Bills/H.R. 1701

Strategic Ports Reporting Act

Strategic Ports Reporting Act

Passed HouseForeign AffairsHouseHouse Bill · 119th Congress
Bill Progress · House
Introduced
Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Passed Both
Signed

Plain Language Summary

# Strategic Ports Reporting Act Summary **What the bill does:** This legislation requires the U.S. State Department to study and report to Congress on strategically important ports around the world. The report must identify which major ports are controlled by China versus the United States, assess the national security and economic risks associated with each port, document China's efforts to gain control of ports globally, and recommend ways to protect American maritime interests from Chinese control. The bill also calls for a global map showing which ports are important to U.S.

military, diplomatic, economic, or resource interests. **Who it affects and key details:** The bill primarily affects government agencies (especially the State Department) that must conduct this analysis, though it also concerns American businesses with maritime interests and could influence future foreign policy decisions regarding trade and security. It reflects concerns about China's growing influence in global shipping infrastructure—a real trend in recent years, as China has invested in ports worldwide. The legislation is focused on information-gathering and strategy development rather than imposing immediate restrictions or spending significant new funds. **Current status:** The House of Representatives has already passed this bill. It now moves to the Senate for consideration, though there is no guarantee it will be voted on or approved there.

CRS Official Summary

Strategic Ports Reporting ActThis bill requires the Department of State to conduct a study and submit a report to Congress on strategic ports.The report shall contain various elements related to such ports, including (1) a detailed list of all strategic ports owned, operated, or controlled by China or a foreign person of China; (2) a detailed list of all strategic ports owned, operated, or controlled by the United States or a U.S. person; (3) an assessment of the national security and economic interests relevant to each such port; (4) an analysis of actions by China to gain control or ownership of strategic ports; and (5) courses of action to protect strategic ports and maritime infrastructure from Chinese control.The bill also requires the State Department to develop and provide to Congress a global mapping of foreign and domestic ports of importance to the United States because of a capability to provide military, diplomatic, economic, or resource exploitation superiority.

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Latest Action

May 22, 2025

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Subjects

AsiaChinaCongressional oversightGeography and mappingGovernment studies and investigationsMarine and inland water transportationNavigation, waterways, harborsTransportation safety and security

Sponsor

16 cosponsors

Key Dates

Introduced
February 27, 2025
Last Updated
May 22, 2025
Read Full Text on Congress.gov →
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