Pfluger's Bill to Defend American Property Abroad Passes Full Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

WASHINGTON, DC - This week, critical bipartisan legislation led by Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) and Rep. Salud Carabajal (CA-24) advanced through the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, marking an important step toward protecting American companies operating abroad.

The Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026 strengthens U.S. maritime security law to address the unlawful seizure of any U.S.-owned property by foreign governments. Simply put, this bill is designed to ensure that U.S. businesses are not unfairly targeted or stripped of their assets when operating abroad.

The need for this legislation is clear. For years, the Mexican government has been attempting to seize control of a deep-water port owned by U.S.-based Vulcan Materials Company. This action directly violates the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) that governs trade between our countries, and threatens American jobs and economic interests.

"Thrilled to see this critical legislation move one step closer to becoming law. American companies operating abroad should not have to fear arbitrary government actions that undermine their property rights," said Rep. Pfluger. "Protecting American investments abroad is essential for economic growth and our national security. The Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026 sends a clear message: the United States will stand up for its businesses and hold countries accountable when they violate trade agreements or undermine property rights."

Specifically, the bill gives the President authority to deny entry into U.S. ports for vessels that use ports or terminals in Western Hemisphere countries where American property has been seized or nationalized. These provisions apply specifically to ports, harbors, or marine terminals located in countries with free trade agreements with the United States that were accessible only through U.S.-owned land and have been subject to expropriation by foreign governments.

The legislation also includes important safeguards and conditions for removing presidential designations. Restrictions can be lifted if the offending country returns the seized property, terminates any future seizure measures, provides adequate compensation, or otherwise resolves the dispute to the President's satisfaction. In addition, the bill includes necessary exceptions for emergencies and other limited circumstances, ensuring that legitimate maritime safety is not compromised while still holding foreign governments accountable.

Read the full text of the legislation here.

Background:

In May 2022, then-Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) abruptly shut down Vulcan Materials Company's operations with false claims that the firm was violating its contract, and his government subsequently waged an unceasing pressure campaign against Vulcan, including multiple lawsuits and sending military and law enforcement to its facilities.

Since then, Rep. Pfluger has been a strong leader on this issue:

· In December 2023, Rep. Pfluger led a bipartisan letter to the Mexican Ambassador demanding answers about Mexico's actions against the American company.

· In May 2024, Rep. Pfluger introduced the Defending American Property Act of 2024.

· In March 2025, Rep. Pfluger also led a letter commending President Trump's commitment to this issue by protecting American industries and jobs, which was first reported in The Blaze.

· As also first reported in The Blaze, Rep. Pfluger introduced the Defending American Property Act Abroad of 2025 in July 2025.