Bill would bar ships from US ports if allies seize American property abroad
Passed one chamberH.R. 7084Latest action
Sponsor: August Pfluger · Representative · TX
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The bill lets the president block U.S. port access to ships using foreign ports built on seized American-owned land.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 7084 amends U.S. port law to bar ships from entering U.S. ports if they used a Western Hemisphere port that is accessible only through land owned by an American person or company that a foreign government has nationalized or expropriated. The president can designate such foreign ports as off-limits and later lift the designation if the property is returned, compensation is paid, or the dispute is resolved. Exceptions exist for emergencies and cases where the American owner authorizes use of the facility.
Who does it affect?
Shipping companies, foreign governments in the Western Hemisphere with U.S. free trade agreements, and U.S. businesses with port or terminal investments abroad are directly affected.
Why does it matter?
The measure creates a new tool to pressure foreign governments against seizing American-owned port infrastructure, with possible indirect effects on trade or shipping routes if disputes arise.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJan 15, 2026
- House committee
- House vote
- SenateYou are here · Apr 2, 2026
- 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.
Recorded votes
Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.
House · · Roll call 105
As recorded
- Question
- On Passage
- Result:
- Passed
- 247
- Nay
- 164
- 0
- 20
Republicans 205 yes, 11 not voting · Democrats 41 yes, 164 no, 9 not voting · Independent 1 yes
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record