Lawmakers urge Americans to be aware
U.S. senators are telling Americans to “wake up” over what they say are dangers posed by Chinese-owned and manufactured rail cars and buses. They cited cyber and national security concerns.
Their warning comes after agreements were made between two Chinese groups and multiple cities in the U.S. to build public transit systems. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle warn that such deals could compromise the security of America’s transportation system data.
Senator John Cornyn of Texas, at a Senate Banking Committee hearing on threats posed by state-owned and operated transportation services, said, “The potential for an adversarial state to monitor the movements of American citizens, hack personal or government-issued devices, and collect intelligence on our military is a major security concern.” He added, “Allowing American trains and buses to become Trojan horses for these technologies on American soil is unacceptable.”
Experts have warned that the railcars and buses made by China are vulnerable to hacking and could be controlled remotely.
Senator Cornyn was one of the sponsors of a bill signed into law in December as part of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act that bans the use of federal funds to purchase passenger rail cars or buses from state-owned or controlled groups.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For state and local officials, as well as private industry, to be cautious concerning items manufactured in China.
- For effective protections against foreign threats to acquire greater information regarding American activities.
- For secure American transportation grids that will remain safe and free from hacking or remote interference.
Sources: The Hill, Axios
