Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. STRONG. Mr. Speaker, the question is: Do we support President Trump with this authority? Absolutely, we do.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7084, the Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026.

This legislation makes it clear: The United States will not stand for unlawful harassment campaigns against American companies and American workers.

For over 35 years, Vulcan Materials Company, based in Alabama, has lawfully owned and operated a limestone quarry in Mexico. Yet, since 2018, the Mexican Government has unlawfully restricted Vulcan's operations and wrongfully targeted them through coercion and intimidation.

In 2022, the Mexican President attempted to seize the property. When Vulcan refused to surrender, Mexico retaliated by issuing shutdown orders.

No American company should be pressured into accepting a fire-sale takeover or punished for standing up for its lawful rights. Vulcan followed the law, held up its end of the deal, and operated transparently. What they received in return was their property stolen and seized by the Mexican Government.

These actions have essentially left the only deepwater port on the Yucatan Peninsula--owned, constructed, and operated for years by Vulcan--and the surrounding land open for sale to our adversaries. This is unbelievable.

The Defending American Property Abroad Act gives the United States the tools to push back against foreign countries and trading partners when our companies are unlawfully targeted and harassed.

America owes Mexico nothing. This is about fairness and accountability. The United States will no longer sit by and allow foreign nations to profit from stolen American property.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 7084. I thank Congressman Pfluger for his leadership in advancing this important legislation.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source