Congressman Robert Aderholt's Statement in Support of H.R. 7084; Defending American Property Abroad Act

Extension of Remarks in in Support of H.R. 7084; Defending American Property Abroad Act:

Mr. Speaker, 

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives is acting in response to a situation in which a foreign government shut down an American company’s operations, seized its property, and ignored the rule of law. 

When an American business is targeted in this way, it is not just an attack on one company, it is an attack on American workers, American jobs, and American interests.

Vulcan Materials, an Alabama company, has lawfully operated for 35 years in Mexico. Yet the Mexican government illegally seized its assets. If this can happen to an Alabama company today, it can happen to any American business tomorrow.

That is why this legislation, H.R. 7084, the Defending American Property Abroad Act is so important. It allows the United States to take real action against foreign entities that seize American property.

This is about fairness and accountability. It is about ensuring that American companies and workers are not punished for following the rules while foreign governments face no consequences for breaking them. With this, we are ensuring protection for American companies that operate in the Western Hemisphere. 

The protection of American property rights overseas is essential not only for economic growth but also for our national and economic security. When we stand up for our businesses, we stand up for the workers and communities who depend on them.

I am proud to support H.R. 7084 because it defends American property owners from wrongful seizure and sends a clear message: the United States will stand beside its companies, its workers, and its values.