Bipartisan U.S. senators Elissa Slotkin and Bernie Moreno are seeking unanimous Senate approval this week for the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026, which would codify and strengthen Commerce Department restrictions on Chinese vehicle-connectivity and automated-driving technologies. The bill has 51 Senate supporters, while its House counterpart has more than 100 cosponsors. The Senate Commerce Committee advanced the measure unanimously in July, and Senate records place it on the legislative calendar for this week, although Republican objections could block unanimous consent. The effort contrasts with President Donald Trump's recent statement that he would accept Chinese companies building vehicles in the United States if they hired American workers. Six industry groups representing automakers including General Motors, Ford, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai and Stellantis have urged Trump to keep the market closed to Chinese vehicle sales, imports and manufacturing. Existing 2025 rules effectively bar Chinese automakers from selling or manufacturing connected passenger vehicles in the United States over concerns about sensitive data, espionage and remote manipulation. The proposed law would restrict executive exemptions, while allowing the Commerce secretary to approve otherwise prohibited transactions under strict national-security criteria subject to congressional review. Washington also maintains tariffs of more than 100% on Chinese electric vehicles.