Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill introduced by Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07). The legislation, H.R. 2390, known as the Maritime Supply Chain Security Act, aims to enhance port infrastructure and strengthen national security.
The bill clarifies eligible uses of the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) funds to include replacing Chinese port hardware and software. This includes Chinese cranes and the software used to operate them.
A report released in September 2024 by the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party highlighted significant vulnerabilities at U.S. ports. These vulnerabilities are attributed to Chinese-owned port infrastructure. The report noted that “the U.S. maritime sector is dangerously reliant on equipment and technology that has been produced, manufactured, assembled, or installed in the PRC, including ship-to-shore cranes, container handling equipment, and various other critical maritime infrastructure components.”
In his remarks on the House Floor, Congressman Rouzer emphasized the importance of securing maritime infrastructure for economic and national security reasons. He stated: “Our country’s ports serve a critical role in our national supply chain, moving millions of tons of goods each year facilitating trade that supports American businesses and consumers across the country. Any disruption to these supply chains results in increased costs for American families and shortages of essential goods.”
For more details on Congressman Rouzer’s statements, viewers can watch his full remarks online.
