House passes bipartisan bill to allow U.S. president to limit port access for certain countries

The House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation that gives the U.S. president the power to restrict U.S. port access for countries with governments that have seized American property abroad.

The Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026, introduced by Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, passed 247 to 164.

In March 2023, the Mexican government seized a U.S. company's port at Punta Venado.

“When countries violate trade agreements and illegally seize assets from U.S. companies, it puts American job security, economic security, and national security at risk. This legislation is critical because it ensures there are enforceable consequences for those actions,” Pfluger said.