Aii Policy Brief: Congress to Stop Passenger Railcars Purchases From China

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- In an era where bipartisanship is difficult to come by, Congress found something it agrees on ? withholding federal funds from Chinese state-owned companies not competing on a level economic playing field and presenting significant cybersecurity threats to passenger rail infrastructure.

A new policy brief from The Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure (Aii) explains pending legislation and its implications for markets and national security.

Both the House and Senate versions of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) included language ? known as the Transit Infrastructure Vehicle Security Act (TIVSA) ? to stop Chinese market interference.

The brief notes China's ambitious geopolitical expansion through its "New Silk Road" and "Made in China 2025" plans. With its state-owned corporation China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation Ltd (CRRC), China has aggressively entered public infrastructure bidding in major cities, already winning bids in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia.

Aii presents factors explaining why Chinese influence in public infrastructure prompts legitimate market and security concerns.

Download the policy brief.

The Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure (Aii) is an independent, national, educational organization dedicated to identifying our nation's infrastructure needs, creating awareness of those needs, and finding solutions to critical public policy challenges. Aii strives to promote proven, innovative technology and higher safety standards to achieve excellence nationwide. The Alliance consists of two non-profits, the National Infrastructure Safety Foundation (NISF) 501(c)(4) and the Public Institute for Facility Safety (PIFS) 501(c)(3). 

CONTACT:  Blair Hassett, 703-574-7376

SOURCE Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure