H.R. 252: Secure Our Ports Act of 2025

The bill titled "Secure Our Ports Act of 2025" aims to enhance the security of U.S. ports by placing specific restrictions on contracts related to the ownership, leasing, or operation of port facilities. The key provisions of the bill are as follows:

Prohibition on Contracts with Foreign Entities

The bill prohibits any owner or operator of a facility that requires an Area Maritime Transportation Security Plan from entering into contracts with:

• State-owned enterprises from the following countries:
  • China
  • Russia
  • North Korea
  • Iran
• Foreign entities that are partially owned (any percentage) by a nation listed above.

Definitions

To clarify how the bill's provisions are applied, it includes definitions for key terms such as:

• Area Maritime Transportation Security Plan: A plan required for port facilities to ensure security measures are in place.
• Facility: Refers to the physical infrastructure involved in port operations.
• Owner or Operator: The entity responsible for managing the facility.

Clerical Amendments

The bill also includes a clerical amendment that adds a new section to the analysis of the relevant chapter in the U.S. Code to document this prohibition for clarity and record-keeping.

Overall Intent

The overall objective of the legislation is to prevent potential security threats posed by foreign state-owned enterprises operating within U.S. ports, thereby reinforcing national security measures in the transportation sector.

Relevant Companies

• None found