Port Crane Security and Inspection Act of 2025

Bill Number: H.R. 1165
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Transportation and Public Works
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-02-10: Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security.
Last Updated: 2025-04-08T13:48:14Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Port Crane Security and Inspection Act of 2025 aims to protect U.S. ports from cybersecurity and security threats posed by foreign-made cranes, particularly those linked to countries identified as adversaries (such as nations posing risks to U.S. interests). It focuses on inspecting, assessing, and restricting such cranes to safeguard maritime transportation and port infrastructure.

Key Provisions

Inspections for New Cranes: The Secretary of Homeland Security, through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), must inspect newly built foreign cranes intended for high-risk U.S. ports (determined by the Secretary based on security vulnerabilities) that connect to the internet. These inspections occur before the cranes are used to identify potential security risks.
Threat Assessments: Within 180 days of enactment, the Secretary must evaluate security risks from both existing and new foreign cranes at U.S. ports. Any crane posing a risk must be taken offline until certified as safe.
Congressional Reporting: Within one year of enactment, the Secretary must brief relevant congressional committees (House Committee on Homeland Security and Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs) on foreign crane risks.
Prohibitions on Foreign Cranes and Software:
Foreign cranes with contracts entered after enactment cannot operate at U.S. ports.
Existing foreign cranes must stop using foreign software (defined as software made by companies fully owned by adversary countries) within five years of enactment.
Definitions:
Covered foreign country: A nation identified as a foreign adversary by the U.S. intelligence community in its Annual Threat Assessment, or by the Secretary in coordination with the Director of National Intelligence.
Foreign crane: A crane with information technology, operational technology, software, or other components connected to U.S. port cyber infrastructure, manufactured (in whole or part) by entities owned, controlled, influenced, or related to a covered foreign country.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces new mandatory inspections and prohibitions not previously required under U.S. law. It builds on existing maritime security frameworks (like those under the Department of Homeland Security) by specifically targeting foreign cranes linked to adversaries, adding timelines for assessments (180 days) and phase-outs (5 years for software). It overrides other laws to enforce the bans, marking a shift toward proactive cybersecurity measures for port equipment.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: Increases workload for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and CISA, requiring resources for inspections, assessments, and certifications. It may strain budgets but enhance national security coordination with intelligence agencies.
Citizens and Economy: Could indirectly benefit citizens by reducing risks of cyberattacks or disruptions to supply chains at ports, which handle most U.S. imports/exports. However, it might raise shipping costs if ports need to replace equipment, potentially affecting consumer prices.
International Relations: May heighten tensions with covered foreign countries (e.g., those like China often flagged as adversaries), signaling U.S. restrictions on their technology in critical infrastructure. It could influence trade negotiations or prompt retaliatory measures but strengthen alliances by prioritizing security.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Government Entities: DHS, CISA, U.S. intelligence community (e.g., Director of National Intelligence), and congressional homeland security committees.
Port Operators and Maritime Industry: U.S. port authorities, shipping companies, and terminal operators who rely on cranes for cargo handling; they must comply with inspections and prohibitions, possibly incurring replacement costs.
Crane Manufacturers and Suppliers: Foreign entities from adversary countries face bans on new sales or software use; U.S. or allied manufacturers may gain market opportunities.
Broader Economy: Importers/exporters and logistics firms dependent on efficient port operations.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: The bill's prohibitions "notwithstanding any other provision of law" could preempt conflicting regulations (e.g., trade or procurement rules), potentially leading to legal challenges over enforcement or definitions of "foreign adversary." It emphasizes national security under DHS authority, aligning with existing cybersecurity statutes like the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act.
Constitutional: Supports Congress's powers under the Commerce Clause (regulating interstate and foreign commerce) and national security prerogatives, with no apparent conflicts to free speech or due process, as it targets equipment rather than individuals.
Political: Reflects bipartisan concern over foreign influence in critical infrastructure (introduced by a mix of Republicans and Democrats), potentially fueling debates on U.S.-China tech rivalry. It may set precedents for broader restrictions on adversary-linked technology in sectors like energy or telecom, influencing future legislation on supply chain security.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Gimenez, Carlos A. [R-FL-28]

Cosponsors (8)

Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13], Rep. Donalds, Byron [R-FL-19], Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3], Rep. Green, Mark E. [R-TN-7], Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22], Rep. Dunn, Neal P. [R-FL-2]

Recent Actions

2025-02-10: Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security.
2025-02-10: Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
2025-02-10: Introduced in House
2025-02-10: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Port Crane Security and Inspection Act of 2025 — issued 2025-02-10 — PDF (5 pages)