S.Amdt. 3203

SA 3203 aims to protect United States transit operations by restricting the use of federal funds for certain vehicles and technologies linked to "covered nations," specifically citing concerns regarding the People's Republic of China (PRC).

The amendment seeks to add a new section titled "Safeguarding Transit Operations" to the bill. Its primary purpose is to prevent United States taxpayer money from funding vehicle manufacturing or technology companies subsidized by the PRC.

Key Changes and Additions

• Funding Prohibitions: The amendment prohibits the Secretary of Transportation and the Department from using "covered funding" to:

  • Procure "covered vehicles" (rolling stock produced or provided by a "covered entity" or containing an electric power train from a "covered entity").
  • Build, install, or maintain infrastructure used to fuel or charge "covered vehicles" that are buses.

• Defining Restricted Entities: It establishes strict definitions for "covered entities," "covered individuals," and "covered nations" to identify who is banned from receiving these funds, including those owned or controlled by a covered nation.

• Accountability and Oversight:

  • The United States Trade Representative, working with the Attorney General and the Secretary, must create and publicly post a list of "covered entities."
  • This list must be updated every 90 days for the first 180 days, and annually after that.

• Exceptions: The prohibitions do not apply to vehicles or infrastructure needed for:

  • Motor vehicle safety research, development, or testing.
  • The inspection or investigation of equipment or motor vehicles.

• Existing Contracts: It allows "covered funds" to continue being used for contracts that were already eligible before the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 until the delivery of the rolling stock is finished.