Senate punts bill to permanently ban Chinese cars until after midterm elections

The bill would bar vehicles made by companies with more than a 15% ownership stake from Chinese entities.

“It is literally a driving spy machine on wheels,” Slotkin said of Chinese vehicles.

Chinese automakers have expanded rapidly overseas, competing aggressively on price and technology and putting pressure on established manufacturers in Europe and other markets.

But in early September, before he hosted China’s Xi, Trump again said he would not oppose Chinese automakers building ​cars in the United States.

But some are concerned that the 15% ownership cap could hurt companies with strong roots in the United States.