USHBC backs Senate advancement of connected vehicle security bill

The United States Hispanic Business Council is praising Senate Commerce Committee action on a bipartisan bill aimed at limiting connected vehicle ties to China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. The proposal would create new restrictions and enforcement steps for U.S. imports, sales and technology tied to those countries.

Why it matters: - The Connected Vehicle Security Act would bar connected vehicles, software and hardware linked to China, Russia, Iran and North Korea from the U.S. market if enacted. - The bill targets supply-chain and data-security risks in the auto sector, where connected vehicles can collect and transmit large amounts of information. - The proposal could affect U.S. manufacturers, importers, resellers and suppliers across the connected vehicle ecosystem.

What happened: - The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation advanced the Connected Vehicle Security Act during a July 22 markup. - Senators Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, and Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., led the bipartisan bill. - The committee approved the measure unanimously. - Javier Palomarez, president and CEO of the United States Hispanic Business Council, praised the committee vote and the bill's sponsors.

The details: - 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 measure directs 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 includes enforcement mechanisms. - The legislation sets a phased implementation timeline of 2027 for connected vehicle and software restrictions and 2030 for hardware restrictions. - The timeline aligns with the Bureau of Industry and Security's Connected Vehicle Rule. - USHBC said it is a proud endorser of the legislation and is ready to engage lawmakers from both parties to help pass it. - The group points readers to its website for membership information. - USHBC also directs followers to @myushbc and @JPalomarez on X for updates.

Between the lines: - Palomarez framed the bill as a national security and economic security measure, arguing that foreign connected vehicles could expose U.S. consumers to surveillance and espionage risks. - The bipartisan committee vote suggests there is momentum for tougher scrutiny of connected vehicle technology in Congress. - The measure also reflects broader U.S. efforts to reduce dependence on technology connected to geopolitical rivals.

What's next: - The bill now moves toward further consideration in Congress. - If it advances, lawmakers will need to reconcile the phased deadlines with industry compliance and enforcement planning. - The Commerce Department would be tasked with defining and blocking higher-risk technologies and transactions if the bill becomes law.

The bottom line: - The Senate committee's unanimous vote gives the connected vehicle security push bipartisan momentum, but the legislation still has a longer path before any market restrictions take effect.