A bipartisan group of senators have introduced the Safeguarding Transit Operations to Prohibit (STOP) China Act, aimed at protecting U.S. transit systems and supply chains from Chinese government-linked companies.
The legislation would bar the Department of Transportation (DOT) from using appropriated funds to support the purchase of buses or rail cars from entities affiliated with the Chinese government.
While the Transportation Infrastructure Vehicle Security Act prohibits companies with ties to China’s government from receiving taxpayer-funded contracts from the Federal Transit Administration to build U.S. rail cars and buses, other funds remain available, according to the sponsirs.
The bill also directs the U.S. Trade Representative, in consultation with the Attorney General, to identify and publish a list of prohibited Chinese companies.
Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn) stated that the bill seeks to prevent “hard-earned American dollars from purchasing Chinese-made vehicles.”
The STOP China Act builds on provisions in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which restricted the use of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds for Chinese rail and bus manufacturers. Lawmakers argue that Chinese firms have continued to circumvent these restrictions via other funding channels.
Senators introducing the legislation include Senators Blackburn, John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) are cosponsors. Representatives Rick Crawford (R-Ark.) and John Garamendi (D-Calif.) are introducing companion legislation in the House.
The bill is endorsed by the Alliance for American Manufacturing, Steel Manufacturers Association, United Steelworkers, Teamsters, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and the Transport Workers Union of America.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here