Michigan Senator Proposes Ban on Chinese Car Imports Over Security Concerns
In a bold move from Capitol Hill, Michigan’s Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin has unveiled legislation aimed at protecting national security. Her proposed bill would empower the U.S. commerce secretary to prohibit the importation of Chinese cars and their components if they’re considered a threat.
This initiative marks Slotkin’s first legislative effort since her inauguration in January. She raises alarm over the advanced technologies in Chinese electric vehicles, which she believes could compromise U.S. security. “3D mapping information in real time, lidar information, geolocation of specific drivers for specific sensitive sites — all of this data is useful to China potentially if we ever had a conflict of any kind with the Chinese,” Slotkin clarified during a virtual press briefing from Washington.
Beyond security, Slotkin is concerned about economic repercussions, citing the heavy subsidies Chinese manufacturers receive from their government. “I’ve said publicly that I would throw my body in front of the bus to prevent Chinese vehicles from flooding the American market, posing of course a threat to our economic security, underselling every other type of vehicle, including the vehicles made in Michigan, by American companies,” she asserted.
During her online interaction, Slotkin addressed questions about the former administration’s actions against foreign students in Michigan. She expressed disapproval over the revocation of their legal status, stating, “I just think it’s completely contrary to how our democracy works and completely contrary to the idea of open dialog in our university campuses. So I have real concerns about it, both in Michigan, also across the country,” emphasizing her support for international academic exchange.
The senator also commented on Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s recent visit to the White House. Initially, Whitmer and Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall engaged in talks about issues affecting the state, such as invasive carp in the Great Lakes and the strategic significance of the Selfridge Air Force Base. However, the visit took a turn when President Trump signed controversial executive orders. Slotkin expressed disagreement, “Obviously the executive orders that he announced from the Oval Office, I deeply disagree with,” while noting Whitmer’s efforts to prioritize Michigan’s interests amidst the tumultuous environment.
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