Bill > HR4577

This bill, called the "Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2025," seeks to protect U.S. property interests in foreign countries, particularly in the Western Hemisphere. The bill establishes a process for identifying and prohibiting the use of ports, harbors, or marine terminals in countries with free trade agreements with the U.S. that have nationalized or expropriated land owned by U.S. persons. Specifically, it requires the Departments of Homeland Security, Treasury, and State to identify such "prohibited properties" within 60 days of the act's enactment and publish a list in the Federal Register. The bill would then prohibit vessels associated with these properties from importing goods, releasing cargo, docking passenger vessels, or conducting maintenance activities in the United States. Additionally, the bill amends the Trade Act of 1974 to expand the definition of unreasonable or discriminatory trade practices to include direct or indirect expropriation of U.S. persons' assets, arbitrary treatment, denial of due process, or discrimination based on nationality. This legislation aims to provide stronger protections for U.S. property and business interests abroad by creating potential economic consequences for countries that seize or unfairly treat U.S. assets.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4577/all-info