United States Senator Bill Hagerty, along with several colleagues, has reintroduced the Defending American Property Abroad Act. This legislation aims to impose retaliatory measures against nations in the Western Hemisphere that unlawfully seize American assets. The bill is a response to actions by the Mexican government against Vulcan Materials Company, which allegedly violate the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Tim Kaine, Katie Britt, Tommy Tuberville, Roger Wicker, Ted Budd, Marsha Blackburn, and Angela Alsobrooks. A companion bill has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative August Pfluger.
Senator Hagerty expressed strong disapproval of Mexico’s actions towards Vulcan Materials Company: “I strongly condemn the Mexican government’s threats against Vulcan Materials Company and I am pleased to see this bipartisan and bicameral rebuke from the United States Senate.” He added that no nation should be allowed to “bully an American firm without consequences.”
Representative Pfluger emphasized the importance of protecting American businesses abroad: “American companies operating abroad should not have to fear arbitrary government actions that undermine their property rights.”
Senator Kaine highlighted the negative impact on bilateral relations: “The Mexican government’s unfair targeting of Vulcan Materials Company…is harmful to the relationship between our two countries.”
Senator Britt stated her commitment to upholding international law: “Mexico continues to flagrantly violate international law with its actions…I’m proud to fight for the rule of law.”
Other senators echoed these sentiments, emphasizing protection for U.S.-owned properties and businesses.
Background information provided details previous efforts by Mexican authorities against Vulcan Materials Company and legislative responses led by Senator Hagerty and others over recent years.
