WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Senator Rick Scott joined Senators John Cornyn, Marsha Blackburn, Tammy Baldwin, Shelley Moore Capito, Gary Peters, Pete Ricketts, and Tina Smith to introduce the bipartisan Safeguarding Transit Operations to Prohibit (STOP) China Act. This legislation aims to safeguard domestic transit systems and supply chains from Communist China's nefarious influence by prohibiting the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) from awarding grants that would be used to purchase transit buses or rail cars from Chinese government-backed manufacturers.

Congressmen Rick Crawford and John Garamendi are leading the companion legislation in the House of Representatives. The Stop China Act is also endorsed by the 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.

Senator Rick Scott said, “At every opportunity, the Chinese Communist Party works to exploit America and put our nation’s critical infrastructure at risk. We cannot allow an adversarial regime access to supply chains and transit that we rely on every day, and we definitely cannot allow U.S. tax dollars to fund any projects that allows such access. We must prioritize Americans’ safety, American jobs, and American manufacturing, and put an end to our dangerous dependence on a regime that openly seeks our downfall.”

Senator John Cornyn said, “It is China’s mission to infiltrate and dominate every aspect of American society, including our transit systems, and we cannot let them succeed. By preventing American tax dollars from being used to purchase Chinese government transit buses or rail cars, our legislation would help protect U.S. transportation infrastructure from the CCP.” 

Senator Marsha Blackburn said, “China’s attempts to exploit critical American infrastructure with taxpayer funds will not be tolerated. The STOP China Act would prevent hard-earned American dollars from purchasing Chinese-made vehicles in our transit infrastructure, protecting our national security and supporting American manufacturing.”

Senator Tammy Baldwin said, “When we invest American taxpayer dollars, we should be supporting our Made in America economy and American workers, not opening our checkbook to adversaries like China. I’m proud to work with Republicans and Democrats to support our workers and companies, keep the United States safe, and close a loophole that Chinese companies are exploiting to win government contracts and undercut American workers.”

Senator Gary Peters said, “China is actively working to undermine American workers and our economic success, particularly in the transportation industry, by flooding global markets with artificially cheap vehicles, from electric vehicles to buses. This bipartisan bill would help level the playing field for Michigan manufacturers, suppliers, and workers as we continue to lead the world in mobility innovation by preventing taxpayer dollars from being used to support companies owned and operated by the Chinese Community Party.”

Senator Tina Smith said, “Domestic transit vehicle manufacturers shouldn’t be victim to Chinese companies exploiting loopholes and engaging in unfair trade practices that harm business and pose significant national security concerns. I’m glad to support the STOP China Act to close the loopholes and help Minnesota’s strong transit manufacturing industry continue to succeed.”

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