U.S. Senators from both parties have introduced the Safeguarding Transit Operations to Prohibit (STOP) China Act, aiming to protect American transit systems and supply chains from Chinese influence. The bill was presented by Senators John Cornyn, Tammy Baldwin, Rick Scott, Tina Smith, Pete Ricketts, Marsha Blackburn, and Gary Peters. The proposed legislation seeks to block funds appropriated to the U.S. Department of Transportation from being used to purchase transit vehicles from Chinese government-affiliated companies.
Senator Cornyn emphasized the threat posed by China: “It is China’s mission to infiltrate and dominate every aspect of American society, including our transit systems.” He believes the legislation will protect U.S. transportation infrastructure from potential risks associated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Senator Baldwin highlighted the importance of supporting domestic industries: “When we invest American taxpayer dollars, we should be supporting our Made in America economy and American workers.” She expressed pride in working across party lines to address these concerns.
Senator Scott warned about China’s efforts to exploit critical infrastructure: “We cannot allow an adversarial regime access to supply chains and transit that we rely on every day.”
The STOP China Act aims to close loopholes allowing Chinese companies access to U.S. government contracts for building rail cars and buses. Senator Smith noted this issue as a significant national security concern affecting domestic manufacturers.
According to Senator Ricketts, Chinese companies are circumventing U.S. laws for taxpayer-funded contracts: “This bill will close that loophole.”
Senator Blackburn stated: “China’s attempts to exploit critical American infrastructure with taxpayer funds will not be tolerated.”
Senator Peters focused on leveling the playing field for Michigan manufacturers: “This bipartisan bill would help level the playing field…by preventing taxpayer dollars from being used to support companies owned and operated by the Chinese Community Party.”
The STOP China Act also requires a list of prohibited entities affiliated with China by the United States Trade Representative in consultation with the U.S. Attorney General.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito has cosponsored the legislation while Congressmen Rick Crawford and John Garamendi lead companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
The act builds upon previous measures like the Transportation Infrastructure Vehicle Security Act under the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act but addresses new challenges posed by continued competition from Chinese firms in U.S. markets.
Several organizations endorse this legislation, including Alliance for American Manufacturing, Steel Manufacturers Association, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, United Steelworkers, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and Transport Workers Union of America.
