Political Quotes

“In closing, passage of H.R. 7084 gives the President the authority to effectively address the illegal taking of a United States citizen-owned port, harbor, or marine terminal throughout the Western Hemisphere. American companies are the source of more investments in the Western Hemisphere nations than investors from any other country. Infrastructure projects in the Americas, especially port infrastructure projects, represent significant potential business opportunities for American companies. Protecting overseas U.S. investments is an important policy objective. This bill creates an appropriate cost and consequence for stealing property from an American-owned business. The Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026 is consistent with other authorities Congress has given the President to act against the illegal taking of American businesses and investments. Mr. Speaker, I am a former sheriff from Mississippi. Where I come from, when you take something that doesn't belong to you, that is stealing, and you have broken the law. If you break the law, there are consequences. This bill ensures there are consequences for foreign countries that steal from our companies. Simply put, this legislation is common sense. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.”