HR 10158
Automotive National and Economic Security Act of 2026
TL;DR
Rep. Diana Harshbarger's Automotive National and Economic Security Act of 2026 targets connected vehicle technology tied to foreign adversaries (primarily China), which likely includes AI-driven driver assistance, autonomous driving systems, and in-vehicle software. It would restrict automakers from using AI and connectivity components sourced from countries deemed national security threats.
How This Might Impact Your Business
Automakers selling connected or autonomous vehicles in the US would face restrictions on sourcing AI software, LiDAR, telematics, and infotainment systems from Chinese or other adversary-linked suppliers.
Tier 1 and Tier 2 auto suppliers must map their AI and software supply chains, including any machine learning models trained or hosted by foreign entities.
EV manufacturers using Chinese battery management AI or connected charging platforms would likely need to find alternative vendors or redesign systems.
Autonomous vehicle developers (Waymo, Cruise, Tesla, and startups) may face new disclosure requirements on where their perception and decision-making models are developed.
Fleet operators (rideshare, logistics, delivery) using connected vehicle telematics could see certain platforms banned from US roads.
Bill is in committee (Energy and Commerce, plus Science, Space, and Technology); no penalties or deadlines finalized yet, but similar Commerce Department rules already impose civil and criminal penalties for violations.
Expect exemptions for legacy vehicles and possibly a phase-in period of 1-3 years based on precedent from the 2024 connected vehicle rule.
What Should You Do
Direct your procurement and engineering teams to inventory all AI, software, and connectivity components in your vehicles or fleet by country of origin.
Ask legal counsel to compare this bill against the Commerce Department's January 2025 connected vehicle rule to identify overlapping or stricter requirements.
If you operate a fleet, request written attestations from your vehicle OEMs about foreign AI components in telematics and ADAS systems.
Monitor the Energy and Commerce Committee schedule for markup hearings and prepare comments if your supply chain would be materially affected.
Begin qualifying backup suppliers for any AI or connectivity components currently sourced from China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea.
Who It Affects
Sponsors
Status Timeline
committee
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
August 27, 2026