Rep. Calvert Introduces the Secure Our Ports Act

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) introduced the Secure Our Ports Act, H.R. 252, legislation designed to strengthen our national security by prohibiting foreign adversaries from owning and operating critical infrastructure in the United States.  

“America’s ports are essential gateways for trade and commerce which provide the foundation of our economy as well as national security,” said Rep. Calvert. “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.”

The Secure Our Ports Act prohibits the ownership, leasing, or operation of port facilities by an entity that is a Chinese, Russian, North Korean, or Iranian state-owned enterprise, or a foreign entity for which any percentage is owned by one of those four countries.

According to reports, “China owns or operates ports and terminals at nearly 100 locations in over 50 countries.” Last year, the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party issued a report highlighting its national security concerns over the influence of critical port infrastructure by Chinese-owned enterprises. Recently, the Defense Department included a number of Chinese shipping firms to a list of companies it identifies as military in nature.

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