Bill would bar China, Russia-linked firms from US port contracts
Passed one chamberH.R. 252Latest action
Sponsor: Ken Calvert · Representative · CA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Secure Our Ports Act of 2025
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The Secure Our Ports Act would ban port contracts with state-owned firms from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill would change U.S. law to stop certain foreign-owned companies from taking over contracts to own, lease, or operate port facilities in the United States. It targets state-owned companies from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, plus any foreign company with even partial ownership by those countries. Ports already required to have a federal security plan would be barred from signing new contracts with these entities.
Who does it affect?
U.S. port authorities, terminal operators, and shipping companies managing facilities at major seaports would be affected, as would foreign companies currently doing business at U.S. ports with ties to the listed countries.
Why does it matter?
The stated purpose is to reduce the risk that these governments could gain influence or access over critical U.S. transportation infrastructure. Foreign companies with such ties might need to change ownership structures or end certain business relationships.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJan 9, 2025
- House committee
- House vote
- SenateYou are here · Jun 10, 2025
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.