The STOP China Act bars the use of federal transit funding to purchase buses, rail cars, or other rolling stock produced by companies linked to China or other covered nations, and also bars federal funds for charging or fueling infrastructure if the associated vehicles are covered. The U.S. Trade Representative must publish and regularly update a list of prohibited manufacturers within 30 days of enactment. Existing contracts can be completed but no new ones can be awarded. The bill covers both transit formula grants and broader Department of Transportation appropriations, and defines 'covered entity' broadly to include subsidiaries, affiliates, and joint ventures tied to a covered nation.
Corporate Benefits
- Domestic and non-covered-nation transit vehicle manufacturers — gain competitive advantage as Chinese-linked competitors are barred from federal procurement
- Covered entities linked to China or other covered nations — prohibited from receiving any federal transit procurement contracts
Congressional Summary
Safeguarding Transit Operations to Prohibit China Act or the STOP China Act This bill prohibits federal transportation funds from being used to purchase rolling stock (e.g., rail cars or buses) or fueling or charging infrastructure from entities with ties to China, North Korea, Russia, or Iran (i.e., a covered nation). In general, this replaces a current prohibition on the use of Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) funds for rolling stock from manufacturers owned or controlled by corporations based in certain countries.Specifically, Department of Transportation funds, which include FTA funds, may not be used for the purchase of rolling stock or bus fueling or charging infrastructure from entities with ties to a covered nation. This prohibition also applies to vehicles that incorporate electric power trains from such entities.The prohibition broadly applies to corporations, joint ventures, individuals, and organizations with ties to covered nations. Examples of applicable entities include an individual whose activities are directed or financed by a covered nation or an entity that is owned or controlled by a covered nation or such an individual.The United States Trade Representative (USTR) must publish a list of the applicable entities and update the list annually.The bill includes an exception for motor vehicles or fueling and charging stations used for (1) inspecting or investigating vehicles or equipment; or (2) vehicle safety research, development, or testing.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2025-07-14
- Date Added
- 2026-06-03
- Source
- Congress.gov →
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