Bipartisan bill targets Chinese-linked robotics, seeks ban on federal use
By lauraharris // 2026-03-29
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  • Senators Tom Cotton and Chuck Schumer proposed the American Security Robotics Act to limit U.S. government use of robotics tied to foreign adversaries, especially China.
  • The bill would block federal agencies from buying or operating ground-based robotic systems—including humanoid robots, surveillance vehicles and autonomous patrol tech—linked to adversarial governments.
  • Federal funds would be prohibited from supporting these technologies and agencies would have one year to phase out any existing systems.
  • Lawmakers warn Chinese-linked robotics could threaten data privacy, security and U.S. technological competitiveness.
  • The measure builds on earlier actions like drone bans and Federal Communications Commission restrictions, as Congress continues efforts to limit foreign influence in critical technologies.
A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers introduced new legislation on March 26 aimed at restricting the federal government's use of robotics technology linked to foreign adversaries, particularly China. The proposed measure, known as the American Security Robotics Act, was spearheaded by Sens. Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY), reflecting growing concern in Congress over national security risks tied to emerging technologies. The bill would prohibit federal agencies from purchasing or operating ground-based robotic systems manufactured or assembled by companies connected to adversarial governments. The restrictions would apply broadly to unmanned ground vehicles including humanoid robots, autonomous patrol systems, mobile robotics platforms and remote surveillance devices. In a statement, Cotton emphasized the perceived threat posed by such technologies, warning that robotics developed by entities linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) could compromise both privacy and national security. Schumer echoed those concerns, accusing Chinese-backed firms of attempting to dominate the U.S. robotics market while potentially exposing sensitive data and undermining domestic innovation. If enacted, the legislation would also prevent federal funds, whether through contracts, grants or cooperative agreements, from being used to acquire or operate the covered systems. Agencies currently using such technologies would be given a one-year deadline to discontinue their use. This legislation, as BrightU.AI's Enoch noted, is a crucial step in safeguarding U.S. national security and protecting the integrity of our technological advancements from foreign exploitation.

Broader push to counter foreign tech influence

The proposal is part of a wider bipartisan effort in Washington to curb the influence of foreign-made technology in government operations. A companion bill has already been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), signaling coordinated action across both chambers of Congress. The robotics legislation builds on previous efforts, including the American Security Drone Act, which was passed as part of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. That law barred federal agencies from using drones manufactured by certain foreign entities and took effect in December 2025 with overwhelming bipartisan support. Regulators have also taken action. The Federal Communications Commission has expanded its Covered List to block the sale of certain foreign-made drones and telecommunications equipment, citing national security risks. Companies such as Huawei and ZTE were previously targeted under similar restrictions, along with surveillance equipment manufacturers. At the state level, governments in places like Florida and Arkansas have enacted their own bans on Chinese-made drones in official use, further illustrating the growing consensus around limiting reliance on foreign technology in sensitive sectors. The new bill arrives amid intensifying competition in the global robotics industry, particularly in the development of humanoid robots. Chinese firms such as Agibot and Unitree are reportedly preparing to go public in 2026, highlighting the rapid pace of innovation and commercialization in the sector. U.S. lawmakers have previously raised concerns about Unitree's alleged ties to China's military. Congress has also explored related proposals, including the Humanoid ROBOT Act introduced in 2025 by Bill Cassidy and Chris Coons. That measure similarly seeks to block the use of humanoid robots developed by entities in countries considered foreign adversaries, including China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. Under the Cotton-Schumer bill, those same nations would be classified as "covered countries," aligning the proposal with existing federal definitions. Lawmakers say the goal is to safeguard U.S. infrastructure, data and technological leadership as robotics becomes an increasingly critical part of government and industry operations. Watch this clip from the "Worldview Report" about 2024 being a dangerous year for the United States militarily.
This video is from the Worldview Report channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com
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