Congressman Pat Harrigan Votes to Defend American Property and Push Back on Foreign Seizures

Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) voted in favor of H.R. 7084, the Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026, legislation to impose consequences on foreign governments that unlawfully seize or nationalize U.S.-owned ports and infrastructure.

“If a foreign regime wants to steal American property, they can forget about doing business in American waters,” said Congressman Harrigan. “This bill makes it clear that there are real consequences for targeting American companies and undermining the rule of law. We are going to defend our assets, our investments, and our economic strength.”

The Defending American Property Abroad Act imposes retaliatory measures against foreign governments in the Western Hemisphere that seize American-owned infrastructure and bars vessels from entering U.S. ports if they have utilized those stolen facilities. The legislation leverages American maritime power to deter future seizures and ensure that American ownership rights are respected.

Congressman Harrigan emphasized that House Republicans are drawing a clear line against foreign governments that attempt to exploit American businesses and called on the Senate to take up the legislation and defend American interests abroad.