U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) introduced legislation Thursday that would prohibit foreign adversaries from owning and operating critical infrastructure in the United States.
Specifically, the Secure Our Ports Act is designed to strengthen our national security, Calvert said.
“America’s ports are essential gateways for trade and commerce which provide the foundation of our economy as well as national security,” he said. “Allowing foreign adversaries, like China, Russia, North Korea and Iran, to own and operate port infrastructure would threaten that very foundation and creates a serious liability. Congress must take action and protect this vital infrastructure.”
If passed, the legislation would prohibit state-owned enterprises from China, Russia, North Korea or Iran from owning, leasing or operating port facilities.
Calvert’s office said reports indicate that China owns or operates ports and terminals at nearly 100 locations in more than 50 countries. Additionally, the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party has said it has significant national security concerns over the influence of critical port infrastructure by Chinese-owned enterprises. The U.S. Department of Defense recently included a number of Chinese shipping firms on a list of companies it identifies as military in nature.
The bill was originally introduced by U.S. Rep. Michelle Steel (R-CA) in September 2024. After being read on the House floor, the bill was sent to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which referred it to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.