A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the Stop Beijing's Bots Act. It stops the Department of Defense from buying or renewing contracts for certain robotic systems from the People's Republic of China. It also bans the Department of Defense from operating these covered robotic systems in sensitive operational environments. The bill blocks the use of Department of Defense funds to lease or operate these robotic systems over specific timelines. It allows the Secretary of Defense to grant waivers under certain strict conditions and requires notifications to Congress. Finally, it requires the Secretary of Defense to conduct annual reviews of the definitions and lists of entities involved.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +7
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
The bill prohibits the Department of Defense from acquiring or operating certain robotic systems from China, reducing potential cybersecurity and data risks.
- Scored +4
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The legislation mandates that the Secretary of Defense notify congressional defense committees regarding waivers and modifications to restricted entity lists.
- Scored +3
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?
By strengthening national security guidelines regarding foreign technology, the bill indirectly supports defense readiness that benefits service members and veterans.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2(a) and Section 2(c) stop the Department of Defense from buying, renewing contracts for, or spending funds to lease covered robotic systems from China, which ensures our defense dollars are not supporting those specific foreign systems.
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Section 2(b) bans the Department of Defense from operating a covered robotic system in any sensitive operational environment within two years, which protects sensitive operations from these specific foreign robotic platforms.
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Section 2(d)(2) requires the Secretary of Defense to notify congressional defense committees within 30 days of granting a waiver, giving our elected officials accountability and insight into why exceptions are made.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 2(d)(1) allows the Secretary of Defense to issue waivers to keep using these systems if there are no acceptable alternatives or if replacement costs would cause an undue burden on the agency, meaning these foreign systems might still be used if stopping them is too difficult or expensive.
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.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill prohibits the Department of Defense from acquiring or operating certain robotic systems from China, reducing potential cybersecurity and data risks. Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — By strengthening national security guidelines regarding foreign technology, the bill indirectly supports defense readiness that benefits service members and veterans. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — Restricting reliance on Chinese robotic systems in defense operations reinforces strategic technological boundaries.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The legislation mandates that the Secretary of Defense notify congressional defense committees regarding waivers and modifications to restricted entity lists. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill grants the Secretary of Defense expanded authority to regulate, restrict, and review robotic systems and entities associated with China.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — Enhancing the security and integrity of Department of Defense equipment and operations contributes to overall military preparedness which benefits veterans.
- 10/22/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Introduced in House