Kelly, Budd, Scott Introduce Strategic Ports Reporting Act

Today, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ted Budd (R-NC), and Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced the Strategic Ports Reporting Act, which requires the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense to monitor efforts by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to build, buy, or own strategic ports around the world.  

Specifically, this bill requires the development of a map of foreign and domestic ports of importance to the United States for military, diplomatic, economic, or resource exploration purposes and to identify efforts by the PRC to build, buy, or otherwise control such ports. 

This bill would also require the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense to conduct a study on activities and plans of the PRC as it relates to strategic ports to include an assessment of vulnerabilities of ports operated and controlled by the United States and a strategy to secure trusted investment and ownership of strategic ports. 

The House companion bill is led by Representatives Bill Huizenga (R-MI-4), Rob Wittman (R-VA-1), Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-4), and Johnny Olszewski (D-MD-6). 

“China’s growing influence over the oceans can have serious consequences for our national security and economy. That’s why we need the State and Defense Departments to protect our strategic ports from China’s interference,” said Kelly. “This bipartisan bill will strengthen our global maritime leadership.”    

“In January, the Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing on PRC influence on the Panama Canal and potential impacts to U.S. national security. This hearing highlighted China’s increasing malign activities around the world and efforts to control global trade. The United States must face this reality head on, and the first step is comprehensive monitoring of PRC activities at domestic and foreign ports that threaten our national interest,” said Budd.  

“The Chinese Communist Party’s increasing influence over global trade routes and strategic infrastructure poses a direct threat to the United States’ national security and economic stability. From the Panama Canal to ports across the world, Communist China is working to grow its economic and military presence to threaten and undermine American interests. The United States must respond decisively and accordingly to eliminate any influence or access Communist China has to the critical infrastructure of the U.S. and its allies that may be used against us. The Strategic Ports Reporting Act is a crucial step to safeguarding critical ports and securing our supply chains, and protecting our national security,” said Scott. 

“The Chinese Communist Party continues to advance economic and military objectives that undermine the security of the United States. The expansionist policies and strategic investments being pursued by the Chinese Communist Party near the Panama Canal, across the Western Hemisphere, and around the globe are challenges that Republicans and Democrats must confront together in order to put American interests first. The Strategic Ports Reporting Act creates a bipartisan opportunity to not only evaluate these growing concerns but counter them as well,” said Huizenga. 

“China’s Belt and Road Initiative is spreading Chinese money and influence around the world, while degrading our ability to operate in strategic ports necessary for commercial and military purposes. It is crucial for the Departments of State and Defense to identify ways in which the Chinese Communist Party is expanding its maritime reach while providing recommendations for how the United States can counter those efforts and secure access to essential ports and infrastructure. I’m proud to join my colleagues in this bipartisan effort and look forward to championing it over the finish line,” Wittman. 

“China’s Belt and Road Initiative is spreading Chinese money and influence around the world, while degrading our ability to operate in strategic ports necessary for commercial and military purposes. It is crucial for the Departments of State and Defense to identify ways in which the Chinese Communist Party is expanding its maritime reach while providing recommendations for how the United States can counter those efforts and secure access to essential ports and infrastructure. I’m proud to join my colleagues in this bipartisan effort and look forward to championing it over the finish line,” Auchincloss said. 

“China’s growing control over global ports threatens our national security and economic stability here at home. The Strategic Ports Reporting Act will ensure the U.S. has the necessary tools to monitor and counter this Chinese influence, protecting supply chains and our global standing. I’m proud to join Congressman Huizenga in co-leading this bipartisan effort to safeguard our ports and boost our economy,” Olszewski said. 

Click here for bill text.