Two US Democratic lawmakers, Congresswoman Haley Stevens and Senator Elissa Slotkin, have introduced the Protecting America from Chinese Cars Act to prevent Chinese connected vehicles from entering the United States through Canada and Mexico. The bill aims to address national security risks and protect the American auto industry. Stevens emphasized the importance of safeguarding sensitive information from the Chinese Communist Party, stating that the legislation closes loopholes that currently allow Chinese connected vehicles into the country.

Stevens and Slotkin highlighted the rapid expansion of Chinese automakers in global markets, particularly in Europe and South America, due to heavy subsidies from Beijing. They pointed out that Chinese vehicles now hold a 15% market share in Mexico and raised concerns about a trade agreement between Canada and China that would reduce tariffs on thousands of Chinese vehicles. The lawmakers stressed that the presence of Chinese connected vehicles poses economic and national security threats to the US.

Slotkin underscored the surveillance capabilities of Chinese connected vehicles, describing them as "surveillance packages on wheels" capable of collecting sensitive data, geolocating drivers, and mapping infrastructure sites. She asserted that the legislation, in conjunction with previous efforts like the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026, aims to prevent any fully finished Chinese vehicles from entering the US. The proposed bill would bar vehicles manufactured or designed in China, as well as those produced by companies with more than a 15% stake held by Chinese firms. It includes provisions for manufacturers to seek specific authorizations under strict conditions and oversight.