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HR 252

Secure Our Ports Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Ken Calvert and 2 co-sponsors

The Secure Our Ports Act of 2025 prohibits contracts with state-owned firms from China, Russia, North Korea, or Iran, enhancing U.S. port security against foreign threats.

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
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Bill Summary · HR 252

Summary of HR 252: Secure Our Ports Act of 2025

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HR 252
  • Title: Secure Our Ports Act of 2025
  • Introduced: January 9, 2025
  • Status: Received in the Senate; read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Purpose of the Legislation

The Secure Our Ports Act of 2025 aims to enhance national security by prohibiting certain foreign entities from entering into contracts for the operation and management of U.S. port facilities. This legislation is designed to safeguard critical infrastructure from potential threats posed by state-owned enterprises from specific countries.

Key Provisions

  1. Prohibition on Contracts:

    • The bill amends Title 46 of the United States Code to prohibit owners or operators of port facilities (which require a facility security plan) from entering into contracts with:
      • State-owned enterprises from China, Russia, North Korea, or Iran.
      • Any foreign entity that is partially owned by a country listed above.

  2. Definition of Terms:

    • The bill specifies that "facility" and "owner or operator" are defined as per existing regulations under section 70101 of Title 46.

  3. Security Plans:

    • Facilities that require a security plan are those deemed critical to transportation security, excluding those owned or operated by the Department of Defense.

Background and Need for Legislation

The legislation responds to growing concerns about the security of U.S. supply chains and port terminals. By restricting contracts with entities from adversarial nations, the bill aims to prevent potential control or influence over vital maritime infrastructure, thereby enhancing the overall security of the United States.

Legislative History

  • Introduced: January 9, 2025, by Rep. Ken Calvert.
  • Committee Actions:
    • Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
    • Discharged from the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation on April 2, 2025.
    • Reported favorably with amendments on June 6, 2025.
  • House Actions:
    • Passed by voice vote on June 9, 2025, after a 40-minute debate.

Impact

The Secure Our Ports Act of 2025 is expected to:
- Strengthen National Security: By limiting foreign control over critical port operations, the bill aims to mitigate risks associated with espionage and sabotage.
- Affect Port Operations: Port facilities that currently have or seek contracts with entities from the specified countries will need to reassess their partnerships and operations.
- Influence Maritime Policy: The bill may set a precedent for future legislation regarding foreign involvement in U.S. infrastructure.

Next Steps

The bill has been received in the Senate and is currently under consideration by the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Further discussions and potential amendments may occur before it is brought to a vote in the Senate.

This summary provides a clear understanding of HR 252, its objectives, and its implications for U.S. port security and foreign relations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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