PASSED: Rep. Pfluger's Legislation to Defend American Property Abroad

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman August Pfluger's (TX-11) bipartisan legislation to protect American companies operating abroad passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 247-164, with 41 Democrats joining Republicans on this "commonsense" bill.

“Today’s House passage of my Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026 is a necessary step to protect American businesses and workers from unfair treatment overseas,” said Rep. Plfuger. “When countries violate trade agreements and illegally seize assets from U.S. companies, it puts American job security, economic security, and national security at risk. This legislation is critical because it ensures there are enforceable consequences for those actions. It sends a clear message to any foreign government that the United States will not tolerate this behavior and that we will defend our economic interests, uphold the rule of law, and stand firmly behind American companies operating abroad. I am thrilled to see this pass with overwhelming bipartisan support, and I will continue advocating for it until it passes through the Senate and is signed into law.”

The Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026 strengthens U.S. maritime security law to address the unlawful seizure of any U.S.-owned property by foreign governments. Simply put, this bill is designed to ensure that U.S. businesses are not unfairly targeted or stripped of their assets when operating abroad.

"The need for this legislation is clear," information from Pfluger's office states. "For years, the Mexican government has been attempting to seize control of a deep-water port owned by U.S.-based Vulcan Materials Company. This action directly violates the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) that governs trade between our countries, and threatens American jobs and economic interests."

Several key House Republican leaders praised Rep. Pfluger for his leadership on this critical legislation and its passage:

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (LA-04) said, “Today’s passage of the Defending American Property Abroad Act reaffirms America’s commitment to the rule of law by ensuring U.S.-based entities operating and investing globally are protected from foreign governments undermining basic property rights. U.S. investments abroad have long been essential to both our economic development and national security, and this legislation takes a crucial step to protect and defend U.S. business interests globally. We are grateful to RSC Chairman Pfluger for leading on this important issue.”

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (LA-01) said, “To safeguard our country’s economic growth and national security, it’s imperative that we defend the property rights of American companies abroad. The Defending American Property Abroad Act deters foreign nations from unlawfully seizing American property by imposing retaliatory prohibitions on those that commit this blatant theft, protecting the interests of American property owners and mitigating risks for American businesses operating globally. I’m grateful to Rep. Pfluger for his leadership on this issue and am glad to see his critical legislation pass through the House.”

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (MN-06) said, “Today, House Republicans voted to protect American companies and property abroad from foreign governments. By passing Congressman Pfluger’s Defending American Property Abroad Act, we’re not only upholding the property rights of American companies, but we’re ensuring the stability of our global supply chain and domestic economy.” 

House GOP Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (MI-09) said, “House Republicans are putting America first and drawing a clear line for foreign governments: you do not get to steal from American companies and expect us to sit back and do nothing about it. Democrats have spent years letting bad actors take advantage of the United States with little consequence; that ends here. If you mess with American property, we will make you pay.”

Background:

In May 2022, then-Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) abruptly shut down Vulcan Materials Company’s operations with false claims that the firm was violating its contract, and his government subsequently waged an unceasing pressure campaign against Vulcan, including multiple lawsuits and sending military and law enforcement to its facilities.

Since then, Rep. Pfluger has been a strong leader on this issue:

• In December 2023, Rep. Pfluger led a bipartisan letter to the Mexican Ambassador demanding answers about Mexico's actions against the American company.
• In May 2024, Rep. Pfluger introduced the Defending American Property Act of 2024.
• In March 2025, Rep. Pfluger also led a letter commending President Trump's commitment to this issue by protecting American industries and jobs, which was first reported in The Blaze.
• As also first reported in The Blaze, Rep. Pfluger introduced the Defending American Property Act Abroad of 2025 in July 2025.
• In January 2026, the Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026 passed through the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.