Summary
Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026
This bill authorizes the President to prohibit the entry of a vessel into the United States if the vessel has transited any U.S. port, harbor, or marine terminal that has been nationalized or expropriated (e.g., seized) by a Western Hemisphere country that has a free trade agreement with the United States.
Under the bill, the President may prohibit the entry and operation of a vessel if it has called at any port, harbor, or marine terminal that was owned, held, or controlled by a U.S. entity or individual, but has been nationalized or expropriated by the government of a country that is located in the Western Hemisphere and has a free trade agreement in effect with the United States.
The prohibition ends when the President determines that (1) the applicable country has restored ownership of the property that had been nationalized or expropriated, (2) the applicable country has provided mutually acceptable compensation for the nationalized or expropriated property, (3) the conditions for the prohibition are no longer satisfied, or (4) the dispute has been otherwise resolved to the satisfaction of the President.
The bill permits certain foreign vessels that are otherwise prohibited from entering the United States under this bill or current law to enter if the vessel is experiencing an emergency (involving the vessel or an individual on the vessel) and in certain instances where access to a covered facility was granted by a U.S. property owner.
Legislative Journey
Received in the Senate.
SenateMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
HouseOn passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 247 - 164 (Roll no. 105). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H2783)
HousePassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 247 - 164 (Roll no. 105).
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
HouseDEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 7084.
HouseRule provides for consideration of H.R. 8029, H. Res. 1128, H.R. 5103 and H.R. 7084. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 8029, H. Res. 1128, H.R. 5103, and H.R. 7084 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate on each measure. The resolution provides for one motion to recommit on H.R. 8029, H.R. 5103, and H.R. 7084.
HouseConsidered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1131. (consideration: CR H2782-2788)
HouseRule H. Res. 1131 passed House.
HouseRules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1131 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 8029, H. Res. 1128, H.R. 5103 and H.R. 7084. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 8029, H. Res. 1128, H.R. 5103, and H.R. 7084 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate on each measure. The resolution provides for one motion to recommit on H.R. 8029, H.R. 5103, and H.R. 7084.
HousePlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 484.
HouseReported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-563.
HouseReported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-563.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 36 - 22.
HouseCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
HouseSubcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Discharged
HouseReferred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
HouseReferred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
HouseIntroduced in House
Introduced in House