Scott Introduces Bill to Reduce Dependence on Chinese Batteries

Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) have introduced the Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act, bipartisan legislation that aims to relinquish the United States' dependence on Chinese-made batteries and "address the national security concerns regarding cybersecurity, supply chain disruptions, and domestic manufacturing of this technology."

Additionally, the bill would bar the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from purchasing batteries from six different Chinese-owned companies.

The companies that would be banned from selling batteries to the DHS include:

1. Contemporary Amperex Technology Company, Ltd.
2. BYD Company, Ltd.
3. Envision Energy, Ltd.
4. EVE Energy Company, Ltd.
5. Gotion High-tech Company, Ltd.
6. Hithium Energy Storage Technology company, Ltd.

The Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act would also bar any company that does not adhere to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, as well as a multitude of other statutes.

Congressman Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) is leading this legislation in the House of Representatives.

Senator Scott shared that President Donald Trump's (R) administration is ushering in a "Golden Age" despite attempts from China to hold American prosperity back.

“America is entering its Golden Age with President Trump back in the White House, and that means prioritizing American manufacturing and self-reliance," said Sen. Scott. "Communist China is doing everything it can to achieve global dominance and is willing to harm Americans and businesses, manipulate our supply chains and breach our cybersecurity in the process. With our nation currently sourcing a majority of its batteries from Chinese-linked manufacturers, we’re subject to a major, unnecessary risk to our national security."

He concluded, "I am proud to introduce the Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act to help secure our national security and take a stand against Communist China looking to take advantage of American consumers. I look forward to this critical legislation becoming law.”

Furthermore, Senator Hassan mentioned that this bill protects both America's supply chain and national security.

“Our national security should not require reliance on components made by adversaries like China. This bipartisan legislation will help safeguard both our supply chains and our national security by preventing the Department of Homeland Security from purchasing Chinese batteries for the devices and technology that keep Americans safe," said Sen. Hassan.