Summary
Stops ships from entering U.S. ports if they have visited a foreign port that was unfairly taken from an American owner by another country's government.
What problem does this solve?
Foreign governments in the Western Hemisphere could seize ports owned by U.S. citizens without facing immediate consequences. This bill creates an economic penalty by blocking any ship that uses the seized port from entering U.S. waters, pressuring the foreign government to return the property.
Who does this affect?
- U.S. persons and companies owning foreign ports
- International shipping companies
- Western Hemisphere governments
What does this bill do?
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 2(b)(1)(C)
Header:
Condition for entry into ports in the united states
Blocks vessels from U.S. ports
Prohibits a vessel from entering U.S. ports if it has visited a port in a Western Hemisphere country that the President has designated as having been seized from a U.S. person.
Grants the president power to designate ports
Allows the President to designate a foreign port if a government seizes or nationalizes a port, harbor, or terminal owned by a U.S. person.
Outlines how to remove the port designation
Requires the President to remove the designation if the foreign country returns the property, provides full payment, or otherwise resolves the dispute to the President's satisfaction.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 2(a)(2)(C)
Header:
Condition for entry into ports in the united states
Allows exceptions for emergencies
Permits a restricted vessel to enter U.S. waters in an emergency or if authorized by the U.S. property owner.
What is the real world impact?
•
Protects American-owned property in other countries
Discourages foreign governments from illegally seizing ports or terminals owned by U.S. persons by creating a significant economic consequence. This helps ensure American assets are secure abroad.
•
Uses U.S. port access as leverage in private disputes
Allows the U.S. government to block international ships from its ports to settle property disputes between a U.S. person and a foreign government. This could escalate private business issues into larger international trade conflicts.
When does this start?
This bill would take effect as soon as it is signed into law.