What does Preamble of Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026 do?

This bill amends title 46 of the United States Code. The amendment concerns the types of vessels permitted to enter navigable waters of the United States. The bill also addresses vessels that may transfer cargo in ports or places under U.S. jurisdiction.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026 do?

This Act has a short title The short title is defined in the section

What does CONDITION FOR ENTRY INTO PORTS IN THE UNITED STATES. of Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 70022 of title 46, United States Code, regarding conditions for entry into ports in the United States. The amendment updates subsection (a)(2)(A) and adds a new clause (iii) to describe vessels that may enter ports in emergency situations or with specific authorizations. The amendment also redesignates and expands subsection (b) to include new paragraphs and subparagraphs regarding vessel transit and designation of ports, harbors, or marine terminals. The President is given authority to designate and remove designations of ports, harbors, or marine terminals under certain conditions related to free trade agreements and expropriation. The bill aims to amend title 46, United States Code, concerning vessels operating in U.S. navigable waters and transferring cargo in U.S. ports.

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Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026

Last updated: 4/2/2026 · Introduced: 1/15/2026

Author: August Pfluger (R-TX)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill allows vessels that have transited ports in countries with U.S. free trade agreements to enter U.S. ports, contingent on U.S. ownership and presidential designation.
The President can designate ports or terminals if a Western Hemisphere trade partner nationalizes or expropriates U.S. property.
The bill amends regulations regarding vessel operations in U.S. navigable waters and ports, specifically addressing emergency situations and authorized transit.

119th Congresspassed houseOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

3 sections

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