee vote shows rare bipartisan agreement on an issue that blends trade, technology and national security. - The bill reflects growing concern in Washington that connected vehicles can be a data and infrastructure risk, not just an automotive product. - USHBC’s support signals that small-business advocates see the issue as an economic competitiveness fight as much as a security one.

What's next: - The bill still needs further congressional action before it can become law. - USHBC said it will continue engaging lawmakers from both parties to help pass the measure. - The public-facing campaign around the bill is also expected to continue through USHBC’s social channels and membership outreach, including more information.