All Roll Calls
Yes: 247 • No: 164
119-hr-7084119th Congress
Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Pfluger, August [R-TX-11]
Passed House
Summary
Defend U.S. property interests abroad by tying vessel entry and transit rules to a new presidential designation process for foreign ports after expropriation. This bill would add emergency and owner-authorized transit exceptions and create a narrow route for vessels to transit ports in Western Hemisphere free-trade partners when access is through land owned, held, or controlled by a U.S. person and the President designates the facility.
Show full summary
- U.S. vessel operators and shippers — Get explicit emergency and owner-authorized exceptions for entry or transit. They could also use a conditional transit path through designated Western Hemisphere ports when the facility meets strict access and designation rules.
- U.S. owners of port land or terminals — Gain a tool that links U.S. transit privileges to whether their property was expropriated. A designation can remain until ownership is restored, full compensation is provided, or the dispute is resolved.
- The President and federal agencies — Receive authority to designate and remove ports, harbors, or terminals in Western Hemisphere free-trade partners based on expropriation events and arbitration status, with removals tied to compensation or resolution.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New transit rules for vessel operators
If enacted, the bill would create a new group of vessels that qualify for special transit treatment. It would cover vessels that passed a President‑designated port in a Western Hemisphere free‑trade partner that was reachable only through land owned or controlled by a U.S. person, and the port’s designation was still in place. The bill would also expand entry exceptions into U.S. waters when there is an emergency on the vessel or for a person on board, and when a vessel is authorized by the owner to use the foreign facilities described in the statute.
President could designate seized Western Hemisphere ports
If enacted, the President would be able to label a port, harbor, or marine terminal in a Western Hemisphere country with a U.S. free trade deal when that government has seized or effectively seized U.S.-owned port property or the land that gives exclusive access to it. The President would not make a designation if the dispute is already in arbitration under that trade agreement. The President would have to remove the label if the original conditions no longer apply, if ownership is restored and seizure measures end, if full-value compensation is paid in convertible foreign exchange or another agreed form, or if the dispute is otherwise resolved.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Pfluger, August [R-TX-11]
TX • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24]
CA • D
Sponsored 1/15/2026
Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7]
AL • D
Sponsored 1/15/2026
Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1]
KS • R
Sponsored 1/15/2026
Rep. Edwards, Chuck [R-NC-11]
NC • R
Sponsored 1/15/2026
Rep. McGuire, John J. [R-VA-5]
VA • R
Sponsored 1/16/2026
Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1]
AL • R
Sponsored 1/20/2026
Rep. Strong, Dale W. [R-AL-5]
AL • R
Sponsored 1/22/2026
Roll Call Votes
house vote • 3/27/2026
On Passage
Yes: 247 • No: 164