The Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026 establishes a mechanism to protect United States persons from expropriation and nationalization of their property by Western Hemisphere countries that maintain free trade agreements with the United States. The legislation creates a presidential designation system for ports, harbors, and marine terminals that have been seized from U.S. owners, and imposes restrictions on vessels that use these designated facilities from accessing U.S. navigable waters and ports. The bill aims to leverage U.S. maritime jurisdiction as an economic pressure tool to compel foreign governments to either return expropriated property, provide adequate compensation, or otherwise resolve disputes involving American-owned assets. This approach represents a targeted sanctions mechanism that operates through maritime commerce restrictions rather than traditional diplomatic or trade remedies.

Who sponsored HR7084?

August Pfluger, Salud Carbajal, Terri Sewell, Tracey Mann, Chuck Edwards, John McGuire, Barry Moore, Dale Strong

The Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026 establishes a mechanism to protect United States persons from expropriation and nationalization of their property by Western Hemisphere countries that maintain free trade agreements with the United States. The legislation creates a presidential designation system for ports, harbors, and marine terminals that have been seized from U.S. owners, and imposes restrictions on vessels that use these designated facilities from accessing U.S. navigable waters and ports. The bill aims to leverage U.S. maritime jurisdiction as an economic pressure tool to compel foreign governments to either return expropriated property, provide adequate compensation, or otherwise resolve disputes involving American-owned assets. This approach represents a targeted sanctions mechanism that operates through maritime commerce restrictions rather than traditional diplomatic or trade remedies.

Who sponsored HR7084?

August Pfluger, Salud Carbajal, Terri Sewell, Tracey Mann, Chuck Edwards, John McGuire, Barry Moore, Dale Strong

HR7084 U.S. House: Defending American Property Abroad Act…

Engrossed

H. R. 7084

January 15, 2026

Mr. Pfluger (for himself, Mr. Carbajal, Ms. Sewell, Mr. Mann, and Mr. Edwards) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

A BILL

To amend title 46, United States Code, with respect to the types of vessels that may enter or operate in navigable waters of the United States or transfer cargo in any port or place under the jurisdiction of the United States, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. Short title.

This Act may be cited as the “Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026”.

Engrossed

H. R. 7084

January 15, 2026

Mr. Pfluger (for himself, Mr. Carbajal, Ms. Sewell, Mr. Mann, and Mr. Edwards) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

A BILL

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. Short title.

This Act may be cited as the “Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026”.

Engrossed

H. R. 7084

January 15, 2026

Mr. Pfluger (for himself, Mr. Carbajal, Ms. Sewell, Mr. Mann, and Mr. Edwards) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

A BILL

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. Short title.

This Act may be cited as the “Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026”.

Engrossed

H. R. 7084

January 15, 2026

Mr. Pfluger (for himself, Mr. Carbajal, Ms. Sewell, Mr. Mann, and Mr. Edwards) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

A BILL

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. Short title.

This Act may be cited as the “Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026”.

H.R.7084

H. R. 7084

H.R.7084

H. R. 7084

H.R.7084

H. R. 7084

H.R.7084

H. R. 7084