S-2259 : Still Just a Bill

The Protecting Military Bases from Connected Vehicles of Concern Act of 2025, also known as S.2259, aims to bolster national security by restricting the operation of certain vehicles on Department of Defense (DoD) property. Specifically, the bill:

• Prohibits, starting January 1, 2028, the operation of "connected vehicles" identified as security risks on military installations and other DoD properties.
• Mandates the Secretary of Defense to create and maintain a publicly accessible list of prohibited connected vehicles by January 1, 2027. These vehicles are those:
  • Designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by entities owned, controlled, or subject to the jurisdiction of a "foreign entity of concern."
  • That pose undue risks to information and communications technology, critical infrastructure, the digital economy, or national security.
• Requires the Secretary of Defense to incorporate existing federal rules for identifying prohibited connected vehicles, review the list annually, consult with other federal agencies, and provide explanations for any subtractions from the list.
• Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide a briefing and implementation plan to the congressional defense committees by June 1, 2027. This plan must include:
  • Identifying the lead organization within the DoD responsible for implementing the prohibition.
  • Describing the process for identifying and assessing prohibited connected vehicles.
  • Detailing coordination with other federal departments and agencies.
  • Identifying metrics for assessing threats to national security.
  • Describing how military installations will ensure compliance.
  • Assessing the resource requirements for implementation and maintenance.