Bill in Arkansas Targets Handling of U.S. Military Equipment

AR Senator Introduces Bill Targeting U.S. Military Equipment Security

Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton introduced new legislation on March 12, 2026. The bill focuses on the security of U.S. military equipment. It is called the Trucking Security and CCP Disclosure Act of 2026.

The proposal aims to limit who can handle U.S. military equipment tied to Department of Defense (DoD) freight. It also adds new oversight for motor carriers. Lawmakers say the goal is to reduce risks tied to foreign adversaries.

According to the announcement, the bill is meant to prevent access to sensitive U.S. military equipment. It targets individuals and companies with ties to Communist China.

Bill Seeks to Limit Access to U.S. Military Equipment

The legislation would restrict certain individuals from operating trucks that carry U.S. military equipment. Senator Cotton said the bill is designed to stop possible spying on U.S. military technology.

“My bill will require anyone handling military freight to be properly vetted to ensure our adversaries cannot gain access to valuable information,” said Senator Cotton.

A companion bill was alsointroduced in the House. Representative Elise Stefanik of New York is leading that effort.

“This bicameral legislation closes that loophole by establishing a clear firewall between the Chinese Communist Party and Department of War contracts,” said Representative Stefanik.

New Certification Rules for U.S. Military Equipment Carriers

The bill would require motor carriers to certify that they have no ties to certain foreign entities. This includes links to Chinese military companies or other groups seen as national security risks.

The certification rule would apply across the trucking industry. It would include:

• Motor carriers
• Subcontractors
• Owner-operators

Carriers would need to confirm they are not owned or controlled by listed Chinese military companies. They would also need to confirm they do not have major business ties to those entities .

In addition, carriers must pass this requirement down to others they work with. This includes subcontractors and leased owner-operators. Each party must provide the same certification.

Carriers would also need to keep records of these certifications. The records must be kept for at least five years .

Penalties for False Certifications

The bill includes strict penalties for false information. Carriers that knowingly submit false certifications could face serious consequences.

These may include:

• Suspension from Department of Defense contracts
• Being barred from future federal contracts
• Civil penalties under federal law

These rules are meant to ensure that only approved carriers handle U.S. military equipment.

FMCSA Registry for U.S. Military Equipment Carriers

The legislation would also require the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to create a new registry. This would be done in coordination with the Department of Defense.

The system would be called the Secure Defense Freight Carrier Registry. It would list carriers that are approved to transport U.S. military equipment.

To be added to the registry, carriers must meet several conditions. These include:

• Having valid FMCSA operating authority
• Meeting all Department of Defense standards
• Passing enhanced national security checks

The screening would review ownership and business ties. It would also check for links to foreign adversaries.

In addition, drivers and other personnel would need to meet federal security standards. These standards would be similar to those used in programs like Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) .

Carriers would not be approved once and done. They would need to go through re-checks at least every two years .

Registry Required to Haul U.S. Military Equipment

If the bill becomes law, being listed in the registry would be required. Carriers would need to be on the list to haul U.S. military equipment tied to Department of Defense freight.

After one year, carriers not on the registry would not be allowed to bid on or perform these contracts .

There would be limited exceptions. The Secretary of Defense could grant waivers in urgent cases.

Timeline for U.S. Military Equipment Security Rules

The bill sets clear timelines for rollout.

The Department of Defense would have 180 days to create rules for the certification process. These rules would explain how the law will be enforced.

The FMCSA would have up to one year to build and manage the registry system.

Impact on Truck Drivers

If passed, the bill could change how some trucking companies operate. This would mainly affect those hauling U.S. military equipment.

Carriers would face new steps. These include certification, recordkeeping, and security checks. These steps could add time and cost.

Owner-operators and subcontractors would also be affected. They would need to meet the same rules as larger carriers.

Drivers handling U.S. military equipment may face more screening. This would depend on how federal agencies set the final rules.

For carriers not working with Department of Defense freight, the impact may be small. However, those wanting to enter this sector would need to meet all requirements.

Focus on National Security

The bill reflects a larger focus on national security. This includes how U.S. military equipment is moved across the country.

Lawmakers say stronger controls are needed. They believe these steps will help protect military operations and supply chains.

The proposal will now move through Congress. Lawmakers will review it along with the companion bill in the House.