Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) has introduced the Defending American Property Abroad Act, a significant legislative measure designed to safeguard American companies operating overseas, especially in the Western Hemisphere. The introduction of this legislation is in response to recent actions by the Mexican government that have threatened the property rights of American businesses. A notable instance is President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's proposal to take over a quarry and port owned by Vulcan Materials Co. in Mexico, which poses a significant risk to American economic interests.
"American companies operating abroad should not have to fear arbitrary government actions that undermine their property rights," stated Congressman Pfluger. "The Defending American Property Abroad Act will ensure that such actions do not go unchecked and that American businesses are protected from unjust expropriation. The protection of American property rights abroad is essential for fostering economic growth and maintaining our national security. I urge my colleagues in Congress to support this critical legislation and send a clear message that the United States will not tolerate unjust actions against American companies."
The bill includes key provisions such as:
- Prohibiting trade partners in the Western Hemisphere from participating in certain activities like docking vessels and importing goods if they have seized or otherwise taken over property owned by American entities.
- Requiring the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate prohibited properties and provide regular reports to Congress on enforcement efforts.
- Mandating reports from various agencies on the economic and national security implications of actions taken by foreign trade partners.
The Defending American Property Abroad Act has received bipartisan support with original cosponsors Representatives Terri Sewell (AL-07), Jerry Carl (AL-01), Robert B. Aderholt (AL-04), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Barry Moore (AL-02), Brian Mast (FL-21), Gary J. Palmer (AL-06), and Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34).