Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott, alongside Senators Ted Budd and Mark Kelly, has introduced the Strategic Ports Reporting Act. This legislation is designed to counteract the influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on global maritime ports critical to U.S. national and economic security. The bill requires that the Departments of Defense and State, along with other relevant agencies, evaluate and report on CCP activities at these strategic locations.

The initiative comes in response to concerns over Chinese companies owning significant shares in key ports worldwide and controlling parts of the maritime industry both domestically and internationally. Congressman Bill Huizenga, Rob Wittman, Jake Auchincloss, and Johnny Olszewski are spearheading this bipartisan effort in the House of Representatives.

Senator Rick Scott emphasized the threat posed by China's expanding control over trade routes and infrastructure: “The Chinese Communist Party’s increasing influence over global trade routes and strategic infrastructure poses a direct threat to the United States’ national security and economic stability... The Strategic Ports Reporting Act is a crucial step to safeguarding critical ports.”

Senator Ted Budd noted that a Senate Commerce Committee hearing in January highlighted China’s growing activities around global trade: “This hearing highlighted China’s increasing malign activities around the world... The first step is comprehensive monitoring of PRC activities at domestic and foreign ports.”

Senator Mark Kelly added that China's oceanic influence could impact U.S. security: “China’s growing influence over the oceans can have serious consequences for our national security... This bipartisan bill will strengthen our global maritime leadership.”

Congressman Bill Huizenga remarked on China's expansionist policies: “The expansionist policies... pursued by the Chinese Communist Party near the Panama Canal... are challenges that Republicans and Democrats must confront together.”

Congressman Rob Wittman discussed China's Belt and Road Initiative's impact on strategic ports: “It is crucial for the Departments of State and Defense to identify ways in which the Chinese Communist Party is expanding its maritime reach.”

Congressman Jake Auchincloss stated: “Control over ports is a pathway to global power... The United States must not allow China the upper hand.”

Finally, Congressman Johnny Olszewski expressed concern about China's control over global ports: “China’s growing control over global ports threatens our national security... I’m proud to join Congressman Huizenga in co-leading this bipartisan effort.”