Bill would bar ships from seized foreign ports over land grabs

What does this do?

This bill lets the Department of Homeland Security label a foreign port "prohibited property" if a Western Hemisphere government with a U.S. free trade agreement seizes, restricts, or cancels contracts on American-owned land needed to access that port after January 1, 2024. The President would then have to block ships that used that port from bringing goods to the U.S., dropping off cruise passengers, or getting repairs, fuel, or supplies at U.S. ports. It also updates Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to treat such property seizures and discriminatory treatment as "unreasonable or discriminatory" trade practices subject to tariffs.

Who does it affect?

Affects shipping companies, cruise lines, importers, and U.S. businesses that rely on goods passing through affected foreign ports; appears aimed at disputes over ports near the Panama Canal, though no country is named.

Why does it matter?

Ships tied to designated ports would lose access to U.S. commerce, disrupting trade routes, cruise operations, and supply chains dependent on those ports.

Where does it stand?