Protecting American Companies and Property Abroad

The international maritime supply chain has a significant impact on our domestic economy, with cargo activity at U.S. ports accounting for 26 percent of our GDP, generating almost $5.4 trillion in total economic activity and supporting 31 million direct and indirect jobs. Because of this, U.S. businesses depend on vessels and facilities at foreign ports to import goods.

However, in 2022, the Mexican government unlawfully invaded and shut down a limestone quarry in Mexico operated by an American company with facilities in both the United States and Mexico.

This is blatant theft. It is crucial for our country’s economic growth and national security that we defend the property rights of American companies abroad and ensure foreign nations that unlawfully confiscate American assets are held accountable.

Today, House Republicans are bringing forward legislation to deter the wrongful seizure of American property by foreign governments, protecting the interests of American property owners and mitigating risks for American businesses operating globally. 

H.R. 7084, the Defending American Property Abroad Act, introduced by Rep. August Pfluger, imposes retaliatory prohibitions to deter and punish any foreign nation that unlawfully seizes American assets, making sure American businesses are safeguarded from unjust expropriation.

House Republicans are fighting to ensure that American businesses and vessels are not unfairly targeted or having their assets expropriated while operating around the world.