Securing Infrastructure from Adversaries Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC]
- Committees
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 5, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to bolster national security by restricting the use of LiDAR technology from foreign adversaries in U.S. transportation infrastructure projects and federally funded initiatives, aligning with broader efforts to secure critical supply chains.
What it actually does
This bill prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from procuring or contracting with any entity that uses or procures light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology from certain covered foreign countries or companies. It also prevents the use of federal loan or grant funds for such prohibited LiDAR technology, with an effective date of June 30, 2026, and specific exemptions for vehicle safety research and regulatory applications.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this legislation is crucial for safeguarding national security by preventing potential espionage and supply chain vulnerabilities associated with LiDAR technology sourced from adversarial foreign entities. They contend it protects critical transportation infrastructure from foreign interference and aligns with existing defense authorization acts.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that these restrictions could increase costs for federal transportation projects, limit access to potentially advanced or cost-effective LiDAR solutions, and create compliance burdens for contractors and grant recipients. They may also raise concerns about potential impacts on innovation if leading LiDAR technologies are excluded.
The bill is very concise and clearly written, making it easy for an informed reader to understand its provisions and implications quickly.
Section 1
Short Title
This section formally names the Act as the "Securing Infrastructure from Adversaries Act of 2026." This provides a concise and official way to refer to the legislation in public discourse and legal documents.
Supporters argue
A clear short title facilitates legislative discussion and public understanding of the bill's purpose.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against short titles, as they are administrative in nature.
Section 2(a)
Definitions
This section defines key terms such as "covered foreign country," "covered LiDAR company," "covered LiDAR technology," and "LiDAR" by referencing section 164(e) of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. It also defines "Secretary" as the Secretary of Transportation, establishing the scope of the bill's prohibitions.
Section 2(b)(1)
Direct Prohibition on DOT Procurement and Contracting
This provision directly prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from procuring or obtaining any covered LiDAR technology, any LiDAR technology from a covered LiDAR company, or any LiDAR technology produced in or by a covered foreign country. Furthermore, the Secretary cannot enter into, extend, or renew contracts with any entity unless that entity certifies it will not use such prohibited LiDAR technology in performing the contract.
Section 2(b)(2)
National Interest Waiver
The Secretary of Transportation is granted the authority to waive the prohibition on a case-by-case basis if the activity is determined to be in the national interest of the United States. To exercise this waiver, the Secretary must submit a written certification to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure at least 15 days prior to carrying out the activity.
Section 2(c)
Prohibition on Use of Loan or Grant Funds
This provision mandates that the Secretary of Transportation must ensure that any federal loan or grant funds provided to an entity cannot be obligated or expended to procure, obtain, or use any covered LiDAR technology, LiDAR technology from a covered LiDAR company, or LiDAR technology produced in or by a covered foreign country. This extends the prohibition to federally funded projects not directly contracted by the DOT.
Section 2(d)
Applicability and Limitations
This section specifies that the Act's prohibitions apply to any obligation or expenditure of funds, and any contract entered into, on or after June 30, 2026. It also provides important exemptions, stating that the prohibitions do not apply to applications for exemptions from Federal motor vehicle safety standards, waivers from Federal motor carrier safety regulations, or any activities related to vehicle safety testing, research, evaluation, analysis, or training.
Defines key terms such as "covered foreign country," "covered LiDAR company," "covered LiDAR technology," and "LiDAR" by referencing Section 164(e) of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159).
Section 2(a)(1)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for consistency and brevity, avoiding redundant text when definitions are already established in related statutes. However, it can make the immediate understanding of the bill's full impact less accessible to a casual reader.
Case for: Proponents argue that referencing existing definitions ensures consistency across federal law regarding national security concerns related to foreign technology and streamlines legislative drafting.
Case against: Critics might argue that this approach makes the bill less transparent and harder for the public and affected entities to understand without cross-referencing multiple legal documents, potentially leading to compliance challenges.
Estimated impact: This provision fundamentally determines the scope of the entire Act, impacting all entities involved in DOT contracts and grants related to LiDAR technology by defining the specific targets of the prohibition.