Legislative Moves to Strengthen U.S. Ports and Shipping: New Maritime Security and Cargo Preference Initiatives

According to a recent report from the U.S. House of Representatives, lawmakers have successfully passed a set of nine bills focused on transportation, notably targeting maritime supply chain security and reducing foreign influence at American ports. Notable among these are H.R. 2390, known as the Maritime Supply Chain Security Act, and H.R. 252, the Secure Our Ports Act of 2025—both introduced by Representatives David Rouzer (R-NC) and Ken Calvert (R-CA). These initiatives aim to diminish the impact of adversarial nations like China on vital U.S. port operations.

H.R. 2390 seeks to modify the Port Infrastructure Development Programme (PIDP), which is crucial for federal grants managed by MARAD. This amendment allows funds to be allocated for replacing port cranes that utilize Chinese-made components—a pressing issue since ZPMC, a Chinese firm, produces around 80% of global ship-to-shore cranes. National security experts have raised alarms about potential cybersecurity threats posed by these cranes due to embedded data-collection technologies.

On another front, H.R. 252 takes a stronger stance by banning entities linked to China, Russia, North Korea, or Iran from owning or operating facilities at U.S. ports governed by Maritime Transportation Security Act plans—effectively preventing foreign state-owned companies from controlling sensitive infrastructure in America.

Transportation Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) emphasized that these measures are essential for bolstering supply chains while curbing foreign influence in U.S. ports—describing them as practical steps toward securing maritime transport systems.

Additionally included is H.R. 2035—the American Cargo for American Ships Act—introduced by Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA). This bipartisan legislation aims to increase the requirement that all Department of Transportation cargoes be transported exclusively on vessels owned and crewed by Americans—from the current threshold of 50% up to a full commitment of 100%. advocates argue this will not only fortify domestic shipping but also enhance national sealift capabilities—a concern frequently highlighted by defense officials.

Other relevant legislation passed includes H.R.2351 from Rep. Addison McDowell (R-NC), which directs updates in Coast guard policies regarding drug trafficking enforcement and opioid overdose responses while addressing issues related to unmanned vessels used for smuggling operations.The House approved these bills through a streamlined process typically reserved for non-contentious proposals with strong bipartisan backing; they now head over to the Senate where their future remains uncertain amid an already busy legislative agenda.

If enacted into law, this package could significantly reshape control over maritime infrastructure while promoting long-term investment in America’s merchant marine fleet—a move many see as vital for national interests moving forward.