The U.S. House of Representatives on March 27 voted 247-164 to pass bipartisan legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) that aims to protect American companies operating abroad.
The Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026, H.R. 7084, which Rep. Pfluger introduced on Jan. 15 with four original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA), now heads to the U.S. Senate for action.
“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,” Rep. Pfluger said on Friday following the House vote. “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.”
If enacted, H.R. 7084 would bolster U.S. maritime security law to address the unlawful seizure of any U.S.-owned property by foreign governments, and would help ensure that U.S. businesses are not unfairly targeted or stripped of their assets when operating abroad, according to a bill summary provided by the congressman’s staff.
“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,” said Rep. Pfluger. “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.”
Several key House Republican leaders praised Rep. Pfluger for his leadership on H.R. 7084 and its passage.
“To safeguard our country’s economic growth and national security, it’s imperative that we defend the property rights of American companies abroad,” said U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA).
H.R. 7084 “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,” he added.
U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) added that by passing Rep. Pfluger’s bill “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.”