Harris Electric Bus Program Funds Chinese EV Maker, Donation To Campaign Followed

The Biden-Harris administration is under fire after a Clean School Bus program, spearheaded by Vice President Kamala Harris, awarded $395,000 to BYD Americas, a subsidiary of a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer. The funding, intended to help school districts transition to electric buses, has raised eyebrows as it was followed by significant campaign contributions from BYD’s top executive, Ke Li, to the Harris campaign.

Federal filings reveal that months after receiving the grant, Li, a Chinese national, contributed $50,000 to the Biden Victory Fund, which has since transitioned to supporting Harris’ presidential bid. Critics argue that this raises questions about the administration’s ties to Chinese interests, especially as Congress is increasingly concerned about the influence of Chinese companies on U.S. infrastructure projects.

Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI) has expressed alarm over the arrangement, pointing out that federal funds should not be used to support foreign companies that may undermine American national security. “We need transparency and accountability,” Moolenaar said, “to ensure these programs are not benefitting our adversaries.”

BYD, the world’s largest EV manufacturer, has faced scrutiny for its connections to the Chinese government and its growing dominance in the green energy sector. The company has been investigated for potential espionage, leading some lawmakers to question whether taxpayer dollars should support firms with such ties.

Despite these concerns, the Clean School Bus program, created under the 2021 infrastructure bill, continues to distribute billions in federal funding to promote electric buses. Republican lawmakers are calling for closer scrutiny of the companies benefiting from the program, particularly those with foreign ties.