Bipartisan Bill Would Bar Ships That Stopped at Expropriated Ports
A bipartisan bill has been introduced that would prohibit ships from either bringing passengers to the U.S. or bringing in goods if they docked at a port or marine terminal that was expropriated from a U.S. company in the Western Hemisphere.
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The Defending American Property Abroad Act's lead sponsors are Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, and Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala., and the bill has seven other co-sponsors.
Pfluger said in a May 15 news release: "American companies operating abroad should not have to fear arbitrary government actions that undermine their property rights. The Defending American Property Abroad Act will ensure that such actions do not go unchecked and that American businesses are protected from unjust expropriation."
Pfluger said the bill is in reaction to Mexico's plan to take Vulcan Materials' quarry and port operations. Mexico's president said the land would be used to create a nature preserve. Mexico had previously sought to buy the land for a cruise ship terminal and other tourist uses, but Vulcan said the offer was too low.
The bill would also forbid ships that stopped at a port that was expropriated from refueling or having any servicing done in the U.S.