US House bill would require national security reviews on connected vehicles from China

Newly proposed Congressional laws would require the US to conduct safety opinions for related autos constructed by automakers from China and “different nations of concern.” Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), a former CIA analyst and Pentagon official who has championed the difficulty, introduced the invoice on Wednesday.

If handed by Congress (a tall order nowadays), the Related Car Nationwide Safety Evaluation Act would set up a proper evaluate course of for related autos from Chinese language corporations. It will additionally permit the Division of Commerce to restrict or ban these vehicles and different autos earlier than they attain US shoppers.

“Immediately’s autos are extra refined than ever, carrying cameras, radars and different refined sensors, plus the flexibility to course of, transmit and retailer the info they collect from america,” stated Slotkin. “If allowed into our markets, Chinese language related autos provide the Chinese language authorities a treasure trove of worthwhile intelligence on america, together with the potential to gather info on our army bases, crucial infrastructure like the ability grid and visitors programs, and even find particular U.S leaders ought to they so select.”

In a speech on the Home flooring earlier this month, Slotkin famous that Chinese language EVs, typically offered less expensive than their US and European counterparts, may quickly gain a significant share of the American market. She cited how Chinese language autos, first offered in Europe in 2019, now make up nearly 1 / 4 of its market. The consultant additionally lately pushed Secretary of the Military Christine Wormuth and Secretary of Protection Lloyd Austin on the safety hole.

Alternatively (and maybe ideally), legislators may go a complete knowledge privateness legislation somewhat than coping with these points piecemeal.

The invoice’s introduction follows the Biden Administration’s quadrupling of import tariffs on Chinese EVs. The White Home’s new EV levies grew from 25 p.c to 100%, following China’s EV exports rising 70 p.c between 2022 and 2023.

In February, the White Home additionally ordered the Division of Commerce to analyze the dangers of related autos from China and different adversaries. Nonetheless, that motion was performed by means of an government order and could possibly be undone by future administrations. Slotkin’s laws would shut these loopholes if it makes it by means of Congress — not often a secure wager in at present’s extremely obstructed and contentious political atmosphere.