May 16, 2019 - ttnews.com -
The leaders of the transportation policy panel of the U.S. House of Representatives expressed concern about possible unfair trade practices in the freight rail and transit sectors. The concerns stem from market practices state-owned enterprises have exhibited. These enterprises, such as several Chinese firms, are readying advancements in the domestic freight rail market, a move that could displace a significant segment of the workforce, the lawmakers argued.
Rep. Harley Rouda (D-Calif.) introduced legislation this month designed to prevent transit agencies from using federal transit funds when procuring Chinese rail assets. The legislation also would task transit agencies with developing and carrying out cybersecurity plans.

The legislation garnered bipartisan support. Co-sponsors include Republican Reps. Randy Weber of Texas, Rick Crawford of Arkansas, Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, and Kay Granger of Texas. Democrats co-sponsoring the bill include Reps. Tim Ryan of Ohio, Eleanor Holmes Norton of Washington, D.C., and John Garamendi of California.
A group of senators, led by Texas Republican John Cornyn, introduced companion legislation in March. “China poses a clear and present danger to our national security and has already infiltrated our rail and bus manufacturing industries,” Cornyn said in a statement. “The threat to our national security through the exploitation of our transportation and infrastructure sectors is one we should take seriously. This legislation will help safeguard against this threat.”
Read more: https://www.ttnews.com/articles/transportation-leaders-examine-market-concerns-freight-rail-industry