Bernie Moreno Says Chinese Vehicles Should Be Kept Out of the U.S.

Sen. Bernie Moreno said Chinese vehicles should be barred from entering or being produced in the United States, arguing that allowing subsidized imports would put American auto, steel, rubber, and manufacturing jobs at risk.

Moreno made the remarks at an August 21 event at Cleveland-Cliffs Middletown Works in Ohio. He contrasted his preferred approach with Europe, which he accused of sacrificing industrial employment by opening its markets to lower-cost Chinese vehicles.

The Ohio Republican has introduced the Connected Vehicle Security Act with Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan. The proposal targets connected vehicles and components associated with China and other foreign adversaries. Supporters make two related cases for it: that state-supported competitors could undercut domestic manufacturing, and that internet-connected vehicles could collect sensitive location or operational data or be accessed remotely.

A proposed ban, not current law

Moreno’s statement that Chinese vehicles “will never be allowed” describes the outcome he wants. The bill advanced from the Senate Commerce Committee in July, but committee approval does not make it law; it would still need to pass Congress and be signed by the president.

The debate also extends beyond finished cars. Modern vehicles depend on globally sourced batteries, communications hardware, software, and data services. A broad restriction may reduce security and supply-chain exposure, but its definitions will determine whether it also increases costs or disrupts components used by American and allied automakers.

That makes implementation as important as the headline ban: lawmakers must decide which ownership ties create an unacceptable risk and how manufacturers can demonstrate that their hardware and software comply.

Read Moreno’s summary of the Connected Vehicle Security Act.