Secure Our Ports Act

Summary#

This proposal would add section 70015 to title 46. It would stop an owner or operator of a facility that needs an Area Maritime Transportation Security Plan from entering contracts that give ownership, leasing, or operation rights to certain foreign entities. The restriction applies to (1) state-owned enterprises of China, Russia, North Korea, or Iran, and (2) any foreign entity with any ownership percentage held by those countries. The text refers to the definitions of "Area Maritime Transportation Security Plan," "facility," and "owner or operator" in section 70101. The chapter analysis would also be updated to list the new section. The measure was introduced in the House and, according to available status, was received in the Senate and referred to the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.

What it means for you#

• If you own or operate a port facility that needs an Area Maritime Transportation Security Plan, you could not sign contracts that let entities described above own, lease, or operate that facility.
• Companies that are state-owned enterprises of China, Russia, North Korea, or Iran, or companies partly owned by those countries, would be barred from entering those kinds of contracts for covered facilities.
• The rule applies only to facilities covered by the Area Maritime Transportation Security Plan requirement and uses the meaning of key terms from section 70101.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

Sponsored by Representatives Ken Calvert, Carlos Gimenez, and John Garamendi. No publicly available information in the text about their stated reasons or expected effects.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.