H.R.1165 - Port Crane Security and Inspection Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1165, the Port Crane Security and Inspection Act of 2025, aims to enhance security at United States ports by requiring inspections of certain foreign-made cranes before they are put into service. The bill mandates the Secretary of Homeland Security, through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, to inspect newly constructed foreign cranes that connect to the internet and are deemed high-risk. It also requires threat assessments of existing and new foreign cranes and prohibits the operation of new foreign cranes and the use of foreign software on existing cranes after a five-year grace period.
Expected Effects
The bill's enactment would likely lead to increased scrutiny of foreign-made port cranes, potentially delaying their deployment and increasing operational costs for port authorities. Ports may need to invest in new cranes or retrofit existing ones to comply with the new regulations. This could also lead to a shift in the market, favoring domestic crane manufacturers or manufacturers from countries not considered foreign adversaries.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced security against cyber threats and espionage at US ports.
- Protection of critical infrastructure from potential sabotage.
- Increased awareness and mitigation of vulnerabilities in port equipment.
- Potential boost to domestic crane manufacturing and cybersecurity industries.
- Improved national security posture by reducing reliance on foreign adversaries for critical infrastructure components.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased costs for port operators due to inspection requirements and potential crane replacements.
- Potential delays in port operations due to inspection processes and crane unavailability.
- Possible trade disputes with countries whose crane manufacturers are affected.
- Limited availability of cranes if domestic manufacturers cannot meet demand.
- Potential for increased bureaucracy and administrative burden on the Department of Homeland Security.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's mandate to "provide for the common defence" (Preamble) by addressing potential security threats at U.S. ports. Congress has the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3), which supports the bill's provisions regarding foreign-made cranes. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or freedoms.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).