Diana Harshbarger (R-TN)
Automotive National and Economic Security Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 33 - 0.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the Automotive National and Economic Security Act of 2026, directs the Secretary of Commerce to perform a study on the United States automotive industry. The study focuses on "covered activity" by manufacturers and the potential risks posed by foreign adversaries. It specifically looks at how these activities might affect national security, economic competitiveness, and the protection of intellectual property. The Secretary is tasked with assessing various commercial arrangements, such as ownership interests, partnerships, and technology sharing. Ultimately, the findings must be reported to specific congressional committees and published online within two years.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +4
Does this make patent and copyright rules fairer?
The study specifically assesses adverse impacts to the intellectual property protection of the United States.
- Scored +3
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
Requires the publication of an unclassified report on a public website.
- Scored +3
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
The bill assesses risks to national security related to covered hardware and software in vehicles.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of National Security and Economy: The study aims to identify adverse impacts to the national security, economic competitiveness, or intellectual property protection of the United States (Section 3(b)(2)(A)).
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Monitoring of Foreign Influence: The bill requires an assessment of involvement by entities controlled by a foreign adversary that function as State-directed investment vehicles, such as sovereign wealth funds or State-owned enterprises (Section 3(b)(2)(B)).
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Safeguarding Technology: The study investigates the transfer of critical and emerging technologies to entities controlled by foreign adversaries (Section 3(b)(2)(C)).
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Increased Transparency: The Secretary is required to publish an unclassified report on the Department of Commerce website, providing public information regarding the study's findings (Section 3(d)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Risk to Business Privacy: While the bill prohibits disclosing certain information, the study involves the review of "covered activity" which includes ownership interests, commercial partnerships, and technology sharing agreements (Section 2(4)).
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Potential Disclosure of Sensitive Information: The Secretary is prohibited from disclosing confidential business information or trade secrets, but the very process of conducting the study involves assessing various manufacturer commercial arrangements (Section 3(d)(2)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Education And Technology
- Does this make patent and copyright rules fairer? — The study specifically assesses adverse impacts to the intellectual property protection of the United States. Does this give people more control over their personal data? — The bill analyzes risks to critical technologies including data privacy and security.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Requires the publication of an unclassified report on a public website. Does this give the federal government more power? — Increases the oversight role of the Secretary of Commerce through a mandated study.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill assesses risks to national security related to covered hardware and software in vehicles.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Protects US manufacturers from unfair intellectual property theft by foreign adversaries.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — The study aims to protect economic competitiveness and intellectual property of the US automotive industry.
- 9/16/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 33 - 0.
- 9/14/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/2/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/1/2026
- Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 8/27/2026
- 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.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Debbie DingellDemocrat · Michigan
Josh GottheimerDemocrat · New Jersey
Eugene VindmanDemocrat · Virginia