Washington (February 13, 2026) – United States Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) raised concerns about protecting U.S. national security from Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-linked technology entering American markets through North American supply chains and questioned witnesses on stopping illegal fishing operations harming Louisiana fishermen during a U.S. Senate Finance Committee hearing.
At the hearing, Cassidy questioned witnesses on whether the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) review should include specific restrictions on CCP-linked connected vehicle components and autonomous vehicle software that could be used to surveil American drivers.
“These cars that could be manufactured, or the software which could be brought in cars manufactured in Mexico to the US, could be thoroughly equipped with things which would report back to the CCP,” asked Dr. Cassidy. “So should we have explicit restrictions on Chinese manufactured connected vehicle components and autonomous vehicle software?”
“This seems to be one of the highest priorities of the president and the ambassador, as well. It reflects the concerns of Congress in this area, as well. I predict that the economic security improvements and discussions in this review will be of the highest priority,” responded Kevin Brady, former U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee Chairman.
Cassidy then highlighted continued incursions by Mexican lanchas illegally harvesting red snapper in U.S. waters, which hurts Louisiana fishermen.
“Do you agree the tax agreement should prevent illegally harvested products from accessing U.S. markets? … Should the 2026 review incorporate anti-IUU fishing cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico?” asked Dr. Cassidy.
“I do think the review is an opportunity to bring these issues to the ambassador, the administration in these conversations,” responded Brady.
Background
Last month, Cassidy led nine Republican senators in urging the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to crack down on illegal fishing by Mexican vessels operating in U.S. waters, which undermines Louisiana fishermen and funds cartel activity. Cassidy and his colleagues called on NOAA to use its existing authorities to prevent illegally harvested red snapper from being sold in the United States and to protect law-abiding American fishermen.
