The House of Representatives has unanimously approved the Secure Our Ports Act of 2025 (H.R. 252)—bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) earlier this year. The bill aims to bolster national security by banning certain foreign entities, including state-owned enterprises from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, from owning, leasing, or operating U.S. port facilities that are subject to federal security plans.
“I want to thank my House colleagues for passing the Secure Our Ports Act and taking an important step in protecting our critically important port facilities,” said Rep. Calvert. “America’s ports are essential gateways for trade and commerce. We cannot jeopardize America’s economic and national security by allowing foreign adversaries, like China, Russia, North Korea and Iran, to own and operate port infrastructure.”
The bill specifically prohibits contracts involving U.S. port facilities with any entity that is:
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A state-owned enterprise from China, Russia, North Korea, or Iran
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Any foreign entity partially owned by one of these countries
Recent data highlights growing concern over China’s global port presence. According to reports, China owns or operates ports at nearly 100 locations across more than 50 countries. In 2024, the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party issued a report warning about the national security risks tied to Chinese-controlled infrastructure. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Defense has labeled several Chinese shipping companies as having military affiliations.
H.R. 252 now moves to the Senate for consideration.
