Senate Republican Conference Chairman Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York introduced bipartisan legislation on Mar. 26 to prohibit the federal government from procuring and operating unmanned ground vehicles manufactured by foreign adversaries, with a focus on China.
The proposed American Security Robotics Act aims to address concerns about national security threats linked to foreign-controlled robotics. Lawmakers say these devices, especially those tied to the Chinese Communist Party or military, could enable data exfiltration or remote hijacking, putting Americans’ privacy and security at risk.
“Robots made by Communist China threaten Arkansans’ privacy and our national security. Our bill will ban the federal government from buying and operating these devices made in countries that wish us harm,” said Senator Cotton. Schumer added, “The Chinese Communist Party has shown that they are willing to lie and cheat to get ahead at the expense of the American people and our national security. They are running their standard playbook – this time in robotics – trying to flood the U.S. market with their technology, which presents real security risks and threats to Americans’ privacy and American research and industry. We must protect our country from these threats, starting with a ban on the federal government buying this CCP technology.”
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik introduced companion legislation in the House. She said, “One of America’s greatest strengths is the ingenuity of our people—our visionaries, inventors, engineers, and dedicated workers. We must continue to promote and propel America’s robotics superiority while safeguarding our privacy and national security from adversaries. This is why I am introducing bicameral, bipartisan legislation with my colleague Senator Cotton.”
According to the official website, Cotton’s office has assisted Arkansans with casework involving federal agencies such as visas, passports, and military honors; he also served as an Infantry Officer in the United States Army; chaired the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence; attended Dardanelle High School before earning degrees from Harvard University and Harvard Law School; grew up on a family cattle farm in Yell County; served on both the Senate Armed Services Committee as well as Energy & Natural Resources Committee; currently serves on key committees including Intelligence—and leads as chairman of the Senate Republican Conference.
The American Security Robotics Act would ban procurement or operation by federal agencies of unmanned ground vehicle systems—including humanoid robots—manufactured by entities deemed foreign adversaries.
