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S 4710

Protecting America from Chinese Cars Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Elissa Slotkin

Prohibits entry of connected vehicles linked to covered countries (notably China) or controlled by covered-country interests, with narrow testing exceptions and a future authorizat

Introduced in Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4710

Summary of Bill: Protecting America from Chinese Cars Act of 2026 (S.4710, 119th Congress)

Purpose and intent

  • Proposes to prohibit the entry into the United States of connected vehicles associated with foreign adversaries.
  • The bill aims to restrict vehicles that are designed or controlled by entities linked to certain countries deemed national security concerns, with an emphasis on China (and other covered adversaries under definitions).

Key provisions and changes the bill would make

  • General prohibition on entry (section 2(a))
    • A connected vehicle may not enter or be transported into the United States if:
    • The country of origin is a “covered country” or the vehicle is designed in a covered country; or
    • The manufacturer is part of a joint venture, subsidiary, or other entity in which more than 15% of equity, voting interests, board representation, or other control indicators are owned or controlled by an entity organized under the laws of a covered country.
  • Limited exception for testing/evaluation (section 2(b))
    • The prohibition does not apply if the vehicle is:
    • Not intended to be driven on public roads, and
    • Brought into the U.S. solely for testing and evaluation by a U.S.-organized entity that is not primarily owned/controlled by a covered country entity (U.S.-based, not >25% ownership by covered-country entities).
  • Authorization framework (section 2(c))
    • The Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), with the Secretary of Commerce, can grant general or specific authorizations for entry if:
    • The vehicle does not pose an undue risk of data exfiltration, remote manipulation, or other national security risks.
    • A written risk assessment and detailed notice to Congress are provided at least 60 days before authorization takes effect, and there is no Congressional disapproval via joint resolution within that period.
    • The Commissioner can modify, suspend, or revoke authorizations, with public comment prior to changes.
    • A public list of authorized items must be published and maintained, including manufacturer, make, and model where possible, along with explanations for risk determinations. Initial publication due by January 1, 2027.
    • Establishment of a process by which manufacturers can seek authorization for entry if their vehicle would otherwise be prohibited.
  • Regulatory framework (section 2(d))
    • Regulations to implement the section must be issued within 90 days of enactment, including:
    • A list of vehicles subject to the prohibition.
    • A plan for disseminating information about these vehicles to the public.
  • Effective date and applicability (section 2(e))
    • The prohibition becomes effective 30 days after the implementing regulations are published in the Federal Register.
    • Applies to connected vehicles entered or transported into the U.S. on and after that date.
  • Definitions (section 2(f))
    • Commissioner: CBP Commissioner.
    • Connected vehicle: A road-enabled vehicle with onboard networked hardware that communicates via DSRC, cellular, satellite, or other wireless connectivity with other networks or devices. Excludes rail-only vehicles.
    • Country of origin: The country where the vehicle is manufactured or the government that owns/controls the manufacturing or supplying entity.
    • Covered country: North Korea, China, Russia, and Iran.

Who or what would be affected

  • Manufacturers and importers of “connected vehicles” that have ties to covered countries (notably China) or whose ownership/control exceeds the 15% threshold involving a covered-country entity.
  • Entities authorized to import for testing/evaluation under the narrow testing exception (subject to the criteria).
  • CBP and the Department of Commerce would be responsible for administration, risk assessments, authorizations, and public communications.
  • The public would receive information via the required regulatory list and notices about authorized items and the rationale for determinations.

Significant procedural or timeline aspects

  • Initial read and referral to the Senate Finance Committee (June 9, 2026).
  • Regulations implementing the act must be published in the Federal Register within 90 days of enactment.
  • A general or specific authorization framework requires:
    • Written risk assessment findings,
    • A 60-day congressional notification window,
    • A 60-day window for potential congressional disapproval via joint resolution.
  • Public list of authorized vehicles to be published and maintained, with initial publication by January 1, 2027.
  • Effective date of the prohibition: 30 days after regulations are published, with application to entries on/after that date.

Practical considerations

  • The bill creates a screening, authorization, and post-entry oversight regime for connected vehicles with foreign-adversary exposure.
  • It introduces a data-security risk standard (data exfiltration and remote manipulation) as a central justification for authorizations or prohibitions.
  • The definition of “connected vehicle” sweeps broadly to include typical consumer and commercial connected cars, but excludes rail vehicles.
  • The 15% ownership/control threshold determines many entities’ eligibility for prohibition versus potential authorization.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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