(The Center Square) – National security and strengthening of America’s port infrastructure is within a proposal from a North Carolina congressman that has exited a key committee and next goes to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Maritime Supply Chain Security Act, known also as House Resolution 2390, “allows funds awarded through the Port Infrastructure Development Program, a competitive grant program administered by the Maritime Administration, to be used to replace Chinese-manufactured crates and their associated software,” says a release from Rep. David Rouzer, R-N.C.
“Taking this step is not just about upgrading infrastructure,” Rouzer told his constituents, “it is about protecting our economy, safeguarding national security, and ensuring American ports remain under American control.”
Rouzer added passage by both chambers of Congress “would be a win for both economic stability and national security, ensuring American ports are free from foreign threats that could jeopardize our economy or military readiness.”
The congressman from the 7th Congressional District in the southeastern part of the state said many ship-to-shore cranes are manufactured with Chinese ties, be it the companies or software, and those “can be exploited for espionage.” Disruption of trade is possible, Rouzer said, if that happens.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure finished consideration and mark-up and advanced the proposal to the floor.
