Heinrich, Cornyn Introduce Bill to Confront Security Risks from Foreign-Manufactured Cranes at U.S. Ports

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced the Cranes of Concern at our Ports (CCP) Act, legislation requiring the federal government to evaluate threats to U.S. ports posed by cranes manufactured in countries of concern, including those made by China’s Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Company (ZPMC). 

“Whether it’s your stock of canned goods or toilet paper, making sure supplies are moving efficiently through our ports matters,” said Heinrich. “This bipartisan legislation will give our intelligence and defense community the resources they need to make sure our ports can keep delivering the goods you rely on at the store.”

“America’s ports are vital to our economy, national security, and international trade, and we must ensure they’re protected from possible Chinese surveillance or interference,” said Cornyn. “This bill would require the federal government to confront this growing threat and assess the risks of Chinese-made cranes at ports in Texas and along our coasts.”

Background:

When used at American ports, including those utilized by the military, cranes manufactured in countries of concern have the capability to give those countries opportunities to spy on and disrupt U.S. port operations. 

The CCP Act would require the Director of National Intelligence and Secretary of Defense to conduct an assessment of the threats posed by cranes manufactured by countries of concern and commercial entities of those countries, including those manufactured by ZPMC, to U.S. ports. These evaluations would examine the potential to collect intelligence, disrupt operations, and impact national security.

The text of the bill is here.

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