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House Passes Bill to Restrict Port Access Over Seizures

3/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

The House passed the Defending American Property Abroad Act on March 31, 2026, authorizing the U.S. president to restrict port access for countries seizing American property.
Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas) introduced the bill, and it passed 247 to 164.
The legislation responds to the Mexican government's March 2023 seizure of a U.S. company's port at Punta Venado.
Pfluger emphasized that actions threaten American jobs and national security, necessitating enforceable consequences.

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Story summary

The House passed the Defending American Property Abroad Act on March 31, 2026, authorizing the U.S. president to restrict port access for countries seizing American property.
Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas) introduced the bill, and it passed 247 to 164.
The legislation responds to the Mexican government's March 2023 seizure of a U.S. company's port at Punta Venado.
Pfluger emphasized that actions threaten American jobs and national security, necessitating enforceable consequences.