Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and Senators Tom Cotton and Chuck Schumer introduced the American Security Robotics Act on Mar. 27, aiming to advance the United States’ position in robotics while addressing national security and privacy concerns.
The proposed legislation seeks to prevent foreign entities of concern from supplying unmanned ground vehicle systems, including humanoid robots and autonomous patrol technology, to the federal government. Lawmakers say this measure is intended to protect sensitive data and strengthen U.S. technological leadership.
“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,” said Elise Stefanik.
Cotton said: “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.” 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.”
Stefanik currently serves in Congress representing New York’s 21st district after replacing Bill Owens in 2015 according to her official biography. She has held this position since then. Born in Albany in 1984, Stefanik resides in Schuylerville. She graduated from Harvard University with an AB degree.
Lawmakers involved say that restricting certain foreign-made robotic technologies is necessary for protecting both individual privacy rights as well as broader U.S. interests.