Newly proposed Congressional laws would require the US to conduct safety critiques for linked autos constructed by automakers from China and “different nations of concern.” Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), a former CIA analyst and Pentagon official who has championed the problem, introduced the invoice on Wednesday.
If handed by Congress (a tall order as of late), the Related Automobile Nationwide Safety Assessment Act would set up a proper assessment course of for linked autos from Chinese language firms. It could additionally permit the Division of Commerce to restrict or ban these automobiles and different autos earlier than they attain US shoppers.
“At this time’s autos are extra refined than ever, carrying cameras, radars and different refined sensors, plus the flexibility to course of, transmit and retailer the information they collect from the USA,” stated Slotkin. “If allowed into our markets, Chinese language linked autos provide the Chinese language authorities a treasure trove of beneficial intelligence on the USA, together with the potential to gather info on our navy bases, crucial infrastructure like the ability grid and visitors methods, and even find particular U.S leaders ought to they so select.”
In a speech on the Home ground earlier this month, Slotkin famous that Chinese language EVs, typically bought less expensive than their US and European counterparts, might quickly gain a significant share of the American market. She cited how Chinese language autos, first bought in Europe in 2019, now make up nearly 1 / 4 of its market. The consultant additionally not too long ago pushed Secretary of the Military Christine Wormuth and Secretary of Protection Lloyd Austin on the safety hole.
Alternatively (and maybe ideally), legislators might go a complete knowledge privateness legislation relatively than coping with these points piecemeal.
The invoice’s introduction follows the Biden Administration’s quadrupling of import tariffs on Chinese EVs. The White Home’s new EV levies grew from 25 % to one hundred pc, following China’s EV exports rising 70 % between 2022 and 2023.
In February, the White Home additionally ordered the Division of Commerce to research the dangers of linked autos from China and different adversaries. Nevertheless, that motion was carried out by way of an govt order and could possibly be undone by future administrations. Slotkin’s laws would shut these loopholes if it makes it by way of Congress — not often a secure wager in right this moment’s extremely obstructed and contentious political surroundings.
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