Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Advances Connected Vehicle Security Act

On Wednesday, July 22, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a markup of seven bills, including S. 4429, the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026, which was approved by voice vote with two adopted amendments.

The legislation would prohibit the importation, manufacture, sale, resale, or introduction into interstate commerce of connected vehicles, covered vehicle software, and certain connected vehicle hardware originating from or controlled by foreign adversary countries—including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The bill is intended to address concerns related to national security, cybersecurity, and the collection of sensitive vehicle and consumer data by foreign adversaries.

Under the legislation, restrictions on connected vehicles and covered software would take effect on January 1, 2027, while prohibitions on connected vehicle hardware would begin on January 1, 2030. The bill also establishes a process for the Department of Commerce to authorize low-risk products, issue advisory opinions, and require declarations of conformity from manufacturers and importers to demonstrate compliance.

During the markup, the committee adopted two amendments. One amendment, offered by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), would require the Secretary of Transportation to submit a report to Congress identifying opportunities to notify purchasers of used vehicles when a vehicle's airbags have previously been deployed and the country of origin of any replacement airbags. The committee also adopted a manager's amendment containing technical and clarifying changes to the legislation.

Following committee approval, S. 4429 has been reported to the full Senate, where it will be eligible for future consideration.