Moolenaar, Dingell Bill Bans Connected Vehicles from Adversaries

On May 11, 2026, Representatives John Moolenaar and Debbie Dingell introduced the Connected Vehicle Security Act, bipartisan legislation banning connected vehicles controlled by four foreign adversaries: China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. The bill codifies and expands January 2025 Commerce Department rules by adding North Korea and Iran to the adversary list.

The legislation establishes phased restrictions, with software prohibitions taking effect on January 1, 2027, followed by hardware limits on January 1, 2030. Violations would carry civil penalties of at least $1.5 million per transaction. The bill directs the Secretary of Commerce to create compliance mechanisms, including declarations of conformity and waiver procedures.

Moolenaar accused Chinese firms like CATL and BYD of using slave labor and dumping cheap vehicles to undermine American competitors. Dingell framed the bill as essential for protecting U.S. manufacturing jobs. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer endorsed the legislation, citing both economic and security threats.

A companion Senate bill was introduced by Senators Bernie Moreno and Elissa Slotkin. The Chinese embassy in Washington criticized the legislation, urging the U.S. to stop overstretching national security concepts.