WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott joined Senators Ted Budd and Mark Kelly to introduce the Strategic Ports Reporting Act aimed at stopping the threat of the Chinese Communist Party from expanding and establishing its global maritime network at ports critical to the United States’ national and economic security. As multiple Chinese companies possess ownership shares in key ports around the world and control significant portions of the maritime industry both in the U.S. and globally, this legislation would mandate that the Departments of Defense and State and relevant government agencies assess and report on the Chinese Communist Party’s activities, develop a comprehensive assessment of ports that are crucial to America and its allies and potential vulnerabilities of U.S. ports and interests.

Congressmen Bill Huizenga, Rob Wittman, Jake Auchincloss and Johnny Olszewski are leading this bipartisan legislation in the House of Representatives.

Senator Rick Scott said, “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.”

Senator Ted Budd said, “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.”

Senator Mark Kelly said, “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. This bipartisan bill will strengthen our global maritime leadership.”   

Congressman Bill Huizenga said, “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.”

Congressman Rob Wittman said, “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.”

Congressman Jake Auchincloss said, “Control over ports is a pathway to global power. For millennia, these linchpins of trade and military might have been vital strategic assets. The United States must not allow China the upper hand.”

Congressman Johnny Olszewski 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.”

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