This legislation introduces a critical certification requirement for all motor carriers, subcontractors, and owner-operators involved in transporting Department of Defense (DoD) freight. These entities must certify that they are not owned or controlled by, nor maintain significant business relationships with, any entity identified on the official list of Chinese military companies. The provision includes a flow-down requirement to all tiers of contractors and establishes severe penalties, such as debarment and civil penalties, for knowingly providing false certifications. Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of a "Secure Defense Freight Carrier Registry" within one year, to be jointly managed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Secretary of Defense. To qualify for this registry, motor carriers must undergo enhanced national security vetting, which includes rigorous screening for affiliations with Chinese military companies or other designated foreign adversary entities. This vetting also ensures that drivers and personnel accessing DoD freight meet stringent security standards comparable to federal programs like the Transportation Worker Identification Credential. Once operational, inclusion on this registry will be a prerequisite for any motor carrier to bid on or perform DoD freight transportation contracts, though the Secretary of Defense may grant waivers in exigent circumstances. The overarching goal of these provisions is to significantly enhance the security of the Department of Defense's logistics and supply chain. By preventing carriers with ties to foreign adversaries from handling sensitive military cargo, the bill aims to protect national security interests.