HB252, the Secure Our Ports Act of 2025, would amend title 46 of the U.S. Code to bar certain port facilities from entering into ownership, leasing, or operating contracts with specified foreign state-owned enterprises. The prohibition applies to entities that are state-owned enterprises of China, Russia, North Korea, or Iran, as well as foreign entities in which any percentage is owned by one of those countries. The bill targets facilities that are required to maintain a facility security plan under federal maritime security law.
In practical terms, the measure would add a new section to federal port-security law and update the chapter heading and table of contents accordingly. It would not create a new regulatory program, but instead impose a categorical contracting restriction on covered port owners and operators. The bill is framed as a national security measure aimed at limiting foreign adversary involvement in sensitive port operations and management.
Impact
The bill would amend chapter 700 of title 46, United States Code, by adding a new section 70015 that prohibits certain contracts involving covered port facilities and specified foreign entities. This would directly affect port owners, operators, landlords, and prospective contractors by restricting who may own, lease, or operate facilities subject to federal security-plan requirements. It would also affect foreign state-owned enterprises and other foreign entities with ownership ties to the listed countries, potentially limiting their participation in U.S. port infrastructure and management.
Sentiment
The available legislative record suggests generally favorable sentiment toward the bill, as reflected by its passage in the House of Representatives and referral in the Senate. The bill’s title and structure indicate a strong security-focused rationale, and there is no recorded committee transcript or vote data showing organized opposition in the provided materials. Overall, the measure appears to have been advanced as a straightforward national security and supply-chain protection proposal.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely to be the breadth of the foreign-ownership restriction, especially the inclusion of any foreign entity in which any percentage is owned by a listed country. Critics could argue that this language is broad, may sweep in complex multinational firms, and could reduce competition or raise costs for port operators. Supporters would likely emphasize the need to prevent adversary influence over critical infrastructure and to protect port security, maritime commerce, and the broader supply chain.