Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026

January 15, 2026

Maritime Law International Trade Property Rights Foreign Policy Transportation

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Where This Stands

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

Signed

Currently passed_chamber. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Signed.

Last action

Received in the Senate.Apr 2, 2026

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

View official text →

The Frame

What this does

This legislation creates a new economic enforcement tool for U.S. property owners abroad by potentially barring vessels that utilize seized assets from accessing the U.S. maritime market.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

U.S. property owners abroad

They may gain a mechanism to pressure foreign governments for compensation regarding seized assets.

Foreign vessel operators

They face potential denial of entry into U.S. ports if they utilize facilities designated as restricted.

Western Hemisphere foreign trade partners

Their port facilities may be subject to U.S. entry restrictions if they nationalize or expropriate U.S.-owned property.

What changed

Current stage: passed_chamber.

What's next

Signed.

Summary

This bill restricts certain foreign vessels from entering U.S. ports if they have recently used facilities in Western Hemisphere countries that have seized or property owned by U.S. citizens. It grants the President authority to designate and remove these restricted ports based on whether the foreign government has provided compensation or resolved property disputes.

Why It Matters

This legislation creates a new economic enforcement tool for U.S. property owners abroad by potentially barring vessels that utilize seized assets from accessing the U.S. maritime market.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this bill apply to all foreign ports?

No, it specifically applies to ports located in Western Hemisphere countries that have a free trade agreement with the United States.

Can a vessel still enter a U.S. port if it has an emergency?

Yes, the bill explicitly allows entry for vessels experiencing an emergency.

How can a foreign port be removed from the restricted list?

The President must remove the designation if the foreign country returns the property, provides full compensation, or resolves the dispute to the President's satisfaction.