Michigan lawmakers push bill banning Chinese connected vehicles in U.S. market

WASHINGTON, DC (WOWO) Michigan members of Congress have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at prohibiting the importation and sale of connected vehicles and related technology linked to China and other countries the bill defines as foreign adversaries.

The proposal was announced Monday in Washington and followed with additional remarks Tuesday from lawmakers involved in the effort.

Bipartisan legislation targets connected vehicle technology

The legislation, known as the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026, was introduced by Debbie Dingell and John Moolenaar.

The bill would prohibit the importation, manufacture, sale, or introduction into U.S. commerce of connected vehicles, software, and hardware linked to China, as well as similar technology associated with Russia, North Korea, or Iran.

According to  Michigan Advance, the restrictions would apply to systems originating from or controlled by designated foreign adversary countries.

Penalties and rollout timeline outlined

The proposal would establish civil penalties of at least $1.5 million per violation for companies found in breach of the law.

Most restrictions outlined in the legislation would take effect at the start of 2027, while certain hardware-related prohibitions would be phased in by 2030.

Lawmakers said the phased approach is intended to allow time for industry compliance and supply chain adjustments.

Lawmakers cite national security and economic concerns

At a press conference Tuesday, Moolenaar said the legislation is intended to protect U.S. manufacturing and national security interests.

“This legislation is important because it’s the solution we need to stop our companies and American workers from being the next victims of China’s manipulative trade practices,” Moolenaar said, referencing concerns about foreign subsidized industries.

Dingell, who also sits on the U.S. House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, said global trade conditions are not competitive.

“We are not competing on a level playing field,” Dingell said, citing concerns about subsidies, labor practices, and currency manipulation.

Industry and policy backdrop

The press conference took place shortly before international discussions involving President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which lawmakers noted in framing broader trade tensions.

A companion version of the legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Elissa Slotkin and Bernie Moreno.

Whitmer supports proposal

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a statement supporting the bipartisan effort, citing the importance of the auto industry to the state’s economy.

Whitmer said Michigan’s manufacturing sector employs approximately 500,000 workers and warned that foreign-subsidized vehicles could impact domestic production and jobs.

She also raised concerns about data security, saying vehicle software could potentially collect and transmit information about American drivers.

Next steps

The Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 will now move through the committee process in Congress, where lawmakers are expected to consider amendments and industry feedback before any potential floor votes in the House or Senate.

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