House GOP introduces bill to ban China from accessing U.S. ports, citing national security concerns.
At a Glance
- GOP Rep. Michelle Steel introduces the Secure Our Ports Act to block China and other adversaries from U.S. ports
- Bill targets companies owned by state enterprises in China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran
- Legislation aims to protect U.S. supply chains and national security
- Follows concerns about Chinese equipment at ports being used for surveillance
- Congress has already banned Pentagon from using ports with Chinese logistics platform LOGINK
GOP Introduces Secure Our Ports Act
In a move to strengthen national security, House Republicans are rolling out new legislation aimed at blocking China and other adversary nations from accessing U.S. ports. Rep. Michelle Steel, a member of the House Select Committee on Communist China, is spearheading the Secure Our Ports Act, which targets companies fully or partially owned by state enterprises in China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
Steel emphasized the importance of the bill, stating, “Congress must protect America’s supply chains by restricting enemy governments from having high-level access to our ports.”
The legislation comes as tensions between the United States and China continue to escalate, with concerns about national security and economic power at the forefront. Southern California, Steel’s home region, hosts two of the largest U.S. ports: the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach, highlighting the local and national significance of this issue.
National Security Concerns Drive Legislation
The Secure Our Ports Act follows growing concerns from national security and defense officials about the potential for Chinese equipment and cranes at U.S. ports to be used for surveillance. Multiple China-owned conglomerates, such as COSCO and COFCO, already have a presence in American ports, raising alarm bells for lawmakers.
Steel argues that the bill “would shore up America’s economic and national security in the face of threats from Communist China and their like-minded allies.” The legislation has garnered support from several Republican co-sponsors, including Reps. Stephanie Bice, Ken Calvert, and Richard Hudson, among others.
Previous Actions Against Chinese Port Influence
This new bill builds upon recent efforts by Congress to counter Chinese influence in U.S. ports. The U.S. Congress has already passed legislation banning the Pentagon from using any seaport that relies on the Chinese logistics platform LOGINK. This platform, which tracks cargo and ship movements, has raised concerns about Beijing’s ability to monitor America’s military supply chain.
The LOGINK ban, set to take effect six months after President Joe Biden signs the bill, also prohibits federal funding for any port using the platform. This move signals a broader push to reduce Chinese influence in critical U.S. infrastructure.
Challenges and Future Steps
While the legislation aims to protect U.S. interests, it also presents challenges. The ban on LOGINK requires the development of alternatives, which could take up to five years. Additionally, the impact on ports worldwide used by the U.S. military remains unclear.
As the bill moves forward, it will likely face scrutiny and debate. However, its introduction marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to secure U.S. ports and protect national interests in the face of growing international challenges.
Sources
1. House GOP rolling out bill to block China from accessing US ports
2. US adversaries would be barred from operating American ports under GOP bill
