U.S. Senators have introduced the Safeguarding Transit Operations to Prohibit (STOP) China Act, aimed at protecting domestic transit operations and supply chains from Chinese influence. The bipartisan group includes Senators Marsha Blackburn, John Cornyn, Tammy Baldwin, Rick Scott, Tina Smith, and Gary Peters. The proposed legislation seeks to prevent funds appropriated to the U.S. Department of Transportation from being used to purchase transit buses or rail cars manufactured by Chinese government-affiliated entities.
Senator Blackburn stated, “China’s attempts to exploit critical American infrastructure with taxpayer funds will not be tolerated.” She emphasized that the act would safeguard national security and support American manufacturing by restricting the purchase of Chinese-made vehicles.
Senator Cornyn highlighted China’s intent to infiltrate American society: “It is China’s mission to infiltrate and dominate every aspect of American society, including our transit systems.” He noted that the legislation aims to protect U.S. transportation infrastructure from such threats.
Senator Baldwin remarked on the importance of investing in the domestic economy: “When we invest American taxpayer dollars, we should be supporting our Made in America economy and American workers.”
The STOP China Act is supported by several other lawmakers and organizations. It addresses concerns over unfair trade practices by Chinese companies that impact national security and economic stability. Senator Scott expressed concern over reliance on adversarial regimes: “We cannot allow an adversarial regime access to supply chains and transit that we rely on every day.”
The bill also intends to close loopholes allowing Chinese companies to secure government contracts undercutting American workers. Senator Smith commented on this issue: “Domestic transit vehicle manufacturers shouldn’t be victim to Chinese companies exploiting loopholes.”
In addition, Senator Peters pointed out how China undermines U.S. economic success through market practices: “China is actively working to undermine American workers and our economic success.” The bill aims to level the playing field for U.S. manufacturers by preventing taxpayer dollars from supporting Chinese-owned companies.
Congressmen Rick Crawford and John Garamendi are leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives. The STOP China Act builds upon previous legislation prohibiting contracts with ties to China’s government but addresses gaps that allowed continued competition for U.S. transit business.
The act has received endorsements from various industry groups including Alliance for American Manufacturing and United Steelworkers.
