Lawmakers Propose Bill Requiring Congress to Drive Union-Made Cars

Stevens and Slotkin introduce legislation to mandate that members of Congress only use American, union-made vehicles.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:39am

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U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and Sen. Elissa Slotkin are introducing bills that would require members of Congress to buy or lease only American, union-made vehicles when conducting government business. The legislation, titled the "Make Congress Drive Union Made Act", aims to support the U.S. auto industry and its union workers. The bills face an uphill battle for passage as they lack Republican co-sponsors and Congress is currently under Republican control.

Why it matters

This proposed legislation is seen as a political move by Stevens as she competes in a tight Democratic primary for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat. It also highlights the ongoing importance of the auto industry and union labor in Michigan politics. The bills, if passed, would be a symbolic gesture of support for American autoworkers and the union movement.

The details

The bills, to be introduced on Tuesday, February 3rd, would make it illegal for members of Congress to use any vehicle other than American, union-made cars when conducting government business and using their annual congressional budgets. Currently, there is no such requirement for lawmakers. The UAW has endorsed the effort, with the union's legislative director saying the legislation would ensure members of Congress "stand up for the union way of life" through their vehicle choices.

  • The bills are expected to be introduced on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

The players

Haley Stevens

U.S. Representative from Michigan who is running in a competitive Democratic primary for the state's open U.S. Senate seat.

Elissa Slotkin

U.S. Senator from Michigan who is co-sponsoring the legislation with Rep. Stevens.

Mallory McMorrow

State Senator from Royal Oak, Michigan who is leading Rep. Stevens in the Democratic primary polling for the U.S. Senate seat.

Abdul El-Sayed

Former Wayne County Health Director who is closely trailing Rep. Stevens in the Democratic primary polling for the U.S. Senate seat.

Rajiv Sicora

Legislative Director for the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, which has endorsed the "Make Congress Drive Union Made Act".

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What they’re saying

“Michigan autoworkers put the world on wheels, and they deserve to know their elected leaders have their backs. This bill makes sure we invest in our American auto industry and the union workers that power it.”

— Haley Stevens, U.S. Representative (freep.com)

“In the labor movement we ask one question of our elected officials: which side are you on? The Make Congress Drive Union-Made Act would ensure that Members of Congress stand up for the union way of life in their choice of vehicle — supporting the generations of autoworkers who build not only cars, but a better economic future based on solidarity.”

— Rajiv Sicora, Legislative Director, United Auto Workers (UAW) (freep.com)

What’s next

The bills face an uphill battle for passage as they lack Republican co-sponsors and Congress is currently under Republican control.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation is a political move by Rep. Stevens as she competes in a tight Democratic primary, but it also highlights the continued importance of the auto industry and union labor in Michigan politics. If passed, the bills would be a symbolic gesture of support for American autoworkers and the union movement.